a broad-based understanding of the development and forms of media and communications in relation to political economy, regulation and power, production and organisation, processes of mediation and influence, communication content and audience response
an up-to-date engagement with diverse theoretical, conceptual and empirical developments in research on media and communications
a mix of core and optional courses, culminating in an independent research project in media and communications, that provides an ideal preparation for research or employment in media and communications and related fields
a degree of flexibility to tailor the programme to pursue particular topics of interest by selecting from a wide range of courses taught by leading experts in the Department of Media and Communications and other departments at LSE

We attract students from a diverse range of backgrounds, often including professional experience working in media and communications related fields. Indeed, the opportunity for cross-cultural meetings and exchange of ideas among the student body is a valuable feature of studying at LSE.

For more details and entry requirements, please check on the School's graduate prospectus page.

Programme director

Dr Bart Cammaerts

Bart Cammaerts is Associate Professor Department of Media and Communications. He has been addressing theoretical notions of (participatory) democracy, globalisation/transnationalisation, participation, access, (self-)representation, public sphere, power, social change and counter-hegemonic strategies of resistance. Within these areas media and communication is considered to have different meanings, as a symbolic arena for the (re-)production of meaning, as a citizenship right, as a political actor, or as a tool for empowerment and activism but also as a tool of propaganda and the dissemination of discourses of hatred.

A recurrent theme in his research relates to overcoming rigid dichotomies and analytical categories such as alternative/mainstream, new/old media, public/private and consider the interactions between both ends of these dichotomies. While these dichotomies have a role to play in structuring our way of thinking about the social and the political, reality is often much more messier.

Publications
LSE Experts

Set out below, you will find some suggested readings that will prove helpful to you in preparing for your arrival at LSE, and for finding out about courses you may be interested in taking.

It is not essential that you read everything on the list - the intention is simply to give you an idea of the level and range of material covered.

Allen, Stuart (ed). The Routledge Companion to News and Journalism. Routledge 2010
Beckett, Ch. (2008) SuperMedia: Saving Journalism So It Can Save The World. Malden, MA: Blackwell/Wiley.
Briggs, A. and Burke, P. (2002) A Social History of the Media: From Gutenberg to the Internet. Cambridge: Polity.
Calabrese, A. and Sparks, C. (eds) (2004) Toward a Political Economy of Culture, Capitalism and Communication in the 21st Century, Lanham MD: Rowman & Littlefield.
Castells, Manuel. (2009). Communication Power. Oxford University Press.
Couldry, N. (2012). Media, Society, World: Social Theory and Digital Media. Cambridge: Polity.
Curran, J. and Gurevitch, M. (eds) (2005) Mass Media and Society. 4th ed. London: Arnold.
Curran, J. and Seaton, J. (2003) Power Without Responsibility. London: Routledge.
Mansell, R. (2012) Imagining the Internet: Communication, Innovation and Governance. Oxford University Press.
Mattelart, A. (2003) The Information Society: An introduction. London: Sage.
McChesney, R (2000) Rich Media Poor Democracy. New York: New Press.
Papacharissi, Z. A. (2010). A Private Sphere: Democracy in a Digital Age. Cambridge: Polity.
Silverstone, R. (2007) Media and Morality. Cambridge: Polity.
Silverstone, R. (1999) Why Study the Media? London: Sage.
Thompson, J.B. (1995) The Media and Modernity: A Social Theory of the Media.Cambridge: Polity.
Wasko, J. (ed.). (2005) A Companion to Television. Malden, MA: Blackwell.
Wu, Tim. (2010) The Master Switch. The Rise and Fall of Information Empires. Borzio Books.

Information on graduate destinations can be found in the Media and Communications Department Alumni pages and the LSE Careers Media and Communications Department statistics pages.

For a more exhaustive list of our alumni, please refer to the MSc alumni pages.

Jiayi (Joyce) Fan

MSc Media and Communications, graduated in 2013
Editor and writer for several Chinese media

After working with Aegis Media for half a year, I changed my working field from ads to media. Now I'm an editor-in-chief with an educational media in China. I think this is a broader area which I can have more insights here. Still, I keep writing and publishing on newspaper and websites. My job and hobby can benefit from each other. Also, I always gain strength and inspiration from travelling around the globe. Working, reading, writing, and travelling pave the way for a full and interesting life!

Florencia Soto Nino Martinez

MSc Media and Communications, graduated in 2009
Public Information Officer, United Nations

While studying at LSE I applied for the UN Young Professionals Programme to work in their Public Information department. While this was taking place I worked for a small startup, Human Digital, which gave me a lot of experience in research, social media and a general insight into creative agencies in the UK. This and other experiences helped during my recruitment process with the UN, which offered me a position as a news writer in September 2011.

I chose LSE for its diversity and Media and Communications because I wanted a broad perspective of how the media industry works. I learned the most from other students who opened up my perspectives and pointed me to new interests, but I am also extremely grateful for the LSE International Organizations Day because that is how I found out about my current job! In general, being at LSE was one of the most fantastic years of my life – filled with new knowledge, smart and warm people, and the sense of endless possibility.

Sarah Bishop

MSc Media and Communications, graduated in 2009
Integrated Marketing Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Ltd

My time at the LSE was invaluable; beyond the academic education, the diverse and international student body put a global lens on the curriculum. After being exposed to London, and to the larger international student body at LSE, I decided that working globally was a priority for me.

I am exceptionally honoured to be classified as an alumnus of the London School of Economics and Political Science. My time at LSE broadened my view of media, communications, and the diversity of the global cultures within which business operates. It was an amazing experience and I truly hope future students are able to get as much out of their time there, as I did.

Which MSc is right for you?

How to apply

FAQs

Graduate prospectus

Kate Lovell: MSc Media and Communications