MA Journalism, Media and Communications
Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies is at the forefront of exciting new developments in journalism, media and communications.
The School is home to internationally renowned scholars in this important and burgeoning field.
The MA in Journalism, Media and Communications is the longest established of Cardiff’s MA programmes. It allows students to explore the pressing issues of our media environment – from journalism ethics to internet governance, from community media to global communications, and from crisis reporting to the transformative potential of new technologies.
The programme has an international approach and attracts students from around the globe.
The MA draws on the strength and diversity of Cardiff’s staff, giving students a unique opportunity to work with academics whose research is at the cutting edge of exploring how media are changing in a dynamic global communications environment characterised by technological, political, social, economic and cultural upheaval.
The programme also equips students with research skills in areas such as content analysis, interviews, surveys, and digital methods, and it allows them to develop their own scholarship. It does not provide practical training in journalism or a professional qualification towards becoming a journalist. Students interested in professional training should consider one of Cardiff’s other degrees.
Who should apply?
- Graduates interested in an advanced academic study of journalism, media and communications.
- Students looking to undertake PhD research in this area.
- Students interested in a career in local, regional, national and international institutions dealing with issues of media and communications (such as regulators, development organisations, NGOs, etc.).
- Aspiring journalists, media managers, activists and advocates interested in an in-depth understanding of the broader field of media and communications.
- Experienced journalists and other media practitioners wishing to reflect on their professional practice.
- Students and practitioners who wish to complement their experience in other fields with a comprehensive education in media and communications.
Find out how to Apply at Cardiff University's main website
Principal Aims of the Course
- Work with leading scholars in the field and develop your own original research
- Study in an exciting international academic environment, where students from all over the world work together and learn from each other
- Develop an in-depth understanding of how media work across a variety of social, cultural, economic and political contexts
- Investigate different types of journalism and media – including online, public service broadcasting, local journalism, tabloid journalism, war reporting, citizen media, and science journalism – and their role in society
- Assess how media are linked to forces of globalisation, political institutions, global responses to war and conflict, and environmental challenges, amongst others
- Explore the roles of new information and communication technologies, their opportunities and challenges, their democratic potential and their regulation
- Consider issues of citizenship, race, gender, ethnicity and class are shaping contemporary forms of news media content
- Acquire up-to-date research skills to carry out your own original research for the dissertation and beyond
Student Satisfaction
“Cardiff University is amazing, it not only has good courses and excellent lecturers but it caters to International and EU students which was ideal for me and made me feel very welcome.”
Stephanie Cashia De Wild – MA Journalism, Media and Communications 2011/12“I enjoyed the subjects, but the best thing I would have to say are the lecturers, they really engage with the students, offer them a great deal of support and are highly inspirational.”
Rhiannon Davies – MA Journalism Studies 2010/11"I chose Cardiff as it was ranked as one of the top Universities for journalism and media studies by my government. The internationally diverse friends and classmates as well as the humility of the lecturers were the best things about the course."
Pushpa Al Bakri Devadason - MA Journalism Studies 2009/10"As a professional journalist, I looked for an academic degree that would enable me to reflect on my practice and that of my colleagues around the world. The journalism studies degree was a perfect fit for that reason."
Shelley J. Thompson - MA Journalism Studies 2007/8
Further course information
For further information regarding course content please contact the Course Directors and for general enquiries contact the MA Administrative Assistant.