Course information
UK fee £9,300
International fee £21,400
Taught by Media and Communication
Contact
+44 (0)116 252 3863
mcs-enquiries@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
This multi-disciplinary degree will provide you with a unique academic challenge if you are looking to develop your career in media, creative and cultural industries, or build a future career in academia. The course combines cultural studies with media and sociology and explores processes and activities, from local to global levels.
Through a combination of core and option modules, you will be introduced to the very latest research and theory in the study of our contemporary culture and the digital realm, and how our world is portrayed in the media. Optional modules range from a number relating to digital media, through to an array of others which explore such areas as gender and sexuality, creativity and consumption, and the global dynamics of cultural production.
As well as learning through lectures, seminars and tutorials, one of the core modules will include interviews and workshops with top researchers in the fields of sociology, media and communication, and cultural studies.
The course will develop your critical and analytical skills and give you a solid grounding in research methods and current theories – and help you apply them to your own area of research.
Because of its strong research and theoretical content, we expect this course to inspire many students to progress to a PhD on a relevant or related topic.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
2:1 degree in a relevant subject, or an equivalent professional qualification.
We can give special consideration to applicants who have significant work experience in a relevant field.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £9,550
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £21,400
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Successful completion of this course will demonstrate to potential employers that you have a high level of knowledge in the field, and as our course has a strong emphasis on research methods and training, you will develop a range of transferable skills which are directly applicable to the professional world.
This course has a strong research and theoretical content of this course providing a solid foundation for your to progress to study at doctoral level.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- Contemporary Issues in Media and Cultural Studies
- Exploring the Social World
- Social and Cultural Theory
Plus your Media and Communication Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
Choose four option modules from:
- Global Affairs: Actors, Communication and Culture
- Media Audiences and Users
- Health Communication Theory and Practice
- Global Communications and Development
- Critical Approaches to Data Analytics and the Digital Economy
- Critical Approaches to Consumer Culture
- Gender Politics in Contemporary Media
- Digital Media, Online Persuasion and Behavioural Change
- Advertising Creativity
- The Globalisation of Sexuality: Culture and Media
- Digital Media in Everyday Life
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
In 1978 the University of Leicester launched the UK's first Masters Degree in the field of media and communication.
One of the UK's longest established academic centres for communication and media studies, we are internationally recognised for our innovative research.
Our research work is being supported by major government and international organisations.
You will be taught by experienced tutors and leading researchers in the field.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught using a variety of methods including lectures, seminar discussions and individual tutorials in preparation for assignments. This course also introduces interviews and workshops with top researchers, as well as leading industry thinkers.
You will undertake independent study and research throughout the course, which will be guided by tutors, in addition to participating in classes. You will complete a research-based MA dissertation which will be on a topic of your choice and where you will carry out extensive independent research, study and presentation.
You will be assessed through a combination of essays, online assignments and your dissertation of approximately 10,000-12,000 words.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Media, Culture and Society | Qualification MA | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
