Media and Society (Research) MA
This research master's provides a sound grounding in media and society research and focuses on developing critical and independent thinking.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2023
Overview
The Media and Society (Research) MA is a research master’s course. This makes it ideal preparation for a PhD.
The MA can be taken as a standalone course before undertaking PhD study. It also forms the initial training component for the four-year (MA plus PhD) ESRC Northern Ireland/ North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Centre. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognises the MA as a research master's award.
The course covers key elements of media analysis skills. It explores a range of theoretical approaches in media, communication, cultural and social studies.
Important information
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Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you'll learn
During the MA you'll undertake advanced master's-level training in media and society research. You'll complete a combination of specialist media-based modules plus a range of research-focused modules.
After completing your MA, you'll have all the skills required to move into PhD research. On the completion of the course you'll:
- understand the role of media and communication systems in shaping meaning
- develop knowledge of the range of research practices, methods and paradigms
- have awareness of a broad range of critical, cultural and societal theory that inform the field of media and social studies
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Thinking about Research | 10 |
| Dissertation Preparation | 10 |
| Qualitative Methodology in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences | 20 |
| Quantitative Analysis | 20 |
| Media Analysis | 20 |
| Dissertation in Media and Society (Research) | 60 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| International Media and Law (Semester 1) | 20 |
| Strategies and Management in PR | 20 |
| Theoretical Approaches to PR | 20 |
| Power, Politics and Communication | 20 |
| Public Relations in Government and Politics | 20 |
How you'll learn
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Report
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
As a postgraduate research student in media and cultural studies you'll benefit from dedicated research suites within the School of Arts and Cultures.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
- additional costs
- living costs
- tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
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Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
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Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Dr Joss Hands
Degree Programme Director
School of Arts and Cultures
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 4641
Email: joss.hands@ncl.ac.uk
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