Communication, Culture and Media MA

Postgraduate

Smiling student stood in front of a TV screen wearing a yellow hijab

Develop the creative, critical and digital skills needed to launch your career in the media and communications sectors.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST017

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

This course aims to cultivate the necessary creative, critical and digital skills for professional success.

Analyse, critique, and challenge traditional and contemporary perspectives within cultural studies and critical theory, while simultaneously engaging with current frameworks and practices in the media and communications sectors.
Develop your ability to critique both traditional and latest theoretical frameworks, concepts and ideas to the advanced and specialist levels.
Challenge traditional approaches to media and communications as you engage with a range of real-world case studies, including artificial intelligence-generated content, short-form video platforms and influencer culture.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Key features include:  

bringing theory into practice through hands-on, critical and creative media projects
an interdisciplinary approach at the intersections of diverse media and communications-related disciplines, providing key transferable skills to navigate the global creative industries with agility and innovation
personalised professional development, empowering you to find and develop your voice as a media professional as you prioritise your interests, skills and career goals, through opportunities for bespoke and personalised projects
a collaborative ethos, in which you can explore and exchange ideas and knowledge with students from related courses and industry collaborators² in a creative environment that fosters innovation and teamwork
access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, and a multidisciplinary team of scholars, to explore and test new media technologies and emerging communication channels, and produce an industry-ready professional portfolio.⁴

Collaborations

Endorsement: Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to 12 months Fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Professional Practice and Innovation module, you will receive an RSA digital credential.

What you'll study

Modules

Digital Screen Cultures- 30 credits

Global Media Industries and Systems- 30 credits

Explore the political, socio-economic, cultural, policy, technological and regulatory factors in which global media industries and practitioners operate, including film, journalism, public relations and communication. The module is informed by contemporary academic and industry research, with the exploration of contemporary case studies. Learn about media industries’ organisational policy and regulatory frameworks. 

Compulsory

Professional Practice and Innovation- 30 credits

Explore and investigate the ecologies of the creative industries, considering the connection between independent, commercial and public sectors. This module is designed in collaboration with the RSA, and upon successful completion, you will receive a digital credential from the RSA.

Compulsory

Research Methods- 30 credits

This module explores the theoretical, conceptual, investigative and practical tools needed to develop effective and ethical research in the field of communications, culture and media. The module will focus on and critically engage with the nature of methodology and contemporary issues and debates in the research of media texts, institutions and audiences. Engage in key debates and study the frameworks of research design in contemporary media to improve your research skills and apply them in professionally focused research projects.

Compulsory

Global Public Relations and Communication- 30 credits

Develop an advanced understanding of the relevant skills, strategies and dominant theories of the public relations industry. Module content expands reflective awareness of contemporary issues in the field of global public relations and communication practices, including their application on digital platforms and channels. Develop your practical and theoretical skills and an awareness of working practices in professional public relations through connections with industry representatives and the support of the module team.

Compulsory

Independent Project- 30 credits

You will manage to completion, a substantial piece of independent research practice that is informed by the wider contexts of your discipline, empowering you to conduct either an empirical or a practice-based research project.  You are allowed to undertake a bespoke project based on your research, professional interests and engagement with your relevant field of study.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Intensive module delivery should advance and challenge your skills and knowledge rapidly, reflecting the fast-paced and dynamic professional practices of contemporary media industries.   

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical sessions.

Teaching and learning hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching and learning hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours will vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions, including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent learning

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent learning which will make up the required study hours per module. You will be undertaking a variety of activities, learning through guided background research, planning and preparation, studio activity, creative practice and making, reviewing what you have learned and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress towards the end of your studies, you will spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
viva
presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. If you do not have formal qualifications but possess professional experience at an appropriate level in a related field and/or other relevant training and experience, you may be admitted with lower qualifications. This decision will be based on an interview and the submission of supporting materials that demonstrate your experience and achievements.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our postgraduate journalism courses have a dedicated area within the Ellen Terry Building consisting of three interconnected rooms that currently comprise two newsrooms, one of them doubling as a seminar room and the other as a Mac Lab with Adobe software.
There is access to two fully equipped radio studios, and your practical teaching and technical instruction takes place in the Tank TV Studio in The Hub.
You will have access to industry-standard equipment, including cameras and microphones through our media loan service.
Access Adobe Creative Cloud software on your personal laptop through a dedicated student license.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be well-positioned for roles in a variety of creative sectors, including advocacy and other forms of applied communications, academic research and scholarship, start-ups, the arts, and various sectors within the media industry.

You could seek positions in areas such as:

Academia
Marketing
Radio/podcasting
Social media management
Social media commerce sectors
Editorial positions
Advertising executives
TV and film production
Scriptwriting
PR account executive
Digital journalism
Social commerce.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to further their careers as:

Endemol producer
Hollywood producer (Kevin Del la Noy)
Social media managers and executives
Advertising executives
Film festival programmers
Government and advisory positions across the globe
Public relations managers
Academic and teaching positions in faculties across the world, such as Nigeria, India and China 
Media influencers
Social commerce executives
E-games producers.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Full-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.