)
)
)
Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Media, Communication and Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Discover how to harness the power of storytelling, media, and advocacy to drive real change in the world. Whether your passion lies in global justice, humanitarian action, or digital innovation, our innovative MA in Media, Communication and Global Development empowers you with the tools to tackle some of today’s most urgent global challenges.
This course delivers a powerful mix of theory and hands-on experience, designed to launch your career in media and global development. You’ll gain invaluable project management skills by working on a real-world ‘media and development’ project with a leading business, charity, or media organisation. Plus, you can boost your CV with a rewarding work placement and specialised professional courses like Participatory Photography and Mobile Filmmaking. You’ll also learn how media is used as a tool of persuasion, dialogue, advocacy and democratic accountability by studying key topics including media freedom, NGO fundraising, international journalism, participatory communication and behavior change communication.
This MA was the first of its kind in the UK - helping to pioneer the study of media and development. Since then, it’s become a globally recognised programme, attracting students from around the world. This course is housed in the School of Global Development, a world-leading centre for research, teaching, and practice, ranked as the No.1 Development Studies institution in the UK (REF 2021).
Based in the beautiful city of Norwich, UEA is an inspiring place to study. Here, you’ll join our close-knit world-class academic community, where you can get involved in dozens of clubs and societies including UEA:TV, Livewire 1350 and the Concrete newspaper. In 2026-27, we'll also run an exciting optional, partly subsidised fieldtrip to the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to launch a career that makes a real impact. Whether you choose to work with international organisations, charities, media outlets, businesses, or policy makers, you’ll have the skills and confidence to drive change. Our alumni are already making a difference around the world—as aid workers, journalists, entrepreneurs, fundraisers, policy experts, filmmakers, teachers, PR professionals, photographers, and academics. Want a sneak peek into what this degree offers? Explore our free FutureLearn course: ‘Why media matters for development’.
)
Why Media Matters for Global Development
Curious about our MA Media and Global Development? Experience it firsthand with our free, online four-week course, 'Why Media Matters for Gl...
)
What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin by learning how development organisations use media and communication to help solve the world's most pressing issues. We’ll introduce you to the fields of communication for development, humanitarian communication, and media development. In the process, you’ll learn how both traditional and digital media can influence government policies, promote human rights, facilitate collective action, deliver public health messages and more.
You’ll also learn how the media is used to support, but also undermine, democracy. You'll explore how journalists report about poverty and conflicts, how activists around the world use social media to challenge governments, and how news coverage influences humanitarian aid. You’ll carry out your own critical analysis of media content to explore how communication helps to determine where power lies in society. Throughout, you’ll be taught to think critically about evidence, methods, theories and your own experiences of the media.
Later, you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience by working on a live project that uses media to promote positive social change. You’ll also critically reflect on the issues and processes involved in project design, development, and delivery. Recent project partners have included Action Aid, Amref Africa, Anti-Slavery International, BBC Radio Norfolk, Girl Effect, the Public Media Alliance, Save the Children and WaterAid.
You’ll also be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules in the School of Global Development as well as modules offered elsewhere in the university. This flexibility allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations.
You can also choose to do a work-placement to boost your professional experience. In the past, students have done placements with the BBC World Service, BBC Media Action, the British Red Cross, Save the Children, UNESCO and WaterAid. Alternatively, you could enhance your research and critical thinking skills by opting to do a dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
The School of Global Development has a critical mass of academics who specialise in media, communication and social change. This means that the core content of this MA in Media, Communication and Global Development will be taught by subject-experts.
Ludek Stavinoha is an Associate Professor in Media and Global Development whose research explores humanitarian communication, grassroots migrant solidarity, and EU border politics. His work combines ethnographic research in refugee camps with investigations into migration governance and transparency, often in collaboration with Lighthouse Reports. Ludek teaches across areas including humanitarian communication, media and democracy, and social movements.
David Girling is an Associate Professor in the School of Global Development and a Chartered Marketer with over 25 years’ experience in public and non-profit sector communications. His research focuses on social media for development, humanitarian communication, and ethical storytelling, with a particular interest in visual representation and charity advertising.
Martin Scott is Professor of Media and Global Development at UEA. His research focuses on media freedom, humanitarian journalism, media influence on aid, and audiences of distant suffering. He is the author of several books including Humanitarian Journalists and Capturing News, Capturing Democracy, and has worked with organisations such as UNESCO, the FCDO, and The New Humanitarian.
However, our teaching staff are not just experts in their fields. They’re also passionate educators who bring innovative teaching practices and real-world insights to the classroom. Teaching methods will include lectures, seminars, workshops, small group discussions, hands-on projects and more. Your lectures will go beyond the customary ‘chalk-and-talk’ approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll not only master core concepts but develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We also pride ourselves on creating a supportive atmosphere through our engaging course materials and inclusive learning environment so everyone can thrive.
Independent study
Your independent study is a vital part of this course as it enables you to focus on the areas that interest you most and explore those topics in greater depth. It’s also vital for preparing you for assignments and in-class discussions. Although most independent study is self-directed, teaching staff will provide you with help and support including suggested appropriate academic articles, books and other resources.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, and an optional dissertation. Further assessment methods will depend on the optional modules you choose.
You’ll be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines in advance of assessment deadlines, and to discuss these with the relevant lecturer during their office hours. Oral and/or written feedback on this work will help you to improve your coursework before submission.
You’ll receive written feedback on all your coursework assignments to help you understand where you performed well and where you can improve in future.
The dissertation enables you to develop specific research skills such as conducting research using primary and secondary data, researching specific topics and questions, thinking critically, and linking theoretical concepts to practical issues.
Alternatively, if you choose to do a work placement, you'll be assessed via an analytical report, which gives you the opportunity to critically reflect on your experiences, and develop key skills such as research, analysis, and professional communication.
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, our Student Support services are here to help.
)
Employability
After the Course
This MA in Media, Communication and Global Development will prepare you for a career where media and communication are central to creating positive change. You’ll graduate with a broad set of transferable skills, equipping you for a wide range of exciting careers in global development, media, and beyond.
Our graduates work in diverse roles across the UK and internationally, including charity communications, international advocacy, investigative journalism, humanitarian relief, and strategic communications. You’ll also be well qualified to pursue a PhD and continue to an academic career.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Charity marketing and communications
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Government communications
- Research
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Subjects related to International Development or Media.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Subjects related to International Development or Media.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
-
UK Students: £11,400
-
International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
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.