Media Industries MA

Course overview

Become an expert on how diverse media organisations operate, and how they continue to shape global audiences.

The media entertain and inform us, comprising a global industry that employs millions of people. This course will give you an insight into both aspects of the media industries, as you critically analyse their cultural and economic dimensions.

You'll explore the full range of media production, from individual bloggers to global media corporations. Using an international approach and informed by trailblazing theory, you’ll study the development of contemporary media to understand trends like platformisation, influencer culture and content streaming.

Guided by internationally renowned and active researchers in the field, you’ll gain an insight into how television, film, music, online media, newspapers, magazines and advertising are produced, and what it’s like to work in each industry.

The course doesn’t centre on a single subject discipline either, drawing on the likes of communication and cultural studies, economics, sociology, anthropology, business and management studies, human geography, politics, law, literature, and music.

All this means you can tailor your degree to your interests and career path and gain a broad range of skills that set you up for exciting, creative roles.

Why study at Leeds

• 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.  
• 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.  
• 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.  
• Home to digital media innovation: Leeds and Bradford continue to lead in promoting digital media through the likes of Leeds Digital Festival, City of Culture, the Channel 4 headquarters, and the National New Media Collection. That means more opportunities and easy access to nationally significant archives.   
• Benefit from cutting-edge research: Course content is guided by the work of our Media Industries and Cultural Production research group, which brings together researchers with an interest in empirical and theoretical works that engage with research on media production, policy and regulation.  
• Flexible, bespoke module options: A broad range of optional modules lets you tailor your studies in line with your interests and specialism.  

Course details and modules

You’ll develop your knowledge of the full range of media industries through core modules that run in each semester.

You’ll be introduced to issues and debates in media studies, as well as the impacts of developments such as digitalisation and marketisation. Then you’ll explore the organisational dynamics of industries such as television, film, music, digital media, newspapers, magazines and advertising to consider what it’s like to work in them.

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.

Alongside the compulsory modules, you’ll be able to tailor the course to suit your own interests and career aspirations. You'll select from a range of optional modules on topics such as television narrative, identity and media, political communication, cultural policy, international film industries and public relations, among others.

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.

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

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Media Industries 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

We use different methods to assess your progress, depending on the modules you choose. These are likely to include essays, video or photography work, presentations or project work and reports.

Applying

Entry requirements

You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a media and cultural industries related degree specialising in one of the following subjects indicated under 'Media and Cultural Industries related subjects'.

We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in media and cultural industries, or coming from an area of expertise to which media and cultural industries 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.

Media and Cultural Industries related subjects

• Media-related courses (theory focused)
• Communication studies
• Cultural industry studies/management
• Cultural studies

Other Areas

• History
• Literature
• Sociology
• Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Public relations
• Economics
• Law
• Journalism
• Digital technologies
• Information systems
• Entrepreneurship
• Cultural policy
• Communications engineering

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

Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines

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 intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying (please submit an official English translation where the original is not in English)
• Your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form
• A full up-to-date CV
• Any previous UK CAS, visa and BRP documents if you’re an international applicant who has previously studied in the UK on a Tier 4/ Student Visa

* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.

Personal Statement Requirements

Please summarise your reasons for applying to this particular programme of study. Your response can include details of your previous study/work experience relevant to the programme and career ambitions. Your response can provide us with important information on your suitability for the course, so please complete carefully.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply for this Masters course at the University of Leeds by answering the following questions in separate numbered paragraphs:

• What areas of this course particularly interest you and why? Have you studied these before? Please explain your reasons for applying to this particular Masters course
• Why do you want to study this course at Leeds? Please comment on aspects such as available resources at the University and in the city, research specialisms within the school or academics you would like to work with.
• What potential themes have you considered for dissertation research?
• How will studying for this course help you to achieve your longer term goals?
• Why do you see this course as a particularly valuable subject to study?
• What skills and experience do you have that have prepared you for this course? You may like to give details of any final year work/projects you have previously undertaken, relevant work experience etc.

Relevant work experience might include: media management; cultural industries; broadcasting; digital media; marketing; public relations; advertising; journalism; film and TV production; event management; publishing; museum or gallery management; research assistance.

Next Steps

Where further information to support the assessment of your application is needed, we may ask for a recent sample of written work.

We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application.

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.

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 is designed to give you a wide range of knowledge and advanced skills in research, critical analysis and communication. And with a host of optional modules to choose from, you can narrow your learning in line with where you see yourself succeeding.

All this opens a variety of careers in media content management and production, both in the UK and worldwide.

Where this degree could take you

Our graduates have gone on to work in strategy, communications, and creative roles across broader contexts such as the British Council and embassies, as well as in media management, PR, social media, cultural policy, web video production, journalism, and TV production.

Recent graduate roles and industries have included:

• Digital Producer, Channel 4
• Brand Manager, Automotive
• Editor, Print Media
• Journalist, Magazine
• Marketing Officer, Retail
• Copywriter, Marketing and Advertising

This Masters degree is also an ideal foundation for a PhD. Many of our graduates have pursued careers in digital media 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 a Media Industries 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

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. 

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.