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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 2027
Other Start Dates
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1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why MA Media, Communication and Global Development at UEA?
Discover how to harness the power of storytelling, media, and advocacy to drive real change in the world. This MA programme will empower you with the tools to tackle some of today’s most urgent global challenges.
Why Choose UEA
- Media power: You’ll learn how media is used as a tool of persuasion, dialogue, advocacy, and democratic accountability from expert academics
- Real projects: 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
- Field pioneer: This MA was the first of its kind in the UK - helping to pioneer the study of media, communication and global development
What is MA Media, Communication and Global Development?
This course delivers a powerful mix of theory and hands-on experience, designed to launch your career in media and global development.
You’ll study key topics including media freedom, NGO fundraising, international journalism, participatory communication, and behavior change communication.
In 2027-28, we plan to run a subsidised course trip to the International Journalism Festival(opens in a new window) in Perugia, Italy.
Want an introduction to this MA programme? Explore our free FutureLearn course: ‘Why media matters for development(opens in a new window)
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Careers
Career Pathways
With an MA in Media, Communication and Global Development, you could launch a career in:
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Charity marketing and communications
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Journalism
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Government communications
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Campaigns and advocacy
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Research and policy analysis
Career Support
Our course offers exceptional careers support, including events tailored to the School of Global Development, guidance on volunteering and internships to strengthen your CV. The School of Global Development also offers a dedicated extracurricular professional skills programme, designed to enhance your employability on graduation. Responsive to the ever-changing demands of the development sector, the programme evolves continuously to ensure you graduate with the most relevant and sought-after skills.
Also, you’ll receive support from UEA’s bespoke Career Central(opens in a new window). Our team of career specialists will offer opportunities for volunteering and internships as well as advice on strengthening your CV or mentoring throughout the process of job application.
After the Course
By the end of the course, 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.
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, and deliver public health messages.
You’ll also learn how the media is used to support but also undermine democracy. You'll explore how journalists report poverty and conflicts, how activists around the world use social media to challenge governments, and how news coverage influences humanitarian aid. 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(opens in a new window), Amref Africa(opens in a new window), Anti-Slavery International(opens in a new window), BBC Radio Norfolk(opens in a new window), Girl Effect(opens in a new window), the Public Media Alliance(opens in a new window), Save the Children(opens in a new window) and WaterAid(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window), BBC Media Action(opens in a new window), the British Red Cross(opens in a new window), Save the Children(opens in a new window), UNESCO(opens in a new window) and WaterAid(opens in a new window). 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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
The School of Global Development has a critical mass of academics who specialise in media, communication and global development. This means the core content of this MA is taught by subject experts. Ludek Stavinoha(opens in a new window)’s research explores humanitarian communication, media and democracy, and social movements. David Girling(opens in a new window)’s research focuses on social media for development, humanitarian communication, and ethical storytelling, with a particular interest in visual representation and charity advertising. Martin Scott(opens in a new window)’s expertise includes media freedom, international journalism, and media and foreign policy.
Our teaching staff aren’t just experts in their fields. They’re also passionate educators who bring innovative teaching practices and real-world insights into 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.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, and exams. The dissertation option 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 (opens in a new window)services are here to help.
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
Social Sciences
- 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
Social Sciences.
- 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):
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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(opens in a new window) 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.
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- 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £11,950
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International Students: £25,000
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of 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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.