MA Media in Development
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This program is designed for individuals interested in understanding the complex relationships between media practices and development agendas. It offers a critical approach to the study of media's role in societal change, emphasizing the importance of context-specific analyses over generalized Western-centric models. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and practical case studies to assess media's impact on development initiatives across different cultures and regions.
Curriculum: The curriculum combines core modules that delve into theoretical and contemporary issues in media and development with practical research training. Students undertake compulsory courses such as "Theoretical and Contemporary Issues in Media, Information Communication Technologies and Development" and "Qualitative Research Methods." Additionally, they can choose from a range of elective modules covering topics like transnational communities, digital journalism, and media representation. The program culminates in a dissertation that allows students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice.
Research Focus: SOAS's Centre for Global Media and Communications provides a vibrant research environment, focusing on media systems in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The center's research has been recognized for its excellence, with a significant portion rated as world-leading in the UK's Research Excellence Framework. Students benefit from the center's expertise and are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research projects that explore media's role in development contexts.
Industry Engagement: The program offers opportunities for students to engage with media and development professionals through seminars, workshops, and networking events. These interactions provide insights into real-world applications of media in development settings and help students build connections that can support their future careers. The program's practical orientation ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of media-related roles in development sectors.
Global Perspective: Situated in London, SOAS offers a multicultural academic environment that reflects its global focus. The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration. This global perspective is integral to the program's approach, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding media and development within various cultural and geopolitical contexts.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA Media in Development program at SOAS University of London are well-equipped for a diverse range of career paths that intersect media, communication, and development sectors. The program's emphasis on critical analysis and practical application prepares students for roles in various professional contexts:
Development Communication and NGOs: Alumni often pursue careers with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international development agencies, and grassroots movements, focusing on communication strategies that promote social change and development initiatives.
Media and Journalism: Graduates find opportunities in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media, where they apply their understanding of global media landscapes to produce content that highlights development issues and amplifies marginalized voices.
Policy and Advocacy: The program prepares students for roles in policy analysis and advocacy, working with governmental bodies or international organizations to shape media policies that support equitable development.
Academic and Research Careers: Some graduates choose to continue their academic journey through doctoral studies or research positions, contributing to scholarly discourse on media and development.
