Journalism, Media And Communications (MA)

How will I be taught?

You’ll be taught by leading academic researchers and experienced industry professionals who are at the forefront of knowledge, research and practice in the fields of journalism, media and communication. 

We combine academic rigour with real-world relevance by applying key theoretical and empirical frameworks to the study of contemporary case studies across journalism, media and communication in the West and Global South.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of larger lectures and smaller, interactive workshops and seminars. During the dissertation stage, you’ll be allocated a supervisor who is an experienced researcher. They’ll provide guidance, advice and feedback on all elements of the dissertation and support you through to completion.  

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your knowledge and skills through reflective learning and in a collaborative and creative environment, where peer-to-peer interaction is central to your development and the achievement of programme learning outcomes.

How will I be assessed?

Our focus is on developing your skills in critical analysis, academic writing, independent reading, and collaborative working. 

Assessment is carried out through a wide range of methods – including essays, reports, presentations and portfolios to ensure that different abilities and learning preferences are supported. The dissertation is a substantial research project that further enables you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical or real-world contexts. 

Each module has clearly defined learning outcomes and assessments are structured to evaluate your knowledge, practical skills, and intellectual competencies. 

Initial assessments focus on consolidating foundational knowledge and understanding, while later stages emphasise enhanced skills like critical evaluation, synthesis of complex information, and independent research. Formative activities, which are not formally assessed, provide opportunities for feedback and learning opportunities which can be incorporated into future assessments.

How will I be supported?

We’ll support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of university life, whether it’s managing your timetable, settling in, building academic skills, or accessing wellbeing and specialist services. We also run events and activities to make your experience enjoyable and rewarding.

Academic and pastoral support

Your personal tutor will guide you academically and offer pastoral support. 

Our expert teaching staff are available through lectures, seminars, one-to-one meetings, email, and office hours. If you’re writing a dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to shape and refine your project. We also offer academic writing support with access to the Royal Literary Fellow, an independent writing expert who can guide you in written expression. International students will be supported to develop your writing and speaking skills through dedicated English language support workshops.

Learning resources

Learning Central is your 24/7 online hub for success. It provides module resources, lecture materials, recorded presentations, e-learning tools, discussion boards, and links to external resources.

Feedback and facilities

Feedback will ensure you understand what you achieved well, what didn’t meet expectations, and will provide clear guidelines on how work can be improved for future assessments. This summative feedback will be given in written form. Formative feedback will include opportunities for face-to-face discussion, evaluation within workshops, and peer review. 

You’ll learn in modern facilities with lecture theatres, seminar rooms, an on-site library, quiet study spaces, and collaborative areas—all equipped with digital resources.

University-wide support

University-wide services (co-located in our Centre for Student Life) will help you thrive and includes careers advice, health and wellbeing support, disability support, and financial guidance. You’ll benefit from having a specialist Careers Adviser within the School and have access to the wider Student Futures service, who organise employer events and can support finding work experience, starting a business and applying for jobs.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Critically assess major theoretical frameworks in mass communication and journalism, systematically relating their historical development to contemporary relevance.
• Examine key historical and current developments in global media systems questioning their implications for politics, democracy, and public discourse.
• Critically evaluate how digital technologies, big data, and artificial intelligence shape media, culture, and politics.
• Demonstrate knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies appropriate to media and journalism studies, understanding their applications and limitations.
• Explain key institutional and professional changes in journalism and media and their impact on their societal role, demonstrating critical awareness of ongoing debates.

Intellectual Skills:

• Develop and expand established theoretical frameworks to analyse journalism and global communication practices, showing ability to use concepts appropriately.
• Critique media-related case studies by associating appropriate concepts and perspectives, generating independent conclusions through interpretation.
• Critically assess ethical and methodological issues in media and journalism, and apply this understanding to professional practice and independent research.
• Examine how audiences relate to and interpret content across traditional and digital media platforms, extending relevant theoretical approaches to support analysis.
• Structure and direct a research project addressing a media-related question, organising appropriate methods and demonstrating a systematic approach to inquiry.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Apply AI and emerging technologies in journalism practice while critically evaluating their impact on professional work.
• Develop and foster collaborative engagement in group discussions, projects, or activities, directing constructive contributions within academic and professional contexts.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the economic, interpersonal, organisation and technological factors structuring journalism practice.
• Critically evaluate personal learning and performance to identify strengths and areas for future development.
• Select and apply appropriate research methods to investigate media content, production, and reception, demonstrating methodological awareness.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Develop original research questions or narrative ideas appropriate to media and journalism contexts, showing creativity and independent thinking.
• Locate, organise, and critically assess academic and media sources using effective search strategies, judging their relevance and credibility to support informed inquiry.
• Critique complex problems in media and communication, generating viable and reasoned solutions.
• Develop innovative media content, critiquing and reconstructing established genre formats and conventions.
• Manage and organise time and resources to plan, deliver, and complete projects to agreed deadlines, directing work with autonomy and professional responsibility.