Apply skills and gain knowledge in media and communications — preparing for an exciting career.
Understand a rapidly changing field.
Study the role of communication and media in contemporary society.
Learn effective approaches for analysing media texts.
Conduct research and present your findings and ideas with clarity.
Develop as a professional, while drawing on the department’s advanced industry connections and research expertise.

On this course, you’ll gain a broad understanding of modern media and communication, and develop the skills you need for a career in these fields. You’ll develop specialist knowledge, and become a researcher in your own right. From there, you’ll be ready to launch a rewarding career, or enter doctoral study.

Work placements

During the course, you’ll undertake a period of work experience of at least two weeks. This will provide real-world knowledge and experience in the sphere of communication and media.

Work experience can take place at any time in the course. Students may undertake this in a variety of settings — whether in Sheffield or abroad. This allows you to suit your circumstances and interests.

Our industry-connected staff will help you find the right placement. This could be in anything from local radio and television to press, political and government officers. There are also many opportunities available in the third sector, and in festivals such as Doc/Fest, Off-the-Shelf and Tramlines.

If you’re already employed in media or communications, you may be able to draw on your work to fulfil this aspect of your degree.

Networking opportunities

You will be encouraged to take part in relevant symposia, conferences and festivals, for example the Pathways Media Industry Day, MECCSA annual conference and Postgraduate Network events, Sheffield Doc/Fest and Berlin International Film Festival.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll be guided through your learning in a supportive environment where access is always available to academic and support staff. You are encouraged to develop learning autonomy, independent study skills, self-reflection and employability skills.

You learn through

• lectures
• seminar activities and discussion of reading
• interactive workshops
• tutorials and academic tutoring
• critical thinking and research skills
• practical work, data production and analysis
• field trips
• conferences
• formative assessment activity and summative feedback
• essays and individual presentations
• guest speakers

This course prepares you for a career in

• new media organisations
• international social media management
• press and media organisations
• international news agencies
• governmental departments
• journalism and campaign management
• public relations
• charity sector campaigning
• advocacy
• academia
• teaching

An undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, History, International Relations, Politics, or related field. In some circumstances, students without traditional undergraduate qualifications will be considered. It is envisaged that these applicants will have relevant work experience.

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If the English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills then students can apply for the Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course that will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

Important notice:

 

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Global Media Developments	15	Coursework
Media And Communication: Theories And Debates	30	Coursework
Media, Arts And Communication Masters Dissertation / Project	60	Coursework
Media Representations And World Perspectives	15	Coursework
Research Methods And Skills For Media, Arts, Arts Management And Global Communication	30	Coursework
Think Free: Contemporary Issues In Digital Cultures	15	Coursework
Understanding Audiences	15	Coursework