MA Media, Culture and Society (Part time)
Key Details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Course Options
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
If you're curious about how evolving technologies shape our culture and society—or the role digital media plays in everyday communication—this two-year, part-time MA is for you.
On this dynamic course, you’ll gain critical insights into the power, social impact, and cultural significance of media. You'll dive into contemporary debates and explore how media is increasingly at the heart of how we understand and experience the world around us.
Our MA in Media, Culture and Society is a vibrant, interdisciplinary course where you'll develop theoretical knowledge and an in-depth understanding of a range of key issues related to the impact of media on culture and society. You'll be introduced to key theories, concepts, debates, and approaches. You’ll also have the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations by choosing from a wide variety of modules in Digital Media, Public Relations, Communication Studies, and Film.
Beyond the classroom, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities to enrich your learning and build your professional experience. You could take part in internships and placements, join staff-student debates, attend tailored careers talks, sign up for our cinema club, or contribute to our blog and podcast series. You'll also have access to our state-of-the-art multimedia facilities and support from dedicated technicians—giving you the chance to apply your skills.
Our dynamic Master’s programme equips you with the critical tools, practical skills, and cultural insight to succeed across a broad spectrum of careers. Whether you’re aiming for a future in media and journalism, public relations, marketing, corporate communications, government, think tanks, the Civil Service or NGOs, this course prepares you for a constantly evolving media world.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your part-time MA will take place over two years, during which you’ll deepen your understanding of how media and culture shape our perceptions of society. To succeed in the media industries, it’s essential to appreciate the media’s power and its role in shaping our view of the world. You’ll explore key questions about the relationship between media and society while developing the critical and practical skills needed to thrive in today’s media landscape. You’ll build your awareness of digital media cultures, gain insights into the global media economy and the cultural and creative industries—including how they’re organised, structured, and managed. You’ll also explore how media communicates, influences, and engages diverse audiences.
You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules, allowing you to focus on areas that interest you most—such as digital media, intercultural communication, audience research, and media industries.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)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
You’ll be taught by experts in Digital Media, Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, and Public Policy. Teaching is research-led, meaning the questions explored in class reflect those being investigated by your lecturers in their own cutting-edge research. You’ll develop your knowledge and gain practical insight from a multidisciplinary academic team, who bring a diverse range of approaches to the study of media and culture. Drawing on both academic and industry expertise, the teaching team will equip you with the tools and skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic media landscape.
Most of your teaching will take place in seminars—small, discussion-based sessions that provide the ideal setting to test ideas, deepen your understanding, and enhance your intercultural communication skills. You’ll also benefit from lectures, workshops, and one-to-one tutorials, where you can engage more closely with course content and receive guidance from your lecturers and personal academic advisor.
Independent study is a key part of the course, and you’ll be supported in developing these skills through seminar preparation and assessment tasks.
Assessment
We’ll assess your learning through a diverse range of methods designed to reflect real-world professional practices. While you’ll write essays to demonstrate your understanding of course content, you’ll also create learning portfolios to showcase your ability to synthesise information and present it professionally. You’ll be introduced to critical reflection and asked to complete reflective writing tasks, construct research proposals, and deliver presentations.
This varied assessment approach is designed to build key transferable skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and project management—skills that are highly valued by employers and essential in professional media environments
Structure
In year two, you’ll complete your Master’s with a dissertation, giving you the opportunity to explore a topic of personal or professional interest in depth. This is an excellent way to apply your research skills to a substantial project, with the potential to align it with your future career goals. Your dissertation will demonstrate your ability to manage a large-scale project—an attractive skill to prospective employers.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)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
Year two culminates in advanced study, combining both compulsory and optional modules. The highlight is your dissertation—a chance to dive deep into a research topic you're passionate about, supported every step of the way by a dedicated academic supervisor.
Assessment
The emphasis on practical, skills-based assessment continues into your second year. You’ll deepen your knowledge and build confidence through coursework tailored to your module choices. Whether you're producing digital content, presenting research, or writing in-depth analyses, each assignment will prepare you for the challenges of working in media-related industries. The year culminates in your dissertation—a major independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by expert academic supervision.
Employability
After the Course
In conjunction with UEA’s Careers Central service, we host dedicated career events to support you in finding and applying for jobs in the media industries. At these events, you'll hear from alumni and professionals working at organisations such as the BBC, ITV, and Sky News, giving you valuable insights, advice, and networking opportunities.
Our school also has a dedicated careers advisor who offers one-to-one support, helping you identify internship opportunities and job openings. They run regular CV-building workshops and provide guidance on interview preparation.
Recent graduates from this course have secured roles in news organisations, marketing firms, digital media companies, think tanks, journalism, media production houses, and NGOs.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Digitial Media
- Global Communications
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Media Marketing
- Think Tanks
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- Additional Entry Requirements
If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact the university directly for further information.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area
- Additional Entry Requirements
If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact the university directly for further information.
- 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)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer 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 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:
- 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: £11,200
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International Students: £23,850
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
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 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.