MA Media Studies at the University of East London is a distinctive programme which engages with contemporary debates in the discipline of media studies from a broadly cultural studies perspective. The programme is designed to develop a critical awareness of historical developments and current debates in media studies and consolidate student understanding of the complex, pervasive and transnational cultures of the production and consumption of media texts. In addition to providing a foundation module which sets out key aspects of the theoretical field of study, the programme offers a wide choice of options from a slate which reflects both the intellectual dynamism of current work in the discipline and the particular expertise of staff in the department. In general, options explore both textual transformations and the changing cultural, political and technological context in which modern media are produced and consumed. Appropriate options include Digital Cultures, Global Media; Screening Memory, Media Production and Work Practices in the Media Industries. The latter includes a placement component.

• The UEL Communication, Cultural and Media Studies submission was awarded a '5' rating in the 1996 and 2001 HEFCE Research Assessment Exercises.
• The MA Media Studies programme is taught by internationally recognised specialists in the field.
• Media Studies at the University of East London is approached from a broadly cultural studies perspective.
• The MA Media Studies programme includes media production and work placement options

The admission of applicants is at the discretion of the University. Applicants will normally have a first or upper second class degree or equivalent in a humanities or social science subject, or comparable professional or research experience. Applications from overseas and EU students are welcome. Students whose first language is not English should normally have achieved a score of 6.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent.

Eligibility for students without a degree-equivalent qualification will be assessed on the basis of short essay and statement. Where possible applicants will be interviewed by a member of the programme team in order to assess whether they are able to achieve the standard of work required for the award. Overseas students will be asked to supply evidence of written work of a standard sufficient for successful postgraduate study in lieu of an interview. Students wishing to take the media production unit may be required to demonstrate their technical expertise in the medium of their choice.

All students taking the MA Media Studies programme will do the foundation module, two options selected from the list of those on offer (one in each semester), the research methods and approaches module and the dissertation module. Dissertations are submitted at the end of September. An MA in Media Studies will be awarded on successful completion of the whole programme (180 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma in Media Studies will be awarded to students who successfully complete the foundation module, two options and either the research methods module or a third option (120 credits). A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the foundation module and one option (60 credits). Full-time students will normally attend for two days a week during semesters, part-time students for one day.

Modules are taught by lecture, seminar discussion, and practical production workshops.

Each module must be completed and is independently assessed. Module assessment is normally based on one or two pieces of work for each module. Details are clearly stipulated and could include a seminar presentation, essay, research project, piece of media practice or work placement report. All MA students are required to complete a dissertation. There are no exams.

The programme enables students to develop critical, intellectual and practical skills which will be relevant to a wide range of jobs. It does not however provide direct access to the labour market.

The dissertation is designed to provide students with the opportunity of pursuing self initiated work on a theme of their choice which demonstrates a critical understanding of the approaches, practices and knowledge acquired earlier on the programme and which additionally shows evidence of original research and innovative treatment. It will consist of an extended piece of analytical writing and may also include a production component in an appropriate media practice.

MA Media Studies degree will prepare students for higher level academic work and will also be appropriate for those seeking employment as researcher, administrators or practitioners in the media and cultural industries.

All students have a personal MA advisor and are invited to all School research seminars. University facilities include a Graduate Centre; a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) with a excellent access to international library services, and a wide range of books, journals, videos, PC stations, video viewing sites and photocopying facilities etc. The Multimedia Production Centre (MPC) has up-to-date broadcast standard digital production facilities in video, audio, photography and multimedia and is available to students doing media practice.