A broad-based course that provides an insight into the converging media and the world of communications

The boundaries between different media are blurring as everything moves towards convergence. This new course, with its emphasis on transforming media and cultural practices, offers a broad approach that spans different sectors.

The course has been designed for postgraduate students considering a career in the media, culture or media arts industries, or those who want to work in research and education in these areas. You will be introduced to a dynamic mix of theoretical and critical approaches to the media, including the history and development of media and culture in different contexts. You will learn about how content is produced and consumed in the new multi-platform and digitalised media environment. In addition you will gain practical experience and benefit from a programme of visiting lecturers, many of them industry professionals with first-hand experience of working in different areas of the media. During the course you will visit galleries, exhibitions and other cultural events.

This course is taught within the School of Media

Who teaches the course

The course is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced educators drawn from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. Course team members are involved in ongoing research activities (in area as diverse as film, photography, journalism and promotion), as well as maintaining links with other specialist institutions across the cultural sector. The core team of lecturers is augmented by a team of practitioners who combine their involvement with the University with professional and creative practice.

The course also benefits from the support of many leading academics and industry practitioners who provide invaluable input to individual students as specialist research supervisors.

Contact information

If you have any course related enquiries please email Steve Cross (s.cross@lcc.arts.ac.uk). For admissions enquiries email pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for UK and EU student enquiries) or v.gavulic@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for international enquiries).

Phase 1

• Induction
• Theoretical Approaches to Media, Communications, Critical Practice Part 1 – Media Institutions
• Theoretical Approaches to Media, Communications, Critical Practice Part 2 – Analysing Contemporary Media

In the first week, there will be an induction course in which you will:

• become familiarised with the course structure and be introduced to effective strategies for studying at postgraduate level
• meet the teaching staff and fellow students
• meet representatives from student and academic bodies including representatives of the Student Union, Student Services and Learning Resources
• become familiar with the geography and structure of the college with tours of the library and resources
• become familiar with PGNET and Blackboard.

Following an induction week, you will begin the two core theoretical courses which will both be organised in blocks (the histories and context of cultural production, cultural value, work and creativity, technology and change) in order that the connections between the two parts will be made through the structure.

Phase 2

• Visual Culture and Critical Practices
• Work Related Learning
• Media Practice
• Postgraduate Diploma (exit point only)

Phase 2 builds on the theoretical approaches of Phase 1, providing the opportunity to explore professional and creative contexts in relation to cultural production and distribution. The Critical Practices course will provide networking opportunities for students through guest lectures, visits and one to one tutorials. The assessment for this course will be based on a case study enabling students to carry out research into an organisation or practice-based project of their own choosing.

The research methodologies course will enable you to begin work on your own research project that may be linked to the work-based learning element of the programme.

Phase 3

• Major Project

In Phase 3 you will undertake a major research project, consolidating the knowledge, methodologies, and skills acquired thus far and applying them to a specific object of study. The project is self-directed, and you are required to show a high level of initiative and self-evaluation.

Graduates will be well suited to careers in the media, communications or creative industries as well as further research.

Applicants will have a good honours degree and be able to demonstrate relevant experience and an aptitude for media, communications or critical practice. We also welcome applications from prospective students with a background in other relevant fields. Applicants with relevant professional experience will be considered.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.

Application route

You need to apply to this course through the College. UK and EU students should download this application form (PDF 4MB).International students should use the international postgraduate application form which is available to download on the international office's web pages. Applications should be sent to Postgraduate Admissions, Central Administration Office, 5th Floor Tower Block, London College of Communication, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6SB.

Home/EU student fee discounts

If you have successfully completed a UAL undergraduate degree, PgDip or PgCert you will qualify for a £1000 discount from your tuition fees. For further information please contact pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk

Admissions enquiries

For enquiries about admissions please call the postgraduate admissions team on +44(0)20 7514 6569 email pgadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for UK and EU student enquiries) or v.gavulic@lcc.arts.ac.uk (for international enquiries).