Media and Globalisation MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
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100% of NTU's research submitted to the 'Communication, Cultural & Media Studies, Library and Information Management Unit of Assessment was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact - REF 2021. -
You have the choice of completing either a research or a practical dissertation.
This innovative practical-based course explores issues from media to culture, politics, globalisation, the creative industries and digital multimedia practices. It’s designed to provide you with the in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the main debates surrounding the roles and processes of media systems in the context of globalisation.
You’ll gain hands-on experience of working with audio-visual narratives providing you with the key transferable skills needed in the media, creative and cultural industries. It is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in media-management, media policy-making, media analysis, digital media, creative industries work or academic research.
You’ll take part in practice-based workshops on issues related to working in the creative industries and the digital economy, working with digital multimedia platforms. You’ll gain understanding and practical skills in advertising and public relations; developing your independent research skills and methods. You’ll also have the option to produce either a practice-based or a research-oriented dissertation.
What you’ll study
Alongside theoretical content, you will engage with practical workshops covering globalisation, the creative industries and the digital economy, digital audio-visual narratives, media analysis, advertising and public relations, and digital media and society in East Asia.
You gain insight into the complexity of contemporary communications in society and be able to carry out advanced research and creative productions. Through practical study, you'll develop collaborative and team-working skills relevant to the media, creative industries and the digital economy. You will engage with organisations such as Broadway Cinema, New Art Exchange and Nottingham Contemporary to learn more about how creative organisations work and hear from guest speakers who will discuss their careers in the industry.
Core modules
Understanding Globalisation (30 credit points)
This module examines the perennial interest in globalisation by governments, policy-makers, politicians, academics and the private sector. You’ll be introduced to the core theoretical debates, focusing on mobility and fixity, borders and border crossing, and sameness and difference. You’ll examine the global expansion of capitalism, the shift from industrial to service and information economies and the significance of the ‘cultural’ in terms of production and consumption. You’ll examine core themes of global media conglomerates, the diffusion of new technologies, political, cultural and social boundaries, governance, the cultural influence of globalisation on identity and inequality, and the multiplicity of globalisation projects.
The Creative Industries and the Digital Economy (30 credit points)
You’ll be introduced to the concept of the creative industries and examine policy-making, academic theory, and industrial practice. The practical element includes a collaboration with practitioners from Nottingham’s creative industries through guest speakers and company visits to learn more about the work in this sector. You’ll explore how the creative industries are both a continuation of culture industries, but also something new and different to understand key transformations in the economy, the media, and the realm of work.
Digital Audio-Visual Narratives (20 credit points)
Investigate, explore and experiment with image, sound and narrative to enhance your knowledge and understanding of visual culture. Using photography, you’ll critically appraise online audio-visual narratives for the non-professional producer/consumer. You’ll gain an understanding of how time-based audio-visual work can be used for communicating a narrative. You’ll be able to express ideas through single and sequential images, and demonstrate an understanding of composition using photographic design; placement and framing, use of space/setting, depth of field, camera angle and position, graphic elements of design and use of colour. Through workshops, you’ll receive technical instruction and support using the latest entry-level DSLR cameras and software imaging platforms to develop and realise your personal ideas and concepts.
Media Analysis (20 credit points)
Explore theories in media and cultural studies and social theory, and the issues of transnational and national media spaces, cultures and practices. You’ll analyse media texts, contexts and organisations, and question media consumption and audiences. You’ll study mainstream media and social media and how this is organised to fulfil economic, political and social functions. You’ll look at media texts and the role of the media in promoting ideologies and generating values and views in society. You’ll explore audiences and media consumption in everyday life and the ways it facilitates the expansion of capitalism.
Optional modules
Choose from
Advertising and Public Relations (20 credit points)
In this module, you’ll explore the critical-theoretical and practical aspects of both Advertising and Public Relations, developing your knowledge of global media and communications, and examining history, theory and practice. You’ll study the concept of convergence in the industry, examining developments and whether and how these two sectors have merged. You’ll take part in practical workshops working on a PR project to develop your writing, digital literacy and production skills using professional creative software, cameras and voice recorders. You’ll foster flexible and critical working practices that can transfer across technologies and modes of publication.
Or
Digital Media, Society and Culture in East Asia (20 credit points)
Gain an in-depth understanding of current thinking and debates on digital media as an integral part of contemporary life, and its importance in shaping cultural and political changes. You’ll explore current examples from across Asia including Taiwanese media and neoliberalism; media representations of North Korea; Japanese TV and the global TV format; Japanese anime and internet fandom: ‘fansubbing’; the Korean wave and K-pop; cyber nationalism; the ‘China model’ debate; telecommunication and modernity in China; globalization and Chinese popular culture and online dissent in China.
Dissertation
Research dissertation (60 credit points)
You will produce an academic dissertation of 12,500 words on a topic related to media and globalisation. You’ll develop academic research skills, identify and refine research questions and design research studies. You’ll be introduced to a range of different research methodologies, to enable you to focus on your own in-depth, research-based project with support from a tutor.
Or
Practical dissertation (60 credit points)
You’ll produce a practical dissertation involving audio-visual work from a range of media, platforms and output accompanied by a 6,000 - 7,500 written piece including a production log, statement of intent and reflective self-assessment. The theme and form will be developed with support from a tutor.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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 of 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 12,000-15,000-word 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
Communication, Cultural and Media Studies has a proud record of excellence in research. In the latest Research Excellence Framework in 2014, 70% of our research was rated as world-leading or of international excellence.
Careers and employability
Recent graduates have gone on to a broad range of careers in the media and mobile industry. It is vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills to pursue careers in media-management, media policy-making, media analysis, digital media, creative industries work or academic research.
While this course serves as a standalone degree, its research focus also makes it suitable preparation for doctoral work.
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.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Media and Globalisation | £8,200 | £4,100 |
* 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.
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 2023:
Course | Full-time International and EU tuition | Part-time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Media and Globalisation | £16,800 | £8,400 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
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.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.