Introduction
MA Studies in Media and Culture is a critical theory degree, designed to provide a thorough grounding in issues dominating contemporary thought on media, technology, and cultural practice. Students have the opportunity to investigate key debates reshaping this expanding and diverse field, examining various theoretical, philosophical, historical, and aesthetic approaches to better understand the complex, convergent, and entangled processes of mediation that characterise our contemporary networked culture.
The coherence of the programme is achieved through close connections between modules, reflecting the research interests of the teaching team. Students are encouraged to explore the various aspects of the ecological entanglements of media; analyse 21st-Century cultural processes and phenomena within a global context; and engage in reflexive, experimental research practice, building upon the knowledge and literacies that they already possess as a result of their everyday experiences with media culture.
How You Study
Teaching and learning on the programme will be undertaken through lectures, seminars, presentations, reading groups, and personal tutorials. You will have the chance to develop your skills to work as an individual and as a member of a group to produce solo and group presentations, essays, projects, and a dissertation.
Contact and Independent Study
Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study. Full-time weekly contact hours are typically around 8 hours, however during the summer when the dissertation is being researched and written, you are expected to be largely engaged in an independent study.The postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour in-class students are expected to spend two three hours in an independent study.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Cultural Analysis (Core)
Dissertation (Media and Cultural Studies) (Core)
Media Ecologies 1 (Core)
Media Ecologies 2 (Core)
Research Practice (Core)
Approaches to Screen Studies (Option)†
Gender, Media and Culture in a Global Context (Option)†
Human and Inhuman in the 21st Century (Option)†
Rethinking Society for the 21st Century (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is through written work, including essays and a dissertation, as well as through presentations. In addition, on some optional modules, there is an opportunity for collaborative research projects which involve elements of both theory and practice (eg. audio-visual essays), submission of research portfolios, and contribution to group blogs.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly – usually within 15 working days after the submission date (unless stated differently above).
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials, or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake fieldwork or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation, and general living costs.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enroll with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements
First or upper second class honors degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
International Students will require the English Language at IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element, or equivalent.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can go on to careers in the media and cultural industries, while others may utilise their knowledge and advanced critical-thinking skills in research roles across a range of commercial and public sector organisations. Some choose to go on to doctoral study and pursue a career in academia.
