Media and Communications

Global Media and Communications

MA

Programme details

  • Next start date: Sep 2025
  • Study: Full-time
  • Duration: 12 months

Overview

Please note we've recently changed the name, modules and structure of this course. View the previous version here

Explore the opportunities and challenges of media and communications.

The international media landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace – driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer habits and an expanding global reach. This holds immense potential for innovation and engagement – and brands, businesses and personalities are investing substantial budgets to push boundaries and stand out from the crowd. To navigate this, the industry is in critical need of media professionals who stay informed and adapt to trends quickly and responsibly.

Why Regent’s?

  • An intimate campus: located in the heart of London’s royal Regent’s Park
  • Unparalleled global connections: gain exposure to leading industry professionals
  • Future-facing: an innovative curriculum structure that's unique to Regent's
  • Small class sizes: experience tailored attention, support and guidance
  • Live projects: collaborate with real brands to build your personal portfolio
  • Practical learning: apply theory to real challenges in practical labs and workshops  
  • Prime location: visit media centers, TV studios and immersive exhibition spaces
  • Teaching excellence: developed by award-winning, globally renowned academics
  • Interdisciplinary: gain knowledge beyond media and communications

Discover more!

Media and communications production, consumption and influence has become intrinsically linked with our personal lives, communities, nations and beyond. The rise of social media and user generated content has given everyone a voice, AI is revolutionising content creation and personalisation, while virtual and augmented reality offer immersive experiences beyond entertainment. However, concerns about data security, privacy, ethics and sustainability must be addressed.

On this dynamic course, you’ll explore the opportunities and challenges of the two sectors – looking at theory alongside new insights, techniques and technology. You’ll be exposed to industries beyond PR and advertising, investigating how news agencies, event planners, filmmakers, journalists, influencers and charities tell stories and reach new audiences – and how to use these methods across countries and cultures.

Looking at current issues around the world, you'll discover the influence media storytelling has socially and politically – and how people in power use this to their advantage to gain traction and shape perceptions. You’ll develop the skills to monitor and analyse reactions, conduct interviews, perform observations, predict future trends and implement creative strategies to engage audiences while telling stories truthfully across all platforms.

You’ll also have opportunities to work collaboratively with real businesses and brands looking for new ideas and talent. Recently, students pitched campaign ideas to influencers, production companies and charities including Football for Peace – conducting their own research, developing 360 campaign plans and applying their skills to real-world scenarios. As a result, all our graduates have successful careers.

To kick off your final term, you’ll join an immersive residential, where you’ll have space to reflect on your studies, network with your cohort and professors and refine your goals. Once back, you’ll start your final project (a placement, dissertation or creative endeavor – e.g., a strategy, digital consultancy, campaign, film or website) which you can use as part of your portfolio to share with future employees.

No matter your subject background, you’ll broaden your skillset, build your network, learn new skills and be exposed to a variety of sectors before deciding on your area of specialism.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in one of the world’s most progressive and exciting industries – able to think outside of the box, and work across sectors from media research to consultancy. You’ll join alumni who hold positions in international publications, PR firms, social media, research and marketing – working for brands like The Art Newspaper, TF1 Television Paris and the Norwegian Space Agency.

London-centric learning

From global organisations to new start-ups, studying in London offers opportunities for you to engage with hundreds of businesses and brands – learning directly from industry leaders via events, workshops and creative networks, both on campus and in the city centre. This year, students have heard insights from speakers including:

  • Lindsay McIntosh – Head of News, The Sunday Times
  • Gareth Dunsmore – Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Automotive
  • Lydia Slater – Editor-In-Chief, Harper’s Bazaar
  • Dennis De Munck – Head of Employer Branding, Ferrari
  • Sasha Slater – Head of Luxury, The Telegraph
  • William Oliver – Chief Brand Officer, dunhill
  • Oliver Borm – Director of Advertising Strategy, Google
  • Kurt Barling – Chief reporter, BBC Television
  • Kishan Athulathmudal – Investigative journalist, Channel 4 News
  • Thomas Finetto – Global Head of Creative, Meta

