Overview

This new Masters degree in Media, Campaigning and Social Change from the world ranking Department of Journalism and Mass Communications aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and strategic approach to develop and analyse social change campaigns, with a particular focus on the role of communications and the media.

This innovative course builds on our close links with leading campaigners and communicators in London’s vibrant social change sector. This will ensure it accurately reflects the skill sets in demand and delivers an exciting learning experience. A limited number of work placements and internships will be available.

The course is aimed at those with some experience or interest in social change, the media, and communications or campaigns within not for profit organisations. The course will help you improve your practical skills, develop a deep understanding of the theories and frameworks that underpin and shape campaign communications, and enjoy the space to reflect critically on current and past practice. It is designed to help you start, or progress, a career in charity, pressure group or public sector campaign communications. It may also be of interest to those working in corporate social responsibility.

The course team has extensive experience both in developing social change campaigns and in academic research into the connections between media and social change. The course is jointly led by Michaela O’Brien and Dr. Anastasia Kavada.

The course offers a number of delivery modes to suit the different needs of students and can be taken as either part-time or full-time.

There are three core modules. The first develops practical planning and campaign communications skills; the second considers media and activism theories; and the third combines theory with practice, reflecting on applying concepts like power and ethics within the setting of campaign communications. Each module has assessments – e.g. essays, campaign plans, reflective blogs, debates and presentations - rather than exams.

These three core modules make up the Post Graduate Certificate.

Students can take another three modules - chosen from a very wide range of options including practical media and content production skills; diversity issues; development and policy; social media; theories of communication and more - to complete a Post Graduate Diploma.

Students wanting to take the Masters course also complete either a 15,000-word research dissertation, or a professional practice project (which can be work-based).

Employability

At Westminster, we have always believed that your University experience should be designed to enhance your professional life.We place as much emphasis on gaining skills relevant to the workplace as on learning the academic discipline that you are studying.

Obtaining a placement, part-time or vacation job while you study will provide you with extra cash and help you demonstrate that you have the skills employers are looking for.

In London, there is a plentiful supply of part-time work - most students at the University of Westminster work part-time (or full-time during vacations) to help support their studies.

Programme Structure

Core modules - Semester One

Critical issues in campaigning

In this module, students will consider the factors that influence social change in the context of current campaigns around the world, and the historical development of campaign techniques and practices. They will apply a critical analysis of concepts such as power, theories of change, ethics, innovation, media representation, narrative and framing to practical scenarios and topical campaigns. This module requires students to monitor and critically evaluate practice in the UK and / or internationally.

Core modules - Semester Two

Planning campaign communications

In this module students will learn how to research and plan a campaign for social change based on the theories of social change examined in semester 1. They will produce communication material such as news releases, e-alerts, tweets, infographics and / or videos to support the campaign strategy. Where possible, students work to live briefs. This is a practical, hands-on module taught through a series of workshops, visits to campaign communication teams in London-based campaigning organisations, and guest talks by leading campaigners and social change communicators.

Media, activism and politics

The module critically investigates the relationship between media, activism and politics. It offers a critical assessment of the role of media in political mobilization, social movements, dissent, wars, conflicts, elections, and political and social crises. The module looks at the impact of the internet and new means of transparency and communications on journalism and activism in a range of circumstances from secure democracies through different kinds of political systems. The module is unique in its combination of traditional academic lectures and seminars with attendance of topical events and visits to relevant exhibitions and institutions.

Optional modules

Students choose three optional modules from the following menu. You may choose to focus on practical skills, on new technologies, on diversity or development, or on media audiences and industries.
Semester One (choose two of the following):

Approaches to Social and Cultural Diversity
Global Media
Media Production
Media Management and Content Production (PR and the Media)
Political Economy of Communication
Reporting Diversity: Gender, Sexuality, Age, Disability
Social Media: Creativity, Sharing, Visibility
Technology and Communications Policy
Theories of Communication

Semester Two (choose one of the following):

Approaches to Media and Communications Research
Critical Theory of Social Media and the Internet
Development and Communications Policy
Media Audiences
Online Journalism
Reporting Diversity: Faith and Religion
Reporting Migration, Race and Ethnicity
Sociology of News
Web Production: Westminster News Online

Associated careers

This course is particularly relevant if you want to start, or to progress, a career in communications and campaigning for social change, whether in a charity or non-governmental organisation; in a public sector body; in a political party or election campaigning setting; or even in a corporate social responsibility role. It could also be a stepping-stone towards a PhD and an academic career in this growing field of study.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

We did our best, but couldn't find the next application deadline and start date information online.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Journalism & Media View 479 other Masters in Journalism & Media in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To be accepted onto the course, students require a good first degree from a recognised university, equivalent to at least an Upper Second (2:1) or minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00. The MA in Media, Campaigning and Social Change is an interdisciplinary course and we welcome applications from students with degrees in a range of subjects, as well as from mature students with relevant work experience and / or experience in campaigning for social change. In exceptional cases, work experience may compensate for a lower first degree.

The course requires a high standard of written and spoken English. If English is your second language, you are asked to certify that you have achieved an IELTS grade of at least 7.0 overall in reading, writing, speaking and listening to English, with no individual score below 6.5, or the TOEFL equivalent.

You will be asked to write a brief 300 word essay on social change and the media to help us assess your application: the essay title will be given to you during the admissions process. When possible, we will also interview applicants in person, by telephone or by Skype before offering you a place.

We will be looking for evidence of your interest in and understanding of communication and campaigning, as well as analytical skills and a commitment to post-graduate study. Experience of campaign issues is an advantage.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13500 GBP / year

≈ 13500 GBP / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

7000 GBP / year

≈ 7000 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Media, Campaigning and Social Change.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Employability

Programme Structure

Core modules - Semester One

Critical issues in campaigning

Core modules - Semester Two

Planning campaign communications

Media, activism and politics

Optional modules

Associated careers

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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