International Communications and Development  MA

Overview

Communication is integral to development programmes. At a time when ideas about freedom of expression, democracy, human rights and access to natural and material resources guide development projects across the world, the question about the role of media and communications for social change becomes ever more pertinent.

The International Communications and Development MA provides an interdisciplinary framework to understand and critically assess the role of communications for and in development projects.

Development is taken as a contested concept that translates into courses for advocating democratic forms of participation, policy initiatives and training activities in media and communications sectors in different geographical regions.

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £7,500
  • Part-time EU: £4,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £11,500

Start Date:

24 September 2012

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

You will usually need to have a good honours degree in a social sciences-related subject, but we also welcome applications from those with substantial experience in human rights organisations, NGOs, social services, journalism/media, information and communication services and other related sectors.

Other Suitable Qualifications

INTO Postgraduate Preparation Programmes

If you do not qualify for direct entry, INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion to the required standard of the Graduate Diploma in Business, Law and Social Science at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.

Kaplan International College (KIC) London

Additionally, the University works in partnership with KIC London to provide preparatory courses for international students.  Foundation and Pre Masters courses at KIC London offer comprehensive support to students including regular one-to-one tuition. Progression to the University is guaranteed if you complete the KIC London course at the required level.

English Requirements

If your first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required:
  • IELTS: an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest
  • TOEFL (internet based): 100 - 105

INTO English Language Programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Please click the links below for more information:

Visa Requirements

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Start Date:
24 September 2012
Duration:
One year full-time. Two years part-time

Course Content

The course focuses on the relationship between communication, development and democracy.

Through the range of options available you will also gain a general knowledge of:

  • media and communication studies within the context of globalisation
  • the work of international organisations and nongovernmental organisations in development communication
  • political communication
  • media representation
  • media audiences
  • communications policy
  • and trans-national media systems.

The course will appeal to students with a general interest in communication studies and cross-disciplinary interests in development studies, sociology and politics.

Course Structure

You take six taught modules: three compulsory core modules and three electives. You also take part in a dissertation workshop and produce a dissertation over the summer period.

Core modules:

Elective modules - choose three from:


NB. Elective modules choices are subject to availability.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

We will teach you through a combination of lectures, classes and seminars, taking place in the first and second academic periods (September-April).

Assessment

The majority of postgraduate sociology modules are assessed by 100% coursework. However, some modules outside of the department may have different assessment methods so please check carefully. You are required to obtain a minimum pass mark of 50% in all assessment components.

Dissertation

The dissertation of 15,000 words accounts for one-third of the total marks for the MA degree.

Fees

  • Full-time EU: £7,500
  • Part-time EU: £4,000
  • Full-time Non EU: £11,500
Please note that, for part-time courses, the tuition fee is likely to increase by a small percentage in subsequent years.

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.

Career Prospects

82 percent of City's 2009 Sociology graduates were in employment or further study within 6 months of completing their course.

These courses will appeal to you if you wish to achieve a broad study of the subject, either as preparation for a research degree, entry into employment in the wide realms of media and communications, or as a means of furthering your understanding if you are already working in the domain.

These courses can lead to a wide variety of careers in broadcasting, press and telecoms networks, NGOs, the development sector and consultancies, advertising, marketing, politics, journalism, media management and regulatory agencies.

Find out more about City University London

Application Deadline

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications will close when the course is full, so you are encouraged to apply early.

MA International Communications and Development

To apply for one of our Sociology courses you will need to submit:

  • A completed application form (either electronically or by post)
  • Two references (at least one should be from an academic referee)
  • A certified copy of your undergraduate academic results and degree certificate
  • Proof of English proficiency (if you are not a native English speaker, or someone who has not been taught in English for their first degree subject)

Applicants are encouraged to apply online and either upload or email scanned copies of their supporting documents for convenience.

The application form and reference form can also be downloaded via the following link:

If you require a hard copy of the application pack (containing an application form and reference forms) then please email your name, address and the name of the programme to the Programme Administrator along with your request.

Return the completed form to:

Stefanie Arndt
Department of Sociology
School of Social Sciences
City University
Northampton Square
LONDON
EC1V 0HB