This programme challenges the assumptions behind the media and development industries and development studies and offers new ways of thinking about the critical issues facing societies today such as climate change. The approach balances critical theoretical analysis of the hegemony implied by the ideas and practices of development with the practical issues surrounding the use of contemporary media, including the use of digital technologies for development communication, online activism, developmental journalism, and information and communications technologies for development (ICT4D).
The course draws on from critical media and cultural studies’ theory, practical knowledge and experience, alongside critical debates within and about development, to challenge assumptions about the role of media and development industries as agents of change in the contemporary world. Students combine critical theoretical analysis of the role of media in development with a focus on practical issues surrounding the use of media, including digital technologies. The programme differs from other degrees in the field by placing the onus on the role of media to further the development agenda, especially post the Second World War, critically negotiating its origins in West-centric ideas of modernisation, social change and progress and their relevance in today's multipolar world. Students benefit from the unique position of the Centre for Media Studies as a specialist institution for the study of media in the global south.
It is designed for those with an interest in global media and development, including media and development professionals seeking alternative ways of thinking about their roles as practitioners and activists. It provides an excellent foundation for MPhil/PhD research.
Please note that not all optional modules are available every year; more information can be found on the "Structure" tab and in the online module sign-up system.
Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings
Start of programme: September intake only
Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
Entry requirements
- We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.
Students must take 180 credits comprised of 120 taught credits (including core and option modules) and a 60 credit dissertation.
Dissertation
Taught Component
Core Module
All students will take the following core module:
Compulsory Module
All students will take the following compulsory module:
Guided Options
All students will take the modules to the value of 30 credits from list of Media studies modules running each year (below)
AND
Open Options
All students will take the modules to the value of 45 credits from list of recommended options below or from open options list if approved by programme convenor
Students may select 30 credits from SOAS online-learning modules. This is subject to approval from the programme convenor
List of modules (subject to availability)
Media Studies
Options in Other Departments
Social Anthropology
Politics
Development Studies
Music
East Asian Languages and Cultures
Programme Specification
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.
As well as academic expertise, MA Media in Development graduates from SOAS gain a portfolio of widely transferable skills which employers seek. These include; written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to research, amass and order information from a variety of sources. This postgraduate degree provides students with a body of work and a diverse range of skills that they can use to market themselves with when they graduate.
Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:
Associated Press Breakthrough Breast Cancer British Film Institute Comic Relief Cordoba African Film Festival Discovery Communications European Commission Hackney Film Festival |
Institute of Ismaili Studies International Channel Shanghai Merlin Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Royal College of Art The Princess Royal Trust for Carers United Nations Zanan TV |
Types of roles that graduates have gone on to do include:
Research & Communications Manager Senior Publicist Teacher Events Manager Advisor Designer Journalist International Program Coordinator Creative Assistant Consultant |
Communications Officer Policy Advisor e-Learning Co-ordinator Director of Academic Studies Staff Writer Online Editor Public Information Officer Video Journalist Product Manager |
For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.
A Student's Perspective
My ambition after studying Development Studies at SOAS is that I may return to Kashmir and work with an international humanitarian organisation in order to make a real difference to people’s lives.
Ifat Gazia