The MSc Media and Communication programme aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the field of media and communication at theoretical and practical levels. The programme is intended for graduates from the fields of media and communication, the social sciences, advertising and public relations, for individuals already working in the media and trying to gain a more profound understanding of their field, and for others who want to develop and extend the range of their theoretical and professional media skills. It is also a stepping stone for any individual wanting to pursue a PhD in the media and communication field.

You will graduate with a critical and theoretical knowledge of the contexts of communication studies in combination with the opportunity to develop practical skills in digital media production. Combined with the strong English language skills that studying at XJTLU gives, this produces graduates who will be very attractive to Chinese and international companies in an increasingly globalised workplace.

The school has a digital media laboratory, featuring Apple iMac computers, Final Cut Pro X editing software and the Adobe suite of professional digital media production software, in addition to Sony high definition digital video production kits for short film-making, digital media and documentary production.

Graduates of this programme, as with all XJTLU masters degrees, earn a University of Liverpool degree that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

The Department of English, Culture and Communication is a research-led department that prepares graduates for careers as English-language professionals in the fields of media and communications, finance, and international business.

Our graduates have skills that are highly sought-after in domestic and international job markets, and the innovative interdisciplinary design of each of our programmes ensures that students are well-prepared for the range of opportunities and challenges they will meet in their future careers.

MSc Media and Communication graduates can enjoy careers in top international and Chinese media companies specialising in public relations, advertising and digital media amongst others.

The MSc Media and Communication programme will:

• give you an advanced critical understanding of key issues, concepts and theories and the relationship between theory and practice in the fields of media and communication
• instil a sound knowledge and understanding of media language and its iterations on different media platforms
• encourage your exploration of the implications of media analysis for work purposes
• help you develop an understanding of current methodology as it is embodied in media and communication practices
• encourage you to engage with theories underlying current views on communicative practices, including the importance of global and local media manifestations
• help you engage with and critically appreciate the connections between theory and practice in the field of media and communication
• foster your research skills and techniques
• provide hands-on expertise through practical modules and a work placement.

In addition, the programme provides an overview of the contemporary theoretical, methodological, practical and ethical principles that underpin research in the field of media and communication and develops your skills, knowledge and understanding further in the theory and practice of applied media work.

Minimum Entry Requirements

UK

Upper second class (2:1) honours

China

• 1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
• 2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above

Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.

North America

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme

Other Regions

Equivalent academic qualifications

Academic Background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in communication, media, English with media or similar. No practical experience is required, but some relevant media practice/background would be an advantage.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS: 7.0 (minimum of 6.0 in all sections)
• TOEFL iBT: 100 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.

Core Modules

• Global media cultures
• Contemporary media theory
• Digital ethics
• Social media management
• Contemporary Chinese media environment
• Research methods in communication
• Interactive and emerging technologies
• Practical skills development.

Elective modules

• Advanced public relations and advertising
• Gaming.

Additional learning activities

The completion of additional learning activities is required to complete your masters degree. Normally, required ALA hours will be distributed evenly across each semester, amounting to 200 hours per semester. Part-time programmes will normally require 100 to 150 hours per semester.