Media and Communications (Media Practice)

This multi-faceted course examines the development of structures of power, control and ownership of the media, and how media can be mobilised in activism, resistance and in social justice movements. Drawing on leading international academics and media professionals from across London, Communication and Media Studies at Brunel University London can be studied through two pathways, a theoretical pathway or a media practice pathway.

Our academics and media professionals will offer you the latest knowledge and draw on cutting edge debates to analyse how the media shapes culture and society, how digital media shapes social and power relations, and how media can be used for social activism.

On the media practice pathway, students develop a detailed and meaningful understanding of a full range of media production, including audio and video recording, journalistic storytelling, and interactive digital media creation. Students also have the opportunity to meet professionals working in the broadcast, advertising and marketing industries and to take part in course"‘related field trips.

The course is designed to meet the needs of advanced students with backgrounds in media, sociology and other relevant disciplines and is also perfectly suited for professionals in the communications/broadcast industry seeking to gain a more sociologically informed understanding of those industries. The courses offer a distinctive focus on media activism and politics.

The degree offers the opportunity to study London's media industry including a mixture of industry visits, guest lectures, mentoring and practical skills development to accommodate different student needs, with a strong emphasis on student engagement with entrepreneurship and professional development. Our graduates typically progress to further advanced academic research or pursue careers in the media industries. Destinations will include independent media production companies, public and private institutions (BBC, Channel 4, ITV) and an increasing number of media activist organisations.

This course offers a global and interdisciplinary approach to how contemporary digital media technologies shape cultures and societies. Drawing on critical media studies, digital media and media production it challenges assumptions about the media's impact on individuals, institutions and power relations in social and political contexts.

The practice pathway presents digital media production as a means of social and political engagement, as well as entertainment.

Throughout the course you can combine practical, theoretical and empirical study of the media including issues of media audiences together with the study of developments in information and communication technologies. You will be required to do a dissertation on any aspect of Media and Communications study. Typical modules on the programme include Media Production as Activism, Digital Media Career Development and Media as Power (see below for more modules).

The Media and Communications (Media Practice) MSc is perfect if you're interested in a career in the media or creative industries. You will gain the theoretical and practical skills you need for the fast"‘paced media environment, network with media practitioners and gain an in-depth overview of both media and society. Career opportunities for our graduates typically include further advanced academic research or pursue careers in the media industries such as Disney Channel, the BBC and Sky.

Whatever your career goals, this course will help you achieve them. We invite professionals who are working in the media and broadcast industry (advertising and marketing, television documentary and different PR organisations) to come and deliver talks and offer careers advice. You'll benefit from bespoke workshops and lectures to enhance your employability skills, including media and communications careers advise and help on pitching yourself to employers.

Many of our students go on to advanced academic research or to pursue careers within the media industries. Typical job roles include Press and Communications Officer and Head of Information. Past students have worked in developing countries for HGO's or as technology consultants.

You can then complete our application form through our application portal on eVision. If this is the first course you’ve applied to at Brunel, then click the 'New User' button at the top of the page to register on our portal. If you have applied before or want to return to an application you have started then simply log in with your username and password.

If you're an international or EU applicant applying through one of our registered agents, they may be applying on your behalf through our online agent facility. To find a Brunel University London registered agent in your country please check our specific country pages.

 When to apply?

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible for your chosen course, as courses in high demand often reach capacity and may need to close early or stop recruiting. Some courses, including (but not limited to) MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration), MSc Physiotherapy, MSc Physician Associate, all Brunel Business School courses, PG Economics and Finance courses, all Computer Science courses and PGCE teaching courses may have earlier application deadlines, early deposit payment deadlines or may stop recruiting early in the application cycle, due to limited capacity. 

• For courses beginning January 2023, we recommend you apply by 7 November 2022. After this deadline applications will be accepted only if there are spaces on the course and there is sufficient time to progress your application (e.g. interviews, portfolios if required, the visa process for international students)
• For courses beginning September 2023, we recommend you apply by 21 July 2023. After this deadline applications will be accepted only if there are spaces on the course and there is sufficient time to progress your application (e.g. interviews, portfolios if required, the visa process for international students).

We will aim to make decisions on applications within 4-8 weeks of the application being submitted. Depending on the time of year you submit your application, it may also take longer to process during peak application points in the cycle. Please ensure that your application form is as complete as possible at the time of submission (including scans of your qualifications and any other relevant documents) to avoid unnecessary delays.

Admission to Brunel Business School Postgraduate courses

Our Postgraduate Brunel Business School courses typically receive a high number of applications. Last academic year, 750 Postgraduate students joined the Brunel Business School across September and January entry. We expect to welcome a similar number in 2023/4 and are looking at options to increase the number of places we have available. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you apply or pay your course deposit or meet your offer conditions after the Brunel Business School has reached capacity we may defer your application to the next available entry point. We recommend that you apply early and pay your deposit when requested, or as soon as possible, in order to secure a place on the course. We would like to draw your attention to Section 7 of the Student Contract, which requires applicants to pay any course deposit fees when due.

Completing the application form

You will be asked to provide the following information:

• Personal details
• Academic qualifications (level, subject, where studied, results, year taken)
• Work experience details (name of organisations, start and end dates)

You will be asked to submit supporting documents electronically, so you can upload scanned or photographed copies of the documents onto your MyApplications portal, you can also check your application status through the portal.