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Postgraduate

MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice

Visible Justice Exhibition, 2019. London College of Communication, UAL | Photography: Lewis Bush.
College
London College of Communication Start date
September 2023 Course length
1 year 3 months full-time (45 weeks across a four-term model)

Explore media and communications theory and creative practice and discover your future as a media professional in this unique Masters programme.

Applications closed 2023/24

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Scope: You will strengthen your skills in critical thinking by tackling a wide range of emergent challenges in the media, communications and creative industries.
  • Work-related learning: You will enhance your professional experience by completing a work placement or an industry-focused research project.
  • Creative critical communication: You will learn how to activate critical and innovative perspectives in diverse forms of creative communication.
  • Personalisation: You will be encouraged to select topics, media and methods of enquiry that reflect and develop your own interests, with students addressing issues ranging from the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the fashion industry to the influence of Instagram on our travelling experience.

Course overview

MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice integrates the study of media theory with creative and professional practice.

You will be encouraged to think critically about the role of media in the digital age, exploring emergent problems and challenges through your engagement with key theories of media, culture and communication alongside a range of creative media practices.

You will gain a sound understanding of key theories of media and communications and apply your knowledge and critical perspective to a wide range of case studies. You will investigate how global media production, circulation and consumption relate to issues of diversity, equality and identity, as well as to environmental and ethical challenges.

You will be encouraged to express your ideas and solve problems through a range of creative media practices. Working with images, texts, sound, and data, you will learn how to produce different types of media content for different purposes, and explore the social and cultural impacts of your interventions.

What can you expect?

  • High quality, interactive teaching, in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops, and external visits.
  • Dynamic project briefs, relevant to emergent issues in the media and communications sector.
  • Introduction to a range of visual and print-based creative media skills, including video production, blogging, podcasting, and digital image production.
  • Access to the college’s Kit Room and Digital Space, and support in using technical resources.
  • Opportunities to implement practice-based projects through collaboration with students from other courses and/or partners outside the university.
  • Flexibility in your programme of study, through the selection of preferred topics, media, and methods of enquiry.
  • Opportunities for networking with industry professionals and creatives, through our Industry Speaker Series.
  • Individual support from lecturers who are active in research and/or creative practice.

Work experience and opportunities

Professional practice is a key element of the course. You’ll be introduced to new perspectives on employment in the creative industries and be supported in organising a work placement or implementing an industry-focused research project.

Previous work placement hosts include:  

  • Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO
  • AKA Promotions
  • BBC World Service
  • British Science Association
  • The Canary
  • Dazed
  • GGHQ Fashion Intelligence
  • Grazia
  • IPR London
  • NME
  • Talk Radio
  • twelveNYC
  • United Nations
  • Unity PR and communications agency

Mode of study

MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are embedding UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into this course.

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves six units, totalling 180 credits.

Autumn, Term 1

Analysing Contemporary Media (20 credits)
Media, Culture and Economy (20 credits)

An induction programme will familiarise you with the course structure and introduce you to effective strategies for studying at postgraduate level.

You will meet the teaching team and fellow students, along with representatives from student and academic bodies. You will become familiar with the College's facilities through introduction to the library and technical resources.

You will then begin two introductory units of study, which together provide a framework for subsequent activities and help you to initiate the independent learning crucial to Masters level study.

Analysing Contemporary Media introduces you to key theories of media and communication, which will help you to think about what ‘media’ are and why they are integral to contemporary societies. You’ll demonstrate your learning in a review essay and through the development of a podcast. Media, Culture and Economy introduces economic models in the creative industries and explores the ways in which these models shape the production of media content. You’ll create a blog and a short ‘branded content’ film as part of this unit’s assessment. Alongside these units you will participate in a series of media practice workshops taught by specialist staff.

Spring, Term 2

Collaborative Unit (20 credits)
Media, Mobility and Culture (40 credits)
Professional Industry Practice (20 credits)

In the Spring Term you will engage in the student-driven Collaborative Unit, working with students from either another UAL Masters course or with an external partner. In previous years, School of Media postgraduate students have exhibited work developed in this unit in the Visible Justice and Our Algorithmic Lives exhibitions and public programmes.

You will also commence Media, Mobility and Culture, which explores the role of media technologies, platforms and representations in the production and mediation of space, place and mobility. The unit links theory and practice through embedded practitioner-led sessions.

These will support your development of an individual media artefact which responds to ideas addressed in the unit. Students have created films, photo series, models, digital media, and other diverse media work for this assignment.

In Professional Industry Practice, you will be introduced to new perspectives on employment in the creative industries. With our support, you will search for and organise a work placement or implement a work-related research project.

As part of this unit you’ll benefit from a series of talks by industry practitioners such as content creators, journalists, public relations professionals, communications practitioners and curators.

Summer, Term 3

Media, Mobility and Culture (continued)
Professional Industry Practice (continued)
Major Project (60 credits)

In the Summer Term, you will continue with Media, Mobility and Culture. You will implement your work placement or work-related research project for the Professional Industry Practice unit. You will also benefit from a programme of research methods workshops and tutorials which will enable you to begin working on your Major Project.

Autumn, Term 4

Major Project (continued)

Throughout the summer break and in the final term you will continue working on your Major Project. In this project you will consolidate and extend the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the course, applying them to a topic of your choice, either through theoretical or practice-based enquiry.

