MA Media and International Development
- Course Code DNT1PL39101
- Duration 1 Year
- Attendance Full Time
- Award Degree of Master of Arts
- Overview
- Why Choose Us
- Requirements
- Course Profile
- Fees and Funding
- Apply
The MA Media and International Development degree is a unique and innovative Masters programme which addresses current theories, practice and research surrounding the relationship between media and development.
This Masters degree has its own distinctive approach to analysing the relationship between media and development, focusing particularly on development communication and international coverage of development and developing countries as well as issues such as the role of media in governance, conflict and environmental change.
The media have a vital role to play in all aspects of development, including communicating development ‘messages’, promoting participation, and facilitating the flow of information locally, nationally and internationally. Media are also central to encouraging charitable donations, promoting good governance, democracy and human rights and in delivering public health messages during emergencies. The purpose of this MA is to provide students with theoretical frameworks for critically understanding this broad range of issues relevant to the relationship between media and development.
This Masters has links with a number of organisations in relevant fields. The course was founded by the secretary general of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA), who still teaches on it. A Chevening bursary (deadline: 23rd January 2012) is also offered through the CBA. New Media Networks contribute to the teaching on one of the core modules and alongside the CBA provide valuable resources in terms of broadcast materials, expertise, contacts and networks. Postcode Films has developed an intensive, six-day, course entitled, Ethnographic Film-making for Development Professionals, which MAMID students attend. More recently, MAMID students have helped to co-curate a season of short films with Your World View. In recent years we have also had visiting speakers from The Guardian, Mediae and Health Images. The course has also recently linked up with Inter Press Service to provide internship opportunities at some of their regional offices. Indeed, in recent years MAMID students have been relatively successful at securing internships and work placements such as with the UN in New York, UNESCO in Bangkok, the BBC in Norwich, Video Volunteers in India and TV Borjomi in Georgia (through ASA/GLEN).
Another distinctive feature of this MA in Media and International Development is its new ground-breaking module - Media and Development in Practice – which was introduced in the 2011-12 academic year. In this module students work with organizations in the local community to design, implement and evaluate their own ‘live’ media and development project and to reflect on the process along the way. This practice-based module is taught in collaboration with New Media Networks.
This Masters will be relevant to those who have recently completed undergraduate study with an interest in the relationship between media and development as well as those who have already worked in the media or in the field of development. Applicants for the MA programme should have a good first degree in the social sciences, preferably in media or development, and some relevant work experience would be desirable.MAMID students have gone on to work in a range of fields including journalism, humanitarian communication, NGO communications, media development, development communication and academia.
Teaching methods include a range of approaches and activities including seminars, lectures, video sessions and workshops. Assessment will be by essays, preparation for and participation in seminars and projects, a written examination, a dissertation and a media analysis.
The MA Media and International Development degree is offered over one year full-time, or two years part-time.
Please contact the course convenor, Martin Scott, for further information about the course.
Course Profile
Our Masters courses require students to undertake 180 credits:
- Compulsory and Optional modules (120 credits)
- Examination (20 credits)
- Dissertation (40 credits)
Students will receive detailed module outlines, including information about lectures and seminars, full reading lists and assessments once they have registered at the beginning of their course.
Please click to access the Course Profile for the MA Media and International Development.
Our Alumni
'I'm so excited that I did the right MA and will definitely use the knowledge I gained throughout the course in my job’ - Zilani Khonje, Media and Communications Coordinator, Oxfam Malawi.
Recommended Reading
Cottle, S. (2006) Mediatized Conflict: Understanding Media and Conflict in the Contemporary World.
Gumucio Dagron, A. (2001) Making Waves: Stories of Participatory Communication for Social Change. https://www.comminit.com/en/node/3713/36
Harvey, M. (Ed.) (2007) Media Matters: Perspectives on Advancing Media and Development from the Global Forum for Media Development. Internews. Available online at www.internews.org/pubs/gfmd/mediamatters.shtm
Hemer, O., Tufte, T. (eds.) (2005) Media and Glocal Change: Rethinking Communication for Development. Clasco books. Available online at http://bibliotecavirtual.clacso.org.ar/ar/libros/edicion/media/media.html
Servaes, J. (ed.) (2008) Communication for Development and Social Change.
Sparks, C. (2007) Globalization, Development and the Mass Media. Sage.
Thompson, A. (ed.) (2007) The Media and the Rwanda Genocide. Pluto Press.
Professional, Employability and Practical Skills
A range of optional seminars and workshops are offered during your Masters programme for the teaching and strengthening of student skills. Sessions to support learning - in particular essay and dissertation writing - occur throughout the year. Development practice training is also provided. Please click to access further information about the Skills Training and Development Practice programme.
International Development Research Groups
Research in the School of International Development addresses contemporary challenges in developing and transition economies via disciplinary and multi/interdisciplinary approaches. Please click to access further information about our International Development Research Groups and our current research projects.
The School of International Development offers excellent Masters degree courses in development studies. Our objective is clear: to offer individual Masters students an unrivalled training in their chosen subject, delivered by dedicated and experienced scholars, located within a very memorable and enjoyable life-enhancing year.
With 36 teaching staff and a team of support staff, we offer a very friendly and supportive environment - we are immensely proud of our reputation in this. We welcome about 140-160 postgraduate students each year. Particular attention is given to supporting international students: English and academic skills training, and computer guidance from very basic levels upwards are provided.