And have been invited behind the scenes at locations including:

  • BBC Cardiff
  • A film shoot for the British Film Institute, London
  • Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience
  • The Postal Museum, London  
  • Mass Observation Archive, Brighton

A tailored experience  

We put you in the driving seat – shaping your education from day one:  

  • Your own support officer: receive tailored advice and support when needed
  • Academic guidance: access regular one-to-one sessions and a unique open door policy
  • Flexible modules: personalise your course with a choice of special electives
  • Additional language classes: prepare for domestic and international opportunities 
     

Course is subject to validation. 

Students on a writing retreat at Loch Bunachton, Scotland
Students' immersive residential
BBC Cardiff Broadcasting Studio
Visiting BBC Cardiff's TV studios
Students at the National Archives
Exploring the National Archives in London
David Hockney exhibition
David Hockney's immersive exhibition

How to apply

Applying to Regent's is quick and easy. We accept direct applications year-round and there's no application fee. If you haven't received your exam results, you can still apply and we'll issue you with a conditional offer. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you're currently studying for.

Step 1: Apply

During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:

  • A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
  • Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies
  • A 500-700 word personal statement (view guidance)
  • If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency

Credit transfer

If you’ve already studied part of your degree elsewhere, you may be able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and join your new course at an advanced entry point. To apply for RPL, you'll need to state this clearly in your application and provide us with the certificates, transcripts and module descriptions for your previous course.

Step 2: Receive a response

You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days. We'll assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of our decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.

For some of our courses, the selection process may include an interview or audition. They can take the form of a one-to-one interview, a group interview or a portfolio review, which may be conducted by telephone or online. Arrangements of these are made between you and the Admissions department.

Step 3: Accept your offer

If you wish to accept your offer, you must pay your (non-refundable) advance tuition fee deposit. This will confirm your place. Here's how.

Step 4: Register 

Closer to the start of term, our Admissions team will send instructions regarding your registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment before you arrive, as well as a checklist of documents you'll need to bring with you to campus.

Information for international students

If you're an overseas student, you'll likely require a visa to study in the UK. Here's how to apply.

Scholarships and funding

There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies. For more information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.

Fees

Tuition fee: 

  • £27,000 for the intake starting in September 2025

Non-refundable advance deposit:

UK students: £1,000
International students: £4,000

Read more about tuition fees.

When do I need to pay?

If you receive an offer for a course, you’ll receive a pro forma invoice. To accept your offer and secure your place, pay your deposit payment as soon as possible.

The remaining portion of your first year’s tuition fees will be due when you enrol. At this time, you’ll receive your invoice for the full year. You can choose to pay for the year in full before the start of your first academic year or in two instalments, spread out across the academic year. The dates of these instalments will be determined by when your course starts.

What do fees include?

Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms. 

What other costs should I budget for?

You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of your course.

The library holds a limited number of copies of core textbooks and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own textbooks and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your course.

How you'll learn  

At Regent's, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a dynamic, supportive and collaborative environment with interactive classes, industry opportunities, specialist facilities and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to secure your dream job.

You’ll pair academic knowledge with hands-on experiences – exploring current issues and proposing solutions to real challenges. Classes incorporate:

  • Seminars and guest lectures
  • Practical workshops and creative labs
  • Group work and live projects
  • Live briefs and consultancy work

Based in London, you'll also have opportunities to meet industry leaders and employers through guest lectures, live briefs, events and field trips.

Contact hours

14 hours per week of timetabled teaching classes in the first two terms.

Teaching staff 

You'll be taught by a mix of industry experts and research-active academics who have extensive global experience. They’ve published journals, books, news articles and magazine columns, appeared on documentaries and been quoted in outlets from Forbes to the Financial Times. They've also worked with brands including Meta, Microsoft and Coca Cola. Their knowledge and experience ensure classes are always shaped by the latest technologies and trends. You’ll also:

Independent learning

Throughout your time at Regent’s, you'll be expected to undertake extra reading, research, revision and reflection – working alone and collaboratively with classmates.

