The rise of “misinformation” has highlighted the need for accurate, ethical journalism. To address this, the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) has partnered with CNN Academy to provide world-class journalism education and training. This collaboration combines UNM’s academic expertise with CNN’s industry experience, offering students unique opportunities to develop their journalism and media skills.
The MA in Media, Communications and Culture at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) offers an interdisciplinary approach, blending theoretical and practical skills to help students thrive in the dynamic media landscape. Throughout the programme, students will develop critical insights into global media transformations, exploring contemporary issues such as postcolonialism, digital media, and the culture industry.
A key feature of the Master’s programme is a fully funded, optional 1-week Digital Storytelling and Production module at CNN Academy in Abu Dhabi, where students gain hands-on content creation experience with CNN experts. This immersive opportunity allows students to refine their storytelling and technical skills while enhancing global media exposure.
Engage with industry professionals and academics, strengthening your research, analytical, and communication skills. The programme offers flexible pathways, allowing students to specialise in media, cultural policy, or combine both. With access to cutting-edge facilities, including a Digital Media Lab, this course will prepare students for careers in media, journalism, marketing, public relations, and more.
The full-time MA Media, Communications and Culture course lasts 12 months and is divided into two semesters and a summer period, and you will take three modules per semester. You will then complete a dissertation over the summer to be submitted in September. If you are studying the course part-time, you can complete this within 24 or 36 months, depending on your circumstances.This course covers the history of contemporary media communications and cultural studies, new forms of political economy and agency in an era of digital media. Some modules cover geography and information infrastructures, the ethics and politics of communication practices, and the symbolic and aesthetic forms of contemporary media.
Core modules include Dissertation in Media, Communications and Culture and Research Methods and Design. Students can pick 5 options from the following optional modules: Approaches to Theory, Issues and Challenges in Contemporary Media, Mass Media, Postcolonial Theory, Working in the Culture Industry: Case Study Workshops and Digital Storytelling and Production.
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UNM students attended the Storytelling in the Age of AI Simulation in Abu Dhabi in December 2024.
Across seven days participants, they attended talks and workshops and crucially learned from top CNN journalists about what it takes to effectively engage audiences.
The participants were given the chance to put theory into practice, taking part in an intensive, competitive challenge. Working in groups with participants from around the world, they were set the challenge of investigating and reporting on a breaking news story in a fictional country; attending mock news conferences and interviews with role players.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
A relevant second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application.
The University of Nottingham Malaysia is an integral branch campus of the esteemed University of Nottingham, UK. As one of the top 100 universities globally and the UK’s most prestigious universities with a global reach, the University of Nottingham is committed to providing a world-class education, an enriching student experience and research environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and excellence.
The University of Nottingham stands among the UK’s top universities, known as Britain’s first “truly global university” for its unique International Curriculum and diverse student and staff population across its three global campuses.
For over a century, the university has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research, attracting and nurturing some of the world’s brightest minds. Guided by a vision of being a university with a global outlook, it continues to foster ambitious, entrepreneurial, and creative minds.
