Society, Culture and Media MA
Year of entry 2026
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 Months (Full time)
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a social science or related discipline.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- UK fees
- £12,500 (Total)
- International fees
- £29,500 (Total)
- Contact
- pgssp@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Understand culture, media and society and how they shape the world we live in.
Culture and media play a powerful role in shaping who we are, how we communicate and how inequalities are produced and challenged. This course explores how culture and media shape – and are shaped by – society.
This course equips you to understand those dynamics, encouraging you to think critically about power, identity and difference. By examining the relationships between gender, class, race and ethnicity, you’ll develop a nuanced understanding of how culture reflects and influences wider social change in an increasingly connected world.
Study key sociological, media and cultural debates, gaining a strong theoretical foundation. Then learn to critically analyse how topics such as social media, AI, globalisation, representation and identity intersect in contemporary life. Taught by leading researchers, the course draws on expertise in areas including digital cultures, inequality, audiences, creative work and material culture.
Alongside subject knowledge, you’ll graduate with valued transferable skills in research, communication, analysis, teamwork and self‑management. These skills open diverse career pathways in the media and creative industries, academia, the third sector and beyond – as well as roles that value critical thinking, cultural awareness and strong analytical ability.
Why study at Leeds
- Learn from experts: Benefit from the expertise of the School of Sociology and Social Policy.
- Gain specialist knowledge: Develop your understanding of consumption, traditional media and social media, AI and algorithmic cultures, globalisation, representation, popular culture and more.
- Tailor the programme according to your interests: Take on with optional modules which cover Researching Inequality in the Media, Gender, Sexuality and Popular Culture, Racism, Decoloniality and Migration, Video games, digital resistance and reality TV.
- Develop transferable skills: Gain valuable expertise across research, analysis, group work and communication.
- A hub for digital and creative innovation: Leeds and Bradford continue to lead in promoting digital culture, providing a dynamic environment for students interested in media and culture.
“It’s a fantastic course because it’s allowed me to develop an expertise in a topic area that I’m interested in. As much as I have focused on celebrity, media and internet culture, this course permits many different research routes in society, culture and media.”
Course details and modules
You’ll study core modules that provide a solid grounding in key sociological theories for the study of society, culture and media, and methodological debates and approaches.
In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules, enabling you to tailor the programme to pursue your specialist interests.
The final project will allow you to design, develop and implement your own critical enquiry into an aspect of culture and media. Choose between the traditional 10,000-word dissertation, or producing an academically grounded 40-45 minute podcast. You'll explore rigorous academic research as well as contemporary forms of media practice. Your final project is a practical way to develop storytelling, communication, and production skills that are increasingly valued across media, cultural, and creative industries.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Sociology of Media and Culture | 30 |
| Approaches and Methods for Media and Culture | 30 |
| Platform Societies: AI, Algorithmic Cultures and Datafication | 30 |
| Final Project | 60 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Racism, Decoloniality and Migration | 30 |
| Gender, Sexuality and Popular Culture | 30 |
| Researching Inequality in the Media | 30 |
| Reality TV: Truth or Fiction? | 30 |
| Videogames and Society | 30 |
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include guest lectures, seminars, conferences, presentations, group work, online learning and independent critical enquiry.
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
Assessment will include a series of short quizzes, a group project, an essay and a dissertation.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in a social science, or related subject.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
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 Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics 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
Application deadlines
International – Friday 26 June 2026
UK – Friday 14 August 2026
If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information we will need include:
- original or certified copies of your transcripts
- original or certified copies of your degree certificate
- original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language).
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 Sociology and Social Policy
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: pgssp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £12,500 (Total)
International: £29,500 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
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
The School of Sociology and Social Policy usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.
Career opportunities
Where could this degree take you
This course will equip you with the specialist knowledge needed to pursue a career in sociology or media and culture, along with key transferable skills.
The national and international growth of the media and creative industries has sparked greater demand for graduates with advanced skills and knowledge in the field, opening opportunities in communications and media policy, PR, social and digital media, media markets and audience research and other cultural and creative industries.
Additionally, the sociology element of the course will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills in fields such as education, statutory and voluntary agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), INGOs (international non-governmental agencies) and charities.
The course also provides a basis for progression onto a PhD in sociology, cultural studies and media studies, and a strong grounding for an interdisciplinary PhD.
“The combination of sociology and communication science makes your subject vision even broader. You will learn different knowledge and think critically. This will be the most impressive year in your life.”
Careers support
As an International Journalism 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.
Guaranteed 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.