Media and Society (Research) Newcastle University

The Media and Society (Research), MA is a research master’s course, making it ideal preparation for a PhD. It offers a sound grounding in the area of media and society research and focuses on developing critical and independent thinking.

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 and explores a range of theoretical approaches in media, communication, cultural and social studies.

On the completion of the course you will:

• 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

Delivery

During the MA you will undertake advanced masters’ level training in media and society research. You will complete a combination of specialist media-based modules plus a range of research-focused modules.

After completing your MA, you will acquire all the skills required to move into PhD research.

Facilities

As a postgraduate research student in media and cultural studies you will benefit from dedicated research suites within the School of Arts and Cultures.

How to Apply

Use our Applicant Portal to apply for your course. We have a step-by-step guide to help you.

When you make your online application, you will need to insert one of the following course codes in the 'Programme of Study' page:

• 4156F - Media and Society (Research), MA (full time)
• 4156P - Media and Society (Research), MA (part time)

The course starts in September.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject, such as:
• cultural studies
• media studies
• communication studies
• sociology
• gender studies
• related humanities and social sciences subjects.

International Students:

To study this course you need to meet our Band 6 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.