International Communication MA

Course overview

Understand how messages flow across borders in a globalised world and how they impact politics, culture and the economy.

What is ‘global media’? Does mass media inspire or simply report events? How can communications professionals utilise messaging to influence society? In this degree, you’ll look at the role of the international media in communication, how global audiences understand and consume the media, and what that means in action.

Core modules will give you the context and theoretical knowledge to consider the fundamental questions. Then, choose from an extensive list of optional modules and focus your studies on what best suits your interests or career aspirations. The content of the course modules is informed by the research interests and practice of academic staff who teach them, ensuring your teaching is laser-focused on current thinking and trends.

Topics are wide-ranging, from identity in the media to public relations, climate change communication, and political reporting. Whatever the future you want to embark on, you’ll gain the skills to thrive in fast-paced, challenging sectors, including government, media and industry.

Why study at Leeds

• A hub for innovation in comms: Leeds is home to a blossoming communications industry, including Channel 4’s national headquarters and a vibrant PR scene. That means more opportunities – during your course and once you graduate. 
• Be supported to succeed: Benefit from small tutorial groups and regular one-to-one meetings with academic staff to ask questions and discuss your work. 
• Flexible, bespoke module options: An extensive and broad range of optional modules lets you tailor your studies in line with your interests and specialism. 
• Fully equipped facilities: The School of Media and Communication is home to a 58-seat cinema, 80 editing bays, a cutting-edge TV studio and an extensive equipment loan service. You’ll also have access to Helix, the University's learning innovation hub for students, staff, and the local community. 
• Strong industry connections: Our school collaborates with the likes of the BBC, Ofcom, UK Government and European Commission to understand challenges and inform policy – partnerships and expertise that directly inform your teaching. 
• Guaranteed industry experience: While studying, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme. 

Course details and modules

You’ll study core modules throughout the course that give you the contextual knowledge, research and critical analysis skills to support your studies.

Exploring the relationships between communication and international systems, you'll examine how communication networks can function as a source of power, how they are regulated and how new technologies are changing the landscape. You’ll also think about the economic and cultural impacts of globalised communication.

You’ll build specialist knowledge through your choice of optional modules, including topics such as the media and globalisation, urban narratives, public relations, and media and democratisation. The optional modules allow you to focus on topics that suit your own interests or perhaps reflect your career plans.

Throughout the course, you’ll also be preparing for your dissertation through the Dissertation and Research Methods module. Your dissertation is a major independent research project on a topic of your choice, which you submit at the end of the course.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll complete the course over two years instead of one, taking fewer modules each year.

Have a look at some student work produced on this course.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read International Communication MA Full Time in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, group learning and project work, seminars, tutorials and workshops.

Independent study is crucial to this degree, as an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the subjects introduced in lectures and seminars, and to develop your skills in analysis and research. You can anticipate spending at least 20 hours per week on independent study associated with your modules.

You'll be taught by active researchers in the field of communication and media. The research interests and practice of your tutors inform the content of the course.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessments can also take a variety of forms depending on the modules you choose. These will include exams and essays as well as group and individual presentations and project work, reports and case studies.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in an international communication related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'International Communication related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in international communication, or coming from an area of expertise to which international communication is complementary such as the ones listed under ‘Other areas’.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed.

All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.

International Communication related subjects

• Media-related courses (theory focused)
• Communication studies
• Cultural studies
• International relations
• History
• Languages (theory focused)

Other Areas

• Literature
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Sociology
• Political science
• Business
• Marketing
• Languages
• Economics
• Anthropology
• Global studies
• Cross-cultural communications
• Translation studies

International

Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team.

You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Media and Communication

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: mediapg@leeds.ac.uk

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £29,500 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

This course will give you an in-depth understanding of how international communication is conducted and its impacts.

It will equip you with sophisticated skills in research, critical analysis, interpretation and communication. And you’ll graduate with strong political, cultural, and social awareness. Combined, this skillset is valued across industries as diverse as the media, the public sector, and private business.

Where this degree could take you

Our graduates have gone on to succeed in a wide range of sectors:

• international organisations and agencies
• international affairs journalism
• film, TV and radio
• higher education
• public relations
• marketing and advertising
• government
• pharmaceuticals
• finance
• non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations

Specific roles our students have progressed into have included:

• Finance and Economics Editor
• Brand Strategist
• Magazine Editor
• PR Consultant
• Media Consultant
• Campaigner

This Masters degree is also an ideal foundation for a PhD. Many of our graduates have pursued careers in journalistic research or academia, both in the UK and around the world.

As a postgraduate student at Leeds, you can access comprehensive research training, including workshops on writing research proposals and grant applications.

Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from the School of Media and Communication.

Careers support

As an MA student at the University of Leeds, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive careers support network through the  School of Media and Communication and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one – just one of the reasons our graduates are so sought after by employers.

In addition to dedicated employability and career support, the school also organises several career development workshops, guest speaker events, and careers fairs throughout the year. These opportunities will allow you to develop new skills, enhance your career prospects and network with prospective employers.

In addition to the school-specific careers support, you’ll also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Service. It offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.  
• Employability and networking events – we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. Upon graduation, you’ll become a part of the University’s alumni network, further extending your professional reach. 
• Employability skills training – to support your success in the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers in all our programmes. 
• MyCareer system – on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events. 
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in. 

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Work placements and industry experience

The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. 

You’ll connect with leading companies worldwide to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to real business challenges. 

Join the programme and experience the benefits:

• Fully online teaching designed to fit around your studies.
• Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time-limited brief.
• Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
• Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
• Improve your employability prospects.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future.