Method of assessment

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed via a range of task-based projects, reports, communication plans, presentations, briefs and more – ensuring your learning is always:

  • Inclusive – fostering a student-focused approach
  • Engaging – encouraging interaction and participation
  • Authentic – based on real business challenges

Disability support

We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. Please speak to us as soon as possible, so we can provide the help you need.

Academic requirements: Level 7

We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and we review each application comprehensively on its own merit. You'll need one of the following qualifications:

  • Minimum second class UK undergraduate degree
  • Equivalent international qualifications, as deemed acceptable by Admissions & UK ENIC

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning

We also welcome applications from students who don't meet our usual entry requirements. To be accepted for exceptional entry, you must:

  • Have three years of work experience if you don't hold a degree

You'll need to provide us with:

  • Your current CV
  • A headed employment letter detailing your position and length of service
  • A headed reference letter
  • A personal statement outlining your experience and ambitions

This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, by academic referral only.

English language requirements 

Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):

QualificationSubjectGrade
GSCE*EnglishC (4)
IB SL or HL*English A4
IB HL*English B5
US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)*Grade 11 and above in EnglishC
IELTS*AcademicOverall score of 6.5, with 5.5 or above in each component
UG degreeFrom English-speaking countries – defined by the UKVISecond class

Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.

*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.

We also offer conditional students a free, online diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This must be booked in advance. Discover more.

Careers

You’ll graduate as a multi-skilled media professional, with a portfolio of highly specialist communications skills, able to work in a range of positions:

  • Academic
  • Communications expert
  • Media analyst
  • Journalist
  • Researcher
  • Public relations manager
  • Civil servant
  • Social and digital media analyst
  • Content developer

You'll graduate with the transferable skills needed to choose any career that aligns with your interests.

Graduate visa

After you've completed your course, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa. This enables you to work or look for work in the UK for up to two years after you leave Regent's, without the pressure of having to secure a job immediately.

Careers support

Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – our Careers, Enterprise and Industry team are here to provide personalised advice and access to resources for life!

  • 24/7 access to online guidance and resources
  • Exclusive internships, networking opportunities and industry events
  • Personalised consultations – from interview and CV prep to business advice
  • Access to Handshake, connecting you with 650k+ global employers

The Regent's Model

We've designed our curriculum for you – expanding your knowledge, skills and thinking with three building blocks:

  • Subject Core
  • Special Electives
  • Common Modules

Read more about how you'll learn and view a list of Special Electives. Please note, all Special Electives are subject to availability.

You can choose to start in either September or January. No matter which you choose, you’ll complete three terms. For September starters, these are autumn, spring and summer, lasting 12 months. January starters take a break over the summer and complete an additional autumn term. Therefore, this lasts slightly longer: 16 months.

The structure below depicts a September start. January starters will complete the same modules, but in a slightly different order.

View your academic calendar.

MA Global Media and Communications

Term 1

Module title
Core Concepts in Global Media This module equips you with the tools necessary to comprehend the historical evolution and current debates in media and communications, integrating past and present. It introduces you to this widely interdisciplinary field, focusing on foundational theories and debates, regardless of your academic background. It encompasses diverse approaches and discussions, including political economy, screen and cultural studies, audience research and political communications. In class, you'll explore the practical applicability of concepts and theories to problem-solving, becoming familiar with contemporary areas of research and practice within both academia and the media industries. Additionally, it'll facilitate connections between theoretical frameworks and your own interests. Upon completion, you'll be well-versed in the interdisciplinary concepts and theories essential for understanding media and its relationship to society, individuals and everyday life.
Media Research Design and Methods This module equips you with essential skills to critically analyse media and gain a deep understanding of content, technologies and users. Combining theory with practice, you’ll learn the fundamentals of research design and ethics. Hands-on workshops will teach you to create effective surveys, conduct insightful interviews and perform participant observations. You’ll also gain proficiency in using cutting-edge digital tools, platforms and environments tailored for research. Collaborative exercises and group projects will further enhance your ability to apply these skills in real-world scenarios. Benefiting from London’s vibrant academic landscape, you'll refine your research design techniques through visits to institutions of knowledge and opportunities to engage with leading scholars. This practical and engaging module will equip you with the skills and confidence to successfully lead and complete a media research project from start to finish, both in academic and corporate settings.
Masters Perspectives This module will develop your advanced academic skills as you grow as an independent thinker and researcher. Through the distinct lens of your subject field, you will explore advanced critical thinking and analytical skills, and develop your ability to communicate complex ideas, develop research questions and plan to reach ambitious objectives with maximum impact and clarity.
Language or Special Elective Choose between a language module or an elective module. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to our full list.