Teaching often takes place in a relatively informal learning environment, and courses may incorporate lectures, seminars, and practical work. Assessment is usually by essays, coursework assignments and a dissertation. A continuous control process ensures that our teaching quality continues to develop, and students have access to a number of quality-control channels including student feedback forms, debriefing meetings, and the Student Liaison Committee to help us monitor, evaluate and develop current practice. As well as in-depth and rigorous academic tuition, we also provide students with a range of development practice and key skills - plus opportunities for internships. Our social activities help bind together the students within each programme and across the whole cohort.
The School embraces methodological and theoretical innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment that our research should make a difference. Our staff support interdisciplinary research across environmental and natural sciences, economics and social and political sciences. Our International Development UEA research group works with a wide range of clients, including national and international development agencies, governments, NGOs, international research centres and private clients. Since 2001, we have worked with an estimated 600 different partner organisations and in any year we have 100 or more live projects underway.
Career Opportunities
International Development postgraduates are successful in entering a broad spectrum of employment, with alumni working for the World Bank, the United Nations, DfID, JICA, Christian Aid, Save the Children and many other organisations.
Many of our international students are seconded from governmental or non-governmental posts in their home country and will return to more senior posts with improved skills, knowledge and qualifications gained from their year with us.
Although there are few formal career paths in the field of development, a postgraduate qualification, combined with a willingness to review and change your career aims as development priorities shift, are valuable assets. Many NGOs recruit from applicants qualified and experienced in other types of organisation. This experience, combined with a postgraduate qualification in your chosen development field, will provide you with a valuable basis to pursue a variety of professions. A recent careers analysis of our International Development Postgraduates reflects this diversity, with alumni taking up posts in, for example:
- NGO management in Japan;
- soil and water conservation in Pakistan;
- construction consultancy in Sri Lanka;
- export management in Norway;
- investments directorship in Zambia;
- rural development coordination in Nigeria;
- senior inspector of schools in Kenya;
- development education work in the UK.
Others have proceeded to doctoral research within the School, or elsewhere, or have become research associates or desk officers for NGOs. Civil servants are well represented - including an Under-Secretary of State for the Solomon Islands - as are lecturers in higher education, and language teachers.
The University of East Anglia provides a professional Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to pursue their chosen career path and develop their employability skills. Please click to view the career profiles of some of our recent graduates.
Come and Visit Us
Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere.
You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.
If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:Admissions Office (Development)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591393
Email: pgdev.admiss@uea.ac.uk
Please click here to download the School of International Development Postgraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.
Applicants should normally have a good first degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
It is normal for undergraduate students to apply for entry to postgraduate programmes in their final year of study. Applicants who have not yet been awarded a degree may be offered a place conditional on their attaining a particular class of degree.
- Undergraduate Degree Subject Social Sciences, preferably media or development
- Undergraduate Degree Classification 2.1 or equivalent
- Special Requirements Relevant work experience desirable
We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:
· IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
· TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 (minimum 19 listening, 21 speaking, 19 writing and 20 reading)
· PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
Other tests such as TOEIC and the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English are also accepted by the university. Please check with the Admissions Office for further details including the scores or grades required.
INTO UEA and INTO UEA London run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk (INTO UEA Norwich) or pseuealondon@into.uk.com (INTO UEA London).
- Year 1
Year 1
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Dissertation
Production of a short (8000-12000) dissertation on an approved topic.
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DEV-M04X | 40 | Semester 2 |
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MA in Media and International Development: Exam
This is a 3 hour exam taken by all students on the MA in Media and International Development.
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DEV-M084 | 20 | Semester 2 |
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Media and International Development
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the analysis of the different approaches to development communication and the wider relationships between media and development.
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DEV-M082 | 20 | Semester 2 |
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Media and Society
This module is intended to provide all students studying media related postgraduate degrees with a broad, current and inter-disciplinary understanding of the media today. The guiding philosophy informing this module is the belief that in order properly to understand the media, whether as a lawyer, economist, development studies professional, media studies specialist or political scientist, it is essential to have a wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary understanding of the modern media. What we shall be doing over the year therefore is looking at the structure of the media industry today in the UK and globally. We will consider, from several different academic perspectives, how media content is constructed, what factors and influences go to shape content and how content may be controlled and even censored. We will also look at the media industry, examining how it is currently organised and managed, what factors influence its current organisation and consider how it might develop. We will also examine how media affects people and society and consider also the assumptions that are made about the impact of the media. Finally, we will seek to draw together key aspects of modern media.
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PSIPM09Y | 40 | Year Period |
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Media and Development in Practice
In this module students will be working in the university and in the local community to design, implement and evaluate their own `live' media and development project. This module is taught and facilitated by lecturers from DEV and by a team of professionals from a media and development organisation, called New Media Networks (NMN). NMN is a creative industries company that works in the UK and internationally for lasting social change. Students will also be working with staff (and possibly
volunteers) from the local organisations we collaborate with.
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- UK/EU Students: £5,900 (full-time), £2,950 (part-time)*
- International Students: £11,900
* for each year of the course.
International applicants from outside the EU may need to pay a deposit.
Living Expenses
Approximately £7,500 living expenses will be needed to adequately support yourself.
Scholarships and Funding
A variety of Scholarships may be offered to UK students. Please click here for more detailed information about UK/EU Scholarships and Funding.
The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Please click here for further information about funding for International students. International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.
You can apply online, or by downloading the hard copy application form, or by using the application form in the University’s Postgraduate Prospectus.
Further Information
To request further information & to be kept up to date with news & events please use our online enquiry form.If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.