Topics addressed by students in recent years include:

  • Fashion and artificial intelligence
  • Blockchain based advertising in China
  • The influence of Instagram on travelling experiences
  • User engagement with immersive event brands
  • Pop culture feminism
  • Science podcast listening
  • Extinction Rebellion's branding strategies
  • The visualisation of radio
  • Nigerian YouTube and its African audiences
  • Fan communities of reality television shows

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Academic tutorials
  • Self-directed learning
  • External speakers and visits
  • Assessed assignments

Videos

Online Open Day

Course Leader, Berfin Emre Cetin, gives an overview of studying MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice at London College of Communication.

Jianyuan Sun (Jarvis)

Jarvis' final major project is a documentary film exploring the impact of social media on how we experience travelling.

Graduate showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • Creative Conscious Climate Communication
    Creative Conscious Climate Communication, Siya Mehta, 2022 MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL
    Siya Mehta
  • (UN)Scripted / mobilization of content
    (UN)Scripted / mobilization of content, Juliana Cardenas, 2022 MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL
    Juliana Cardenas
  • Under layers of complexity.The NonBinary Manifesto
    Under layers of complexity.The NonBinary Manifesto, Juliana Cardenas, 2022 MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL
    Juliana Cardenas

Student work

  • Riham-Mansour.gif
    Riham Mansour, 2020. MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL. 2020
    MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Viktoria-Bielawa.png
    Viktoria Bielawa, 2020. MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL. 2020
    MA Media, Communications and Critical Practice, London College of Communication, UAL
  • lightbox-gallery-image-ma-mccp-natalia-queirolo-900x600.jpg
    Work by Natalia Queirolo
  • lightbox-gallery-image-ma-mccp-violeta-fernandez-bajaz-900x674.jpg
    Work by Violeta Fernandez Bajaz
  • lightbox-image-2-ma-mccp-kai-chun-chan-900x720.jpeg
    Work by Kai Chun Chan, from his Contrapuntal series
  • 26933437897_6208d9583e_k.jpg
    Work by studensts on MA Media Communications and Critical Practice at London College of Communication // Capital City exhibition, 2018, LCC
  • 41084806994_00c34f896c_k.jpg
    Oligarchy and Transparency by Hanna Samuelson, Isabelle Zins, Amelia Cullen, Helena Kelkai, Kat Largent, Maddalena Esposito, Sarah El Kays, Alyssa Chafee // Capital City at London College of Communication
  • Silvia-Preziosi_MMC_Artefact-2.jpg

Student interviews

Stories

Facilities

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-based and Audio-visual

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-based and Audio-visual practice.

  • A close-up of the moveable type available in the Letterpress area.
    Image © Lewis Bush

    Printing and Finishing

    Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

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Entry requirements

MA Media Communications and Critical Practice attracts applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Applicants are expected have an academic or professional background in a relevant subject, and to demonstrate sufficient prior knowledge of and/or potential in the media and communications subject area to be able to successfully complete the programme of study. Humanities and social sciences graduates will be well equipped to join the course.

We also consider applicants with an educational background in the performing or visual arts and those who have studied applied sciences (e.g. business or management), provided they can demonstrate strong analytical and research skills and sufficient prior experience of critical and enquiry-based learning. The course will also be relevant to those who are already working in the creative industries or related fields.

An applicant will be considered for admission who has achieved an educational level equivalent to an Honours degree, preferably at 2:1 level.

Educational level may be demonstrated by:

  • Honours degree (named above);
  • Possession of equivalent qualifications;
  • Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required;
  • Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

Language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.

  • IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four skills.
  • If your first language is not English, you can check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English on the Language Requirements page.

Selection criteria

Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:

  • An academic or professional background in a relevant subject.
  • Evidence of an ability to foster a critical and analytical approach to the study of media and communications.
  • Evidence of collaborative skills and an awareness of the opportunities and challenges of collaborative work.
  • Experience of working in the media, cultural or creative industries, or/and a clear sense of the relevance of the course to your own career plan.
  • Evidence of practical experience of creating or producing media content, or a demonstrable interest in developing creative practice-based skills.

Apply now

Home International

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • Firstly they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results).
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement.
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level).
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details.
  • Employment history.
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Essay: your highest graded written work

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Media, Communications & Critical Practice. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:

  • Firstly they will look at your qualifications and transcript (or projected results).
  • Secondly, they will review your personal statement.
  • There is no requirement for an academic or professional reference.

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level).
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details.
  • Employment history.
  • CV
  • Personal statement.

Please note: we will ask you for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas). Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.

Extra information required for applications to this course

  • Essay: your highest graded written work

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

External student transfer policy

If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.

The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History check. If you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Media, Communications & Critical Practice. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future. This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

This course receives a high volume of applications. We need to make sure that we give all applications equal consideration, so the course team will review them in two rounds. This means that offers won’t be sent to successful applicants until after the relevant application deadline date. Outcomes for Round 1 will be released by 31 March 2022 and outcomes for Round 2 will be released by 30 June 2022.

Remember to check the outcome of your application in the UAL Portal. If you apply in Round 1 and don’t hear back from us, we will consider your application within Round 2.

Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.

What happens next

Interview information

After you have submitted your application, the course leader will review your work, and then may invite you to an online interview. Interview details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

Graduates will be well suited to a range of careers in the media, communications or creative industries, as well as to research roles in the cultural and public sectors. Each year a number of our students progress to advanced postgraduate study.

London College of Communication

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 6500
Address
Elephant & Castle

London
SE1 6SB