Journalism, Media And Communications (MA)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
This course provides insight into how journalism and the media is changing in a globalised context – from journalism ethics to internet governance, from community media to global communications and from crisis reporting to the transformative potential of new technologies.
Open to all
This degree will suit those with and without media experience who seek to deepen their understanding of the media industries.
International outlook
We attract students from all over the world, providing a rich and diverse environment for academic study and critique.
Cardiff central
You’ll be based in the heart of Cardiff’s vibrant media quarter in a purpose-built facility adjacent to the new BBC Cymru/Wales building.
Research excellence
Your studies will take place in one of the UK’s leading journalism research schools, classed by the Government as the 2nd best in the UK.
MA Journalism, Media and Communications will help you to develop an in-depth understanding of how media work across a variety of social, cultural, economic and political contexts.
It focuses on the academic study of journalism, but also offer opportunities for the development of professional skills through optional modules in the second semester and through research.
The course provides insights into how journalism is changing in a globalised context, exploring key debates and issues in journalism studies today. It also provides training in the use of a range of research skills in journalism studies, to support academic scholarship in the field of journalism studies.
You’ll learn to assess how media are linked to forces of globalisation, political institutions, global responses to war and conflict, and environmental challenges, amongst others.
You’ll also explore the roles of new information and communication technologies, their opportunities and challenges, their democratic potential and their regulation. We’ll also consider together issues of citizenship, race, gender, ethnicity and class that are shaping contemporary forms of news media content.
This course offers knowledge and expertise for a career in the journalism, media and communication industries or as a foundation for PhD research.
This degree is not designed as a vocational degree and does not provide practical training in Journalism. You should not consider this degree as a professional qualification.
Where you'll study
School of Journalism, Media and Culture
We provide a scholarly environment to help you acquire both the knowledge and skills needed to enter your chosen area of the media.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as humanities or social science disciplines, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.0 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, and places are still available, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The taught component of the course amounts to 120 credits and is taught across two semesters (Autumn and Spring) from the end of September to the beginning of June and combines core and elective modules.
You will submit a dissertation at the end of August. The dissertation carries 60 credits.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Journalism Studies | MCT493 | 20 credits |
| Politics of Global Communication | MCT532 | 20 credits |
| Putting Research into Practice 1 | MCT533 | 20 credits |
| Putting Research into Practice 2 | MCT534 | 20 credits |
| Debates and Concepts in Media and Communications | MCT565 | 20 credits |
| Project Based Dissertation | MCT444 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Global Crisis Reporting | MCT494 | 10 credits |
| Electoral Behaviour, Public Opinion and the Media | MCT535 | 10 credits |
| Social Media and Politics | MCT540 | 10 credits |
| Media and Political Understanding | MCT566 | 10 credits |
| Public Relations, Offline and Online | MCT567 | 10 credits |
| In the Editor's Chair | MCT588 | 20 credits |
| Communicating Causes | MCT591 | 20 credits |
| Cultural Theory and Analysis | MCT606 | 10 credits |
| Global Music Industries | MCT607 | 10 credits |
| Media, Science and Health | MCT608 | 20 credits |
| Short Form Video Production | MCT610 | 20 credits |
| Gender, Sexuality and Digital Culture | MCT611 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
You will be taught through lecture and seminars series which complement the academic nature of the course.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessments throughout the course. The main method of assessment on this programme is course work.
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor, for help and support with academic and pastoral needs, who is available when needed to discuss progress, provide advice and guidance.
You will be supported by the Student Support services in the school and through wider university resources.
You will have regular tutorials with programme directors/personal tutors as well as the opportunity to meet with module co-ordinators on request.
Feedback
Feedback is provided at each assessment point for summative assessments, formative feedback is provided in practical sessions and throughout teaching.
What skills will I practise and develop?
MA Journalism, Media and Communications provides up-to-date research skills to collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data and to carry out original research.
It equips you with skills in areas such as:
- Content analysis
- Interviews
- Surveys
- Digital methods
- Presentation skills
- The ability to share insights and findings cogently with peers
- Competence in information search and retrieval
- Proficiency in both verbal and written modes with respect to reviewing and marshalling academic positions and developing an engaged point of view.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £23,700 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
Graduates of MA Journalism, Media and Communications are employed in a range of occupations in journalism, media and communication institutions both in the UK and globally, taking on a variety of leading roles.
As an academic course focusing on critical analysis, this programme also provides a perfect starting-point for PhD research and prepares students for careers in research institutions, both at university and other public or private institutions.
Next steps
Open Day visits
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Contact us for more information about this course.International
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
