Taught course

Media and Communication

Institution
University of Portsmouth · School of Film, Media and Communication
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Overview

The media industry is in constant change. In a sector where success depends on keeping ahead of the trend, our MA Media and Communications degree course will help you stand out from the competition.

This extensive Master’s degree in Media and Communication will provide depth and breadth to your existing knowledge base. You'll analyse the current and historic effects of media on society, and learn about how traditional and new media can be used to communicate different messages. You'll combine cultural, historical, and industry-specific analysis with theoretical study and develop a deeper critical understanding of the media.

You'll also have the chance to test your creativity by researching and writing in different forms, including screenplays and TV scripts, blogs, dissertations, industry reports, and essays. You can also do a self-sourced media mini-placement, which will provide you with practical experience and insight to give your skillset that extra competitive edge.

Once you graduate, you'll be well placed to pursue roles across the media industry, including writing for television, publishing, journalism, media criticism, scriptwriting, film, and media management.

Course highlights

  • Study a range of political, industry-based, and text-based approaches to media and its communication strategies, in film, television, magazines, newspapers, fiction, graphic novels and comics
  • Undertake a self-sourced media micro-placement as part of an optional Industry Study module
  • Research, analyse and critique film, television, screen media and print media outputs
  • Understand the important themes in the media industry, including digital media, screenwriting, fandom and adaptation
  • Produce screenplays for film and television while working with a specialist tutor
  • Be supported by a team of experienced lecturers who have researched and published in their specialist areas, and who bring those specialisms to their teaching sessions
  • Get involved in our dynamic research culture through your film and TV dissertation
  • Engage with our researchers and published industry experts, many of whom are well known internationally in the field

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.

Career support

You'll benefit from:

- Networking events

- Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events

- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council

- Workshops to enhance your employability skills

- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair

- 1-to-1 appointments

- CV and cover letter advice

- Interview preparation and practice

- Support starting your own business

Careers and opportunities

Careers this Master's in Media and Communication prepares you for

As a successful graduate of this course, you'll have experienced a wide range of media forms and been encouraged by your specialist lecturers to take your skillset to graduate level.

With the study breadth and depth on this Master's course, you'll be able to engage further with the creative industries, pushing boundaries and challenging conventional thinking.

If you did a mini-placement as part of the optional Industry Study module, you'll have practical experience of the media industry, which will be helpful when securing a role after your studies.

When you graduate, you'll have developed the knowledge base and skills for a successful career in the media sector. You might choose to use your transferrable critical, analytical and research skills in another profession, or go on to further study.

Graduates of this course have gone onto roles in:
  • film and media management
  • writing
  • scriptwriting
  • journalism
  • review work
  • advertising
  • magazines and print media
  • television
  • online media
  • public relations
  • teaching
  • sales
  • film distribution
Recent graduates of this course have found jobs such as:
  • communications coordinator
  • entertainment journalist
  • freelance writer
  • marketing assistant
  • in-house television writer

Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Admissions Team
Email
admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone
023 9284 5566