Term 2

Module title
Global Mediascapes Media and communications consumption, production and influence has become intrinsically linked with our personal lives, our communities, our nations and beyond. This module moves from examining historical analogue through to digital platforms to current areas of AI and other trends in depth. It provides a space to investigate and critically challenge conventions and norms and engage in research that has impact and meaning. You'll explore how global media influence is produced and maintained and how power is built and transformed though media and communications practices including in the areas of industry, society, politics and culture – and develop an expertise in being able to define past practice and predict emergent trends in relation to your own areas of interest, local and globally.
Critical Perspectives on Data This module, designed to follow the work in Media, Research Design and Methods, leads you through cutting-edge, experimental and interventive ways of designing and disseminating research. You'll gain an overview of digital tools in contemporary, emerging and predicted research practices. Within that, you'll develop your own project, employing inventive and conceptual methods in social and media research that breach traditional disciplinary divides and rules. Designing new, transdisciplinary and impactful types of academic and professional research, you'll be led through critical approaches to ‘data’ and ‘big data’ as both prevalent discourses and actual repositories of information that need to be processed and presented in careful and meaningful ways. Working with your own data, you'll explore out-of-the-box, artistic and performative approaches to research dissemination and data visualisation.
Professional Perspectives This module will help you to define and develop your professional identity and build career objectives. You'll explore the skills you need to succeed in the contemporary workplaces (including large organisations and start-ups), explore professional communications, project management, collaboration, entrepreneurial and creative thinking, active personal and professional reflection. You’ll also learn strategies for how to plan your career, aware that concepts of work will become increasingly more fluid as time goes on.
Language or Special Elective Choose between a language module or an elective module. Scroll to the top of the page to find a link to our full list.

Term 3

Module title
Final Major Project The Final Major Project is the culmination of your master’s course. You'll integrate and apply the knowledge, experiences and thinking you've developed to a project that you conceive and design. Your project should ideally be focused on your next professional steps – it can form part of your portfolio as you move towards work, further study or setting up a new business. It may be based on conducting research, solving a practical problem, or creating an artefact – or it may be a combination of all three. Whichever approach you choose, you will critically record and reflect on your intellectual, creative and investigative processes in detail. While you’ll have the support of your course tutors and an academic supervisor, as a postgraduate student you’ll be expected to develop and prove your ability to operate independently in both academic and professional settings.

Apply now

MA Global Media and Communications

Poorvi Surana quote

Poorvi Surana
'My tutors came with a plethora of knowledge, able to explain complex concepts in an engaging fashion. Most importantly, they were super passionate, which made the whole experience amazing. I have never had a better teaching experience than at Regent's'. Poorvi Surana, MA Media & Communications student

Jillian Heller quote

Jillian Heller
‘I combined my dissertation with my extra-curricular volunteering at the Feminist Library of London, which which connected the dots between what I’ve learned in the classroom and what I care about outside of it.’ Jillian Heller, MA Media & Communications alumna

Ken Fero

Ken Fero
'The MA allows students to explore media and digital communications theory and practice, and support their development. Students will build skills, make contacts and develop a critical understanding of emerging trends and opportunities.' Dr Ken Fero, Course Leader