Overview
Overview and entry requirements
The MA Global Media and Digital Cultures (online) is a unique interdisciplinary programme; it offers critical grounded knowledge of global media and digital cultures in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with a focus on the dynamics between media and politics and diplomacy, media and social/political change, media and development, media and conflict, media and representation and media and identities. The degree prepares students for jobs in the media and communication sectors, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, UN bodies and international organisations.
Taught by leading scholars and drawing on SOAS expertise in the Global South, this MA programme provides students with a non-Eurocentric approach to addressing some of the key debates in contemporary lives – populism, hate speech, fake news, access and representation, inequalities (with a specific focus on gender and minorities) and transnational communities and diasporas. The course will expose students to the main discussions around the role and impact of global media players, including the tech companies on digital economies and futures.
Our research in film and media has been ranked in the top 20 in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with more than a third of our research publications assessed as 4* (world-leading). See Centre for Global Media and Communications
Who should apply
Designed for recent graduates as well as professionals who are looking to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in the media sector as well as in PR, communication systems and companies, government, education, NGOs and the UN.
Start of programme: April and October
Mode of Attendance: Online Learning
Entry requirements
- The MA Global Media and Digital Cultures is designed for recent graduates as well as professionals who are looking to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in the media sector as well as in PR, communication systems and companies, government, education, NGOs and the UN.
Applicants do not need to have an academic degree in media and communication. However, a genuine demonstrated interest in media and its role would be an advantage.
Structure
Structure
Mode of delivery
Our modules are centred around learning via the discussion forums. Each week, the Associate Tutor introduces the topic and provides some relevant recordings to help students with the readings. In addition, the module convenor holds monthly meetings with students to discuss the main issues arising.
Dissertation
All students will take a compulsory Dissertation with a value of 60 credits.
Taught Component
All students will take two compulsory modules, one core module, and one guided option.
Core Module
Compulsory Modules
You will select one of the following
Guided Option
All students will take one guided option from List A below.
List A
Important notice
The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. If you are a current student you can find structure information on the previous year link at the top of the page or through your Department. Please read the important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching & Learning
This programme is taught 100% online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
In the VLE you will have access to learning materials and course resources anytime so you can fit your studies around your existing commitments. For each module, students will be provided with access, through both the SOAS Library and the University of London’s Online Library, to all necessary materials from a range of appropriate sources.
A key component of the student experience will be peer to peer learning, with students engaged in discussion forums with the support of their dedicated Associate Tutor
Study timetable
A Study Timetable is provided for each module and for the overall programme to help you to organise your time.
The programme is broken down into two study sessions per year (starting April and October). Each subject module lasts 16 weeks, followed by a research mini module lasting 8 weeks.
Timeline of Distance Learning MAs: Global Media and Digital Cultures (PDF)
Sample study timetable
Activity |
Duration |
Subject module |
16 weeks |
Reading weeks |
2 weeks |
Research mini module |
6 weeks |
Reading weeks |
2 weeks |
This 26 week cycle is replicated twice yearly beginning in April and October.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by five written online assessments (‘e-tivities’*) comprising of 30% of a module’s assessment, the remaining 70% is a 5,000 word essay as the final e-tivity. The assessments within the e-tivities provide formative and summative feedback to students as a means of monitoring their progress and encouraging areas in which they can improve.
* An 'e-tivity' is a framework for online, active and interactive learning following a format that states clearly to the students its 'Purpose'; the 'Task' at hand; the contribution or 'Response' type; and the 'Outcome' (Salmon, G. (2002) E-tivities: The Key to Active Online Learning, New York and London: Routledge Falmer.)
Research training and dissertation
Research training is a key feature of this programme, the dissertation module is presented in four parts – mini research modules -, which will follow each of your module sessions.
The dissertation, a 60 credit module is assessed by the submission of a 1,500 word research proposal (dissertation research module part 2) accounting for 15% of the modules mark. The remaining 85% of the module mark will be based on the mark obtained for the submission of a written dissertation of no more than 15,000 words, excluding the bibliography and appendices (dissertation research module part 4).
Engaging in the dissertation research module is a requirement for all students to complete the programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
MA/MSc |
PGDip* |
PGCert* |
£12,000 |
See below |
See below |
*PGDip and PGCert are available as exit awards. Interested students should get in touch directly with the course team.
Pay as you learn
Our online programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Pay as you learn means you pay for modules prior to enrolment (£3,000 each).
Postgraduate loans
If you have been a resident in England for three years you may be eligible. For more information, please see Fees and Finance..
Employment
Employment
Graduates from the Centre for Global Media and Communications gain expertise in media, communications and film production within a global framework. Graduates develop a portfolio of transferable skills including communication skills, interpersonal skills and team work, which are highly respected by employers.
Recent Centre for Global Media and Communications graduates have been hired by:
- Africa Mediaworks Ltd.
- Al Jazeera
- Associated Press
- BBC
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer
- British Film Institute
- Channel 5
- Comic Relief
- Cordoba African Film Festival
- Discovery Communications
- Equality Now
- Hackney Film Festival
- International Channel Shanghai
- Internews Europe
- Merlin
- Novus
- Office for National Statistics
- Royal College of Art
- The Institute of Ismaili Studies
- Unilever
- United Nations
- Westminster City Council
Find out about our Careers Service.
A Student's Perspective
The Media and Middle East degree is one in a million. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone wanting a critical and introspective look at the ever-dynamic relationship between media, politics, and society in the Middle East.
Mounira Lisa Sabella
Apply
How to apply 2022
Start your application (opens in a new window)
Deadlines for applications
Application and enrolment deadlines as well as session start/end dates can be found on our Online and Distance Learning key dates page.
Your completed application will be reviewed by a member of academic staff. If your application is successful, we will send you an official offer within ten working days and you will be asked to submit the relevant supporting documentation. Once in receipt of our offer, we recommend submitting your documents immediately.
Supporting documentation for applications
1. Degree certificates
We require documentation confirming the award of all qualifications listed in your application, which can either be your certificate or academic transcript. This must show: the name of the university, programme studied and the grade/classification you attained. If your university cannot issue official documents in English, we will require a certified translation in English of your degree certificate/transcript.
You can send us either original or certified copies of your documents. If you send original documents and you would like these to be returned to you, please state this in your covering letter.
If you send certified copies, please ensure that each document has been stamped and verified by one of the following:
- British Council official (find the location of your nearest British Council office)
- Local British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission
- Notary Public
- The issuing university (in the case of academic qualifications)
2. Copy of an identification document
This must be either your passport or birth certificate. This does not need to be certified, and may be sent to us via email.
Note: If your name as stated on your academic documents does not match that given on your identification document, we will also require documentary evidence (such as a marriage certificate) that supports your change of name.
3. Copy of English language proficiency certificate
If your degree was not taught and assessed in English, you will need to submit evidence of your English language competency. This should be either an IELTS or TOEFL certificate (you will need an IELTS overall score of 7.0 including 7 in both reading and writing). This does not need to be certified and may be received via email.
4. References
We may also request that you provide us with references in support of your application. They should be from an individual who knows you on an academic basis. However, if you graduated more than three years ago we will accept a professional reference.
Your reference should include an opinion (in English) on your academic and personal suitability for the proposed programme of study.
Please note that, if necessary, we reserve the right to verify your qualifications with the relevant awarding body and to request further information from you about your background.
5. CV
Please include a detailed CV that lists your employment and educational background including dates.