MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
MA Communication, Media and Development
London
INTAKE: Jan & Oct
Program Overview
The MA Communication, Media, and Development program at Loughborough University is ideal for individuals who are passionate about using communication and media to bring about positive social change. This interdisciplinary course integrates theories and practices in communication, media studies, and development to address global challenges. Students examine the role of media in development, the impact of digital technologies, and how communication shapes development policies and practices. By focusing on both the theoretical and practical aspects of media and communication, the program prepares students to work in diverse sectors, including international development agencies, NGOs, government organizations, and the media industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Communication, Media, and Development program is carefully designed to provide a balance between theoretical learning and practical application. Core modules typically include Development Communication, Media and Development Theories, Global Media Systems, and Digital Media for Social Change. These modules explore the key concepts of communication and media in the context of development, providing students with a deep understanding of how media and communication strategies can influence social, political, and economic development. The program also includes optional modules that allow students to specialize in areas such as global media, media policy, and the role of communication in conflict and humanitarian crises. Students are also required to complete a dissertation, allowing them to explore a specific area of interest in greater detail and contribute original research to the field.
Research Focus: Loughborough University has a strong research emphasis, particularly in the areas of media studies, communication, and development. The MA Communication, Media, and Development program is informed by the university's cutting-edge research, which addresses key issues such as the role of media in global development, digital technologies for social change, communication strategies for development organizations, and the intersection of media and international policy. Faculty members are actively engaged in research on topics like media representations in development contexts, the impact of digital media on marginalized communities, and how communication strategies contribute to or hinder development outcomes. This research focus ensures that students are exposed to the latest developments in the field and are equipped to apply their learning to real-world challenges.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University’s MA Communication, Media, and Development program has strong links with industry professionals, NGOs, international organizations, and media agencies, providing students with valuable opportunities for networking and professional development. The university’s industry engagement strategy includes guest lectures, seminars, and workshops led by practitioners and experts in the fields of media, communication, and development. Students are encouraged to take part in internships and collaborative projects, which help them gain practical experience and build professional connections that are essential for launching successful careers in the communication and development sectors. The university’s emphasis on hands-on learning ensures that students graduate with the necessary skills to work in a variety of media and development-related careers.
Global Perspective: The MA Communication, Media, and Development program at Loughborough University places a strong emphasis on providing students with a global perspective. The program attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and dynamic learning environment. By engaging with peers from different cultural and geographical backgrounds, students gain insights into the unique communication challenges and media practices that exist in various parts of the world. This global focus ensures that students are prepared to work in international development contexts, where understanding diverse cultures, political systems, and media environments is critical. The university’s international partnerships also provide students with the opportunity to study abroad, participate in global research projects, and attend international conferences, further enhancing their global outlook.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 24500
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 75% 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 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These are available for international students applying for postgraduate taught programs at Loughborough University. Scholarships typically range from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the student’s academic qualifications and the program they are enrolled in.
Loughborough University International Research Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a research-based postgraduate program, Loughborough offers research scholarships that cover full tuition fees, along with an annual stipend to assist with living costs.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Graduates from the MA Communication, Media, and Development program at Loughborough University are well-prepared to enter diverse fields that require expertise in communication, media strategies, and development processes. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and global perspective ensure that graduates possess both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to address critical issues related to media, communication, and development.
Development Communication Specialist: Graduates can pursue roles as development communication specialists, working with international NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations. These professionals use communication strategies to address social issues such as poverty, education, gender equality, and health. They develop campaigns, manage media outreach, and create content that promotes social change, raises awareness, and empowers communities. They are key players in the development sector, ensuring that communication efforts align with sustainable development goals.
Media and Communications Officer: Media and communications officers play a crucial role in managing media relations, public communications, and social media strategies for development organizations, NGOs, and governmental agencies. They develop communication strategies, write press releases, manage media outreach, and handle social media campaigns. By using media platforms effectively, they help organizations communicate their mission, values, and progress to stakeholders, donors, and the public.
Global Media Consultant: With a deep understanding of global media practices, graduates can become global media consultants, advising international organizations, businesses, and governments on the effective use of media for social change and development. These professionals analyze media landscapes across regions, develop strategies for media engagement, and offer insights into how media can be harnessed to influence policies, raise awareness, and engage diverse audiences.
International Development Consultant: International development consultants work with organizations, NGOs, and governmental bodies to advise on strategies for social, economic, and political development. Graduates of the MA Communication, Media, and Development program can bring a unique expertise in the role of communication and media in development. They help organizations design and implement development programs, monitor impact, and enhance communication strategies for greater effectiveness in international development projects.
Social Media Strategist for Development: Social media plays an increasingly vital role in global development, and graduates of this program can become social media strategists, focusing on the use of digital platforms to promote development agendas. They manage social media accounts, create content, develop engagement strategies, and analyze digital campaigns’ effectiveness. These professionals can work for international organizations, development agencies, or NGOs, helping to foster online communities and mobilize support for global development initiatives.
Advocacy and Campaign Manager: Advocacy and campaign managers in development organizations use communication and media tools to drive social change. These professionals develop campaigns focused on human rights, environmental sustainability, gender equality, education, and other critical development issues. They work with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots organizations, governments, and international bodies, to build awareness and mobilize action on issues that matter most to developing communities. Graduates can work with global advocacy networks, international NGOs, or policy think tanks.
Media Policy Analyst: Media policy analysts examine the impact of media regulations, policies, and practices on international development. Graduates with a strong background in media and communication are well-suited to analyze how media policies can influence access to information, freedom of expression, and digital rights. Media policy analysts typically work for governments, international agencies, think tanks, and research institutions, advising on media policy reforms, digital media regulations, and their role in development.
Content Creator for Development Projects: Graduates of this program can pursue careers as content creators, producing videos, blogs, articles, and podcasts that focus on development issues. Whether creating educational resources, documentaries, or social media content, content creators in development play a critical role in spreading knowledge and advocating for change. They may work for NGOs, media houses, international organizations, or as freelancers, developing compelling narratives that engage audiences in meaningful discussions about global development.
Project Manager in Development Organizations: Project managers in development organizations are responsible for overseeing and coordinating development initiatives. These professionals ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to the objectives set by the organization. Graduates of the MA Communication, Media, and Development program can work in managing media-focused development projects that require strong communication and organizational skills. This role involves liaising with stakeholders, monitoring progress, and ensuring effective communication strategies are implemented throughout the project lifecycle.
International Humanitarian Affairs Officer: Graduates who are passionate about humanitarian work can pursue roles as humanitarian affairs officers, working with international organizations, NGOs, and government agencies. These professionals are responsible for coordinating humanitarian responses, managing communications during crises, and providing essential information to affected communities. Their work often involves leveraging media to spread awareness about humanitarian needs, raise funds, and advocate for policy changes.
