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Our media world: graduate studies in media and communications
Analysising topics such as political communication and the impact of health campaigns in the media are just two areas where the study of media and communications connect firmly with their social science roots.
Future film and television directors can take a comprehensive three-year graduate program at New York University’s famed Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at the Tisch School of the Arts. With famous directors like Ang Lee, Lars Von Trier, and Peter Bogdanovich conducting lectures, film creatives will become even more passionate about their field. But of course, a program like this is fiercely competitive and creative portfolios will be evaluated prior to admission.
Should I look into a PhD?
For those looking to achieve academia’s highest degree, the PhD degree in various media-related fields is offered by universities around the world. The PhD is invariably awarded to students who conceptualize and carry out a practical and original piece of research that will positively contribute to the academic field. 100,000 words is the norm for many PhD theses, in media, and beyond. It is not traditionally a taught degree; the student is expected to undertake independent research, and liaise with an academic advisor.
Admissions requirements for PhD programs vary from country to country. In the UK, for example, many programs ask the candidate to propose their intended research project, explaining in a 3,000-5,000 word document the what, how, when, and where of the project. Intended methodology will also be expected as will an existing intellectual framework in which your proposed topic will fit.
If you want to be a professor of media the PhD is the way forward. Just keep in mind that it is a serious commitment. You must be passionate about your subject and dedicate the next few years to extensive research, pursuing your own vision of this rapidly altering academic field.
Do I need a media background?
For many programs, particularly the more general ones like the MSc in Media and Communications, media experience and greater media knowledge is not necessary.
Students come from all backgrounds, but graduates of undergraduate social science courses like history, sociology, psychology, anthropology, literature, and political science often comprise a large portion of postgraduate media courses. You’ll even find that while many of the lecturers in the field of media may have a background in media, many will come from other disciplines like sociology or psychology. Where there is a more technically based media program, such as filmmaking or journalism, some experience will be required and can be demonstrated either through formal work exposure, or some relevant background gained during your undergraduate studies.
What’s the competition like?
In terms of admission to a graduate course, competition depends on your choice of school or program. Career-wise, the media industry remains a competitive one. The media industry can be risky, especially if you value a varied and flexible schedule, as do many ‘media types’. Professor Mansell agrees: “Flexible working and freelancing are more frequent in the media business – opening up new opportunities and also making the path more risky.” The good news is that there are always opportunities in media and the future foresees steady growth. “Even with the digital switchover,” says Mansell, “the BBC will still exist.”
