Skip to content

Global Media and Communications MA

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Environmental Concerns. Digital privacy. Rights and responsibilities. How an individual can remain ethical and true to themselves whilst also striving for success.

This new Masters degree is focused on encouraging more ethical thinking within the communications professions. With placements and other work-like experience opportunities in non-profits, agencies and  ethically-minded businesses, you can develop the practical expertise needed to create innovative and thoughtful media content.

By fostering an understanding of key social debates surrounding sustainability, equality, inclusivity and political decision-making, this course will develop the  reflective skills that employers tell us are so important for success in the modern workplace.

  • Expand you knowledge with guest speakers and field trips.
  • Develop your professional portfolio with practical sessions and project work
  • Become part of a multi-cultural student group who bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to global communications.
  • 100% of NTU's research submitted to the 'Communication, Cultural & Media Studies, Library & Information Management' Unit of Assessment was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact - REF 2021.

We are proud to be part of the BAFTA Albert education partnership

Interested in Media and Communications?

Dip your toe in the water with our Journalism, marketing and PR short course programme for professionals that runs throughout the year.

What you’ll study

The degree encourages you to become an innovative, critically-minded, technically astute and ethically robust media communications professional. You will take 180 credit points through five core modules and one optional module. This approach allows for the core understandings necessary to succeed in this industry to be taught, life-long friendships to be made and your individuality to be expressed.

Some of the modules involve practical work, placements and work-like experience. This could include projects for businesses and the charity sector - such as producing a fundraising campaign, communicating a health programme, or preparing a social media campaign. Throughout these practical modules you will be producing work as part of your creative content portfolio, from podcasts to videos and displays.

Core modules

Careers, Reflection, Experience and the Ethical Self (CREATES)

Split into two halves, you will begin by developing a personalised programme of up to 120 hours of work-like experience that you will complete throughout your course. This could include a combination of CV building, placements and/or internships, volunteering, a business plan, the development of a portfolio of practical work that could be presented to a future employer, training courses and/or accreditations, or even a PhD proposal. In the second half of the module you will explore ethics and ethical considerations within the fields of global media and communications.

Digital Creative Industries

In the 21st century the creative and cultural economies have seen increasing digitisation, leading to considerable change. With guest speakers and field trips you will examine these changes to working life and practices, and further understand how it will impact modern work.

Critical Understandings of Global Media and Communications

While the creators of media content undoubtedly have the potential to contribute to the resolution of many of the oppressive, suppressive and exploitative activities that occur around the world, the reality is that much of what is promoted across different platforms plays, or has played, some role in sustaining the status quo. Immerse yourself in critical debates about global media and communications and the module's key themes: Colonialism, decolonisation and media; Global inequality and media; Diversity, inclusivity, identity and media; and Sustainability, environmental degradation and media.

Experimental Creative Practice

Alongside building your knowledge and expertise with the latest equipment, software and other technologies associated with media production, you will develop your ability to tell stories, which sits at the heart of almost all content creation. There will be a focus on camera work, audio and filming and then the editing process, working in locations around Nottingham to produce content and create a portfolio of your work.

Major Project

You will develop a concise in-depth personal project that will be the culmination of your Masters experience. Your project can be either a ‘traditional’ dissertation, a collaboration with a member of academic staff to produce an academic journal style article and PhD proposal, or an extended practical work project where you will produce work to exhibit.

Optional modules - choose one

Digital Media, Politics and Culture in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is vital for all global supply chains, and its culture and politics are of growing interest, importance and influence. This module thus offers you a cosmopolitan view of media and communication patterns and industries beyond western-dominated discourse. Cultural fieldtrips will be made to places of relevance around Nottingham including to film screenings, art exhibitions and cultural institutes. There will also be guest speakers and you will be encouraged to better understand Nottingham’s links to Asia-Pacific, including NTU's Global Week.

Exploring Promotional Cultures

Gain practical skills in PR and content creation. These are important and coveted skills for the modern communications professional. Alumni guest speakers from diverse backgrounds working in the promotional industries will provide you with useful advice, whilst improving your understanding of work within the promotions industries.

How you’re taught

Study methods and assessment

The course is delivered through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, group project work, work simulations, practical media sessions, directed learning and tutorial support. Visits to media and creative industry organisations and guest speakers from the industry form part of the course.

Assessment on the course involves coursework, report writing, presentations, and group work. The core of the course is structured with no formal examinations. You will write a dissertation, and prepare work on research methods including an assessed dissertation proposal as part of the research training element.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.

Further information

You will be part of a multi-cultural student group who bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to global communications.

Staff Profiles

Colin Alexander (Dr) - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Dr. Colin Alexander is Senior Lecturer in Political Communications within the Communication and Society subject team at the School of Arts and Humanities

Tao Zhang - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Tao Zhang

Nigel Edley - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Nigel Edley

Andreas Wittel - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Andreas Wittel

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent.

    Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

    All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

You will need the equivalent to:

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2.2)

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for September 2024:

Course

Full time Home (UK) tuition

Part time Home (UK) tuition*

MA Global Media and Communications

£8,600

£4,300

* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.

Alumni Discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2024

Home (UK) students funding

  • Dr Pauline Polkey Postgraduate Bursary - apply
  • UK Postgraduate Masters Scholarship - apply
  • The Research Pathway Scholarship – School of Arts and Humanities - apply

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Tuition fees for September 2024:

Course

Full time International and EU tuition

Part time International and EU tuition*

MA Global Media and Communications

£17,500

£8,750

* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.

Fees may be subject to change.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Ready to join us?

Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

More from The School of Arts and Humanities