About the course
As elements of mass media converge, it is increasingly important to understand how interconnected the industry is. This Master's course examines the key issues affecting media and communication today while introducing the theories that underpin their practice and applying them to real-life examples.
For this course, you address the central issues and concepts informing the study of the media in a culturally diverse, modern society. The course offers units dealing with fundamental principles and topics such as current research in mass communications; media institutions, structures and policies; and research methods in the area of media. There is also a core unit focusing on international development.
You undertake a final independent dissertation based on a research project. It is this project work that provides you with the opportunity to tailor the course to your own interests (subject to staff supervisory expertise).
Why choose this course?
- Choose to start your studies in October and complete the course in 12 months (full time) or start in February and complete over 15 months (full time); part-time options are also available
- Learn from specialists in audience studies, journalism, political communications and radio
- Benefit from access to external industry and academic speakers through seminars organised by our Research Institute for Media, Arts and Performance (RIMAP)
- Study the theories that underpin the practice of media and communication, and place theory in real-life scenarios through a range of case studies
- Analyse contemporary issues through applying your growing knowledge of the media and its cultural forms
- Examine policy and ethical issues, whether in the public domain or in other areas of democratic participation and citizenship
- Employ skills in critical analysis, research and communication - as well as generic and creative skills - to propose solutions to contemporary issues
- Develop strong academic skills in research and critical thinking, problem solving and analysis – the skills needed to progress into MPhil and PhD studies
Units
- Current Research In Mass Communications (MED028-6) Compulsory
- Final Project In Mass Communications (MED031-6) Compulsory
- Media And International Development (MED026-6) Compulsory
- Media Institutions Structures And Policies (MED029-6) Compulsory
- Research Methods (MED030-6) Compulsory
The course is fully compliant with University regulations for assessment, mitigation, appeals and complaints. The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that are required in a professional environment. Assessments take a variety of forms including written work (essay, report, research proposal, dissertation) oral presentations, and practical work (empirical research). For some assessments there will be opportunity for formative feedback on assessments-in-progress before the assessment deadline and you are encouraged to integrate formative and summative feedback into your work in order to develop as mass media experts and academic researchers.
Why study in the School of Arts and Creative Industries?
- Professional theatre and dance studios
- Latest digital and VR technologies and performance techniques
- Taught by experienced performers and practitioners
- Industry links and Media Masterclasses
- Media arts centre equipped with industry standard facilities
- Specially equipped Art and Design building
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
The knowledge and understanding you gain on this course will be invaluable when seeking employment in the media. In addition, the project work on the course helps you make professional and industry contacts while developing specialist knowledge of a specific area of personal interest, helping you develop your career in that direction, if you choose.
Typical areas for Mass Communications graduates to find employment include broadcasting; journalism; media development; arts administration; photography; theatre; media research; PR and advertising; design; and copywriting. It can also open the way to work in areas such as education and human resource management.
As an MA graduate, you also have the opportunity to study at Doctoral level with an MPhil or PhD.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
