University of Nottingham Malaysia
MA in Media, Communications and Culture
UNM/JPT-R3/0323/7/0005(3/29)MQA/SWA0506
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2-4 years
- Start date: February and September 2025
- Malaysian fee: RM58,000 per programme
- International fee: RM65,000 per programme
- Intake: February (Part-time) and September
Course overview
The MA in Media, Communications and Culture at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) offers an interdisciplinary approach, blending theoretical and practical skills to help students thrive in the dynamic media landscape. Throughout the programme, students will develop critical insights into global media transformations, exploring contemporary issues such as postcolonialism, digital media, and the culture industry.
A key feature of the Master’s programme is a fully funded, optional 1-week Digital Storytelling and Production module at CNN Academy in Abu Dhabi, where students gain hands-on content creation experience with CNN experts. This immersive opportunity allows students to refine their storytelling and technical skills while enhancing global media exposure.
Engage with industry professionals and academics, strengthening your research, analytical, and communication skills. The programme offers flexible pathways, allowing students to specialise in media, cultural policy, or combine both. With access to cutting-edge facilities, including a Digital Media Lab, this course will prepare students for careers in media, journalism, marketing, public relations, and more.
Why choose this course?
- Exclusive Collaboration with CNN: Gain hands-on experience in digital storytelling and production through an exclusive one-week optional module in collaboration with the CNN Academy. Create high-quality content that meets CNN’s global production standards and enjoy a fully paid trip to Abu Dhabi to work in a real-world media environment.
- Advanced Media and Cultural Analysis: Delve into cutting-edge theories and practices of media, communications, and cultural studies. Understand the socio-economic and political contexts that shape cultural formations, both historically and in today’s digital landscape.
- Practical Industry Insights: Gain practical media skills through workshops, digital storytelling, and industry simulations. Learn from academics and professionals, bridging theory with real-world experience.
- Independent Research Excellence: Master advanced research techniques through in-depth dissertation projects and essays. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate media transformation and cultural dynamics.
- Professional Growth and Communication Skills: Refine your writing, presentation, and time management skills. Gain the confidence and professionalism needed to excel in academic, creative, or managerial roles.
- Versatile Career Preparation: Equip yourself with transferable skills for a wide range of careers, including journalism, media production, cultural policy, public relations, and academia.
Course content
The full-time MA Media, Communications and Culture course lasts 12 months and is divided into two semesters and a summer period, and you will take three modules per semester. You will then complete a dissertation over the summer to be submitted in September. If you are studying the course part-time, you can complete this within 24 or 36 months, depending on your circumstances.This course covers the history of contemporary media communications and cultural studies, new forms of political economy and agency in an era of digital media. Some modules cover geography and information infrastructures, the ethics and politics of communication practices, and the symbolic and aesthetic forms of contemporary media.
Core modules
- Dissertation in Media, Communications and Culture
- Research Methods and Design
Optional modules (pick 5)
- Approaches to Theory
- Issues and Challenges in Contemporary Media
- Mass Media
- Postcolonial Theory
- Working in the Culture Industry: Case Study Workshops
- Digital Storytelling and Production
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
A relevant second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application.
IELTS (Academic):
|
6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)
|
TOEFL (iBT):
|
90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic):
|
71 (with no less than 65 in each element)
|
| MUET: |
Band 4.5 |
- IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
- IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
- MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
Learning and assessment
How you will learn
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Supervision
- Workshops
In addition to lectures, some modules have lab sessions, some have workshops and some drop in sessions. Each module is run with the aim of providing best learning experience for students and module objectives are achieved by devising the most appropriate delivery and assessment methods.
How you will be assessed
- Coursework
- Dissertation
- Presentation
- Essay
Modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework at the end of the relevant semester.
Fees
| Malaysian students | RM58,000 per programme |
| International students | RM65,000 per programme |
Funding
Find out about scholarships, financial assistance and specific research funding available to all malaysian and international students.
Scholarship fundingWhere you will learn
Malaysia Campus
Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.
The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.
Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.
*Classes are typically held at Semenyih, with modules at KLTC scheduled for part-time students as needed.
This content was last updated on 26 February 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.