Swansea University

Media Studies, MA by Research

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. An MA by Research in Media and Communication at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial media project, led by your own passions and interests. It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as an isolated culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research but are unsure about committing to a full PhD. You will submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, demonstrating original research.

This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). Your project is agreed in consultation with supervisors and we recommend these discussions are started before applying, to help draw up an initial proposal. Our staff are members of the research group, Centre on Digital Arts and Humanities (CODAH) and our expertise includes: Film studies, in particular European cinema and Hollywood Global media, journalism and international communication Digital media and social activism Migration and communication Digital media and the history and philosophy of technology You are closely supervised by two experienced academics with relevant expertise throughout the course of your project.

This involves fortnightly meetings in your first term and meetings at regular agreed intervals beyond. You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in the field of media and communication, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Culture and Communication Postgraduate conference.

Key highlights

  • Independent media project shaped by your own research interests
  • Original thesis of up to 40,000 words with viva examination
  • Supervised by two experienced academics, fortnightly meetings in first term
  • Staff belong to the Centre on Digital Arts and Humanities research group
  • Expertise spans film, global journalism, digital activism and migration
  • Present research at departmental seminars and postgraduate conference

Entry requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 6.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found here.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • Doctoral researcher
  • Academic researcher
  • Media and communications officer
  • Government policy researcher
  • Journalist
  • Education officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £17,650 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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