New Media, MA

Course content

Depending on your previous experience, you may need to take the module New Media Production Skills to develop your knowledge of visual design software, HTML, CSS, PHP, WordPress, Javascript and animation. The module isn't assessed so it will appear in your transcript, but won't count towards your classification.

In each semester you'll study core modules that build your knowledge of new media contexts and practice. You'll consider the relationship between new media and contemporary culture and the interactive forms and practices that are emerging. Then you'll gain practical production, project management and critical skills and respond to new media briefs in collaborative projects.

You'll then have the chance to broaden your approach with your choice of optional modules, from photography and cinematics to political communication, television narratives and public relations in society.

To demonstrate the skills you've gained, you'll also undertake a major independent project. You can choose to submit a dissertation and take classes on research methods throughout the year, or you can work on a sustained, practical new media project with a written element.

If you choose to study part-time, you'll complete the MA over two years, instead of one, taking fewer modules each year.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Digital Practices 30 credits
• New Media Independent Project 30 credits

Optional modules

• Technology, Media and Critical Literacy 30 credits
• Public Relations Theory 30 credits
• Dissertation and Research Methods 60 credits
• Innovations in Political Communication 30 credits
• Politics and the Media 30 credits
• Multimedia Journalism 30 credits
• New Media Production Skills 10 credits
• The Cultural History of Promotional Communication 30 credits
• Individual Directed Study (New Media) 30 credits
• Radio Technologies, Industries and Cultures 30 credits
• New Media Independent Project 60 credits
• Identity, Culture and Technology 30 credits
• Urban Narratives 30 credits
• Cultures of Contemporary Photography 30 credits
• Cinematics and Photography 30 credits
• Rhetoric and Public Speaking 15 credits
• Managing Business Across Cultures 15 credits
• International Organisations: Context, Theory and Practice 15 credits
• Writing for Professional Purposes 15 credits
• Critical Debates in Culture and Place 30 credits
• Researching Inequality in the Media 30 credits
• Reality TV: Truth or Fiction? 30 credits
• Show more

For more information on typical modules, read New Media MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read New Media MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

You'll be taught in a mixture of practical workshops, lectures and small group seminars which allow you to discuss your reading and present some of your research to other students. Independent study is also crucial to this degree, allowing you to practice your skills and deepen your knowledge.

Assessment

We also use a range of assessment methods, depending on the modules you choose. They're likely to include practical projects, essays, reports, group and individual presentations and case studies among others.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with 2:1 (hons) in the following subjects: humanities, communications, media studies, new/digital media, or other programmes incorporating elements of design and media production. Relevant professional experience will also be considered. Some experience of new media production is desirable.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Media and Communication admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

How to apply

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

Your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you're still studying

Your most recent CV

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of your English language qualifications.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: £7,500 (total)

International: £18,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Each year the School offers four part-fee bursaries to Home and EU students with an excellent academic record. Another four are available to International students who are liable to pay fees at the full cost rate for international students.

You'll need to submit a bursary application form to be considered for either award.

Career opportunities

This programme is still relatively new, and digital media are rapidly growing, evolving and expanding.

People with high-level production and project management skills in new media will be in high demand for decades to come, and this programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a wide - and rapidly expanding - range of careers in new media practice.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

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