MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA Media Practice for Development and Social Change
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Commencing in September 2025, this one-year full-time or two-year part-time MA program is tailored for those seeking to engage in global or national media industries, NGOs, international development institutions, or independent media production companies. The curriculum is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to critically analyze and produce media content that fosters social change.
Curriculum: The program's core modules include "Critical Perspectives on Development, Media and Social Change" and "Producing Media for Development and Social Change." The latter introduces students to practical skills across various media forms such as digital documentary, photography, podcasting, and basic web design, all within a critical context focusing on development and social change. Students also have the option to select from a range of modules like "Activism for Development and Social Justice," "Podcasting," and "Short Documentary: Research and Production," allowing them to tailor their learning to specific interests.
Research Focus: The MA program is supported by a faculty renowned for their expertise in anthropology, media studies, and international development. Students are encouraged to undertake research projects that explore the intersection of media practices and social change, contributing to the university's esteemed reputation in development studies. The final project can be an independent media project or a written dissertation, both of which can be combined with industry experience.
Industry Engagement: The program offers opportunities for students to gain practical experience through placements with organizations such as Oxfam, Unicef, and the United Nations. These placements enable students to apply their learning in real-world settings, enhancing their professional skills and networks. The university's Career Lab and entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex further support students in exploring career options and developing key skills.
Global Perspective: Attracting students from around the world, the MA program fosters a truly global learning environment. The diverse cohort allows for rich discussions and collaborations, providing students with varied perspectives on media practices and social change. The program's emphasis on global issues and its international student body prepare graduates to operate effectively in diverse cultural and professional contexts.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
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 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The MA Media Practice for Development and Social Change opens up a wide range of career options for graduates, particularly in sectors where media and development intersect.
Media Production Specialist: Graduates can work as media producers specializing in creating content that addresses social, political, and environmental issues. These roles can be in film production, documentary filmmaking, or multimedia content creation.
International Development Specialist: The program equips students with the skills needed to work in international development organizations, NGOs, and government agencies focused on social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Graduates can work in media strategy roles, content development for development campaigns, and impact evaluation.
Social Change Consultant: Graduates may pursue careers as consultants working with NGOs, international organizations, or community-based projects, advising on how to effectively use media for social change and advocacy campaigns.
Campaign Coordinator or Manager: Media-driven campaigns are essential in modern advocacy efforts. Graduates can lead or manage media campaigns that focus on development issues, human rights, gender equality, or climate change. This role often involves strategic planning, media relations, and content creation.
Communications and Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can take up roles in public relations or corporate communications for organizations working in development, social change, and humanitarian sectors. This includes creating communication strategies and managing media relations.
Journalist or Reporter: With a focus on global issues, graduates can become journalists reporting on international development topics. This could involve working with media outlets that focus on global affairs, environmental issues, or social justice.
Media Educator or Trainer: Some graduates may choose to teach media skills in universities, NGOs, or development agencies, particularly in areas related to media production, social change, and international development.
Social Media and Digital Content Manager: In today’s digital age, there is a high demand for media professionals who can manage social media platforms and create content that educates and informs the public about social issues and development initiatives.
