Course Overview
Course summary
Media professionals and media firms are united in their need to acquire the commercial, strategic and managerial skills to prosper in an industry undergoing constant fundamental change. This course is designed to address these needs, developing entrepreneurial leaders equipped to deal with the complex and novel challenges presented by new technologies, consumer behaviour, and evolving business models.
The course will enable you to identify and analyse strategic and operational problems and opportunities, understand, quantify and access national and international media markets, and use foresight and planning techniques to understand and respond to change. As well as being able to manage complex media projects, you'll also have the skills to engage in strategic direction setting, deploy business-planning skills, and excel in leadership and implementation.
The course is delivered by academic staff with extensive experience of advising and managing media organisations. Teaching methods are based around practical problems and include in-class exercises and individuals and group projects and assessment. Assignments will enable you to develop and apply your skills in creative project development and business planning.
The course provides a rounded suite of managerial and commercial skills, rooted in a critical understanding of today's media and content industries, building on our role as a leader in UK media research. Practice-based assignments, such as the business-planning project, play an essential role in enabling you to apply ideas and learning in a creative fashion. You take six taught credit-bearing modules and a major project (a dissertation or professional project). You can also take an additional study skills module which includes quantitative methods and research skills.
Westminster is a leading provider in this academic discipline and is ranked top 15 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Top reasons to study with us
- Develop in-demand skills – This course will equip you with the skills required to prosper in a rapidly evolving industry, which increasingly requires professionals who can deal with the complex problems and novel opportunities presented by new technologies, consumer behaviour, and evolving business models
- Learn from experts – You’ll be taught by academic staff with extensive experience in advising and managing media organisations
- Industry engagement – You’ll learn from industry speakers in class and have the opportunity to attend a range of talks, masterclasses and workshops by media practitioners and researchers, across the University and at industry events taking place in London
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course.
Core modules
The module addresses the fundamental challenges involved in organising and managing the operation of media companies. It examines the degree to which it is possible to apply conventional management techniques for achieving efficiency and quality in the creative and editorial processes of media organisations. In particular the module focuses on how digitisation and convergence are changing the methods of managing those processes.
This module provides an overview of the course and the strategic and operational disciplines required for modern media executives. It also introduces you to a number of conceptual tools that you will use throughout the course. The module analyses key drivers for change within media industries and the context for managerial decision-making. You will also acquire important skills in report-writing and professional presentation techniques.
How do media markets function and how can we measure their size and pace of development? This module will introduce you to the economics of the media and content industries, including broadcasting, print, film, recorded music and interactive products and services. You will examine the revenue and cost structures of these industries, and the economics of the key processes of production, distribution and consumption. The module provides tools enabling decision-making based on market data.
Media innovation and entrepreneurialism is concerned with the processes and practices by which companies and entrepreneurs finance and develop new products and businesses, and take them to the market. It examines the structured processes by which organisations can foster innovation. It also requires the student to apply these principles in the envisioning of a new media product and in the development of a business plan. Entrepreneurialism and the application of creativity in business development is valued by media firms and contributes to student employability.
Professional project
The major project is an optional culminating project that allows you to undertake a substantial, practically-oriented final assignment. You will have the opportunity of testing your ability to apply theory, research, and synthesis skills in the analysis and solving of a specific industry problem or in the securing of an identified opportunity and to reflect critically on its execution. Tutors will work with you to scope the project and formulate the proposal.
Dissertation
The course culminates with a major research-based project. You will take a research and methods course designed to introduce you to the key tools for collecting and analysing evidence. Group work in Semester One orients you towards identifying and refining your individual research topic, which must be specific to the Media Management MA. Topics must be related to the strategic and commercial challenges faced by media businesses. You will be encouraged to focus your research upon the challenges and opportunities confronting a specific media firm or group of media organisations.
Option modules
This module will develop your theoretical understanding and practical leadership skills specific to media organisations. You will assess your own leadership skills and identify areas you wish to develop as part of your personal career plan (PDP). You will also write a report outlining how you observed leadership skills on a project or within an organisation, the results achieved, and the implications for your own practice.
The module addresses the fundamental challenges involved in organising and managing the operation of media companies. It examines the degree to which it is possible to apply conventional management techniques for achieving efficiency and quality in the creative and editorial processes of media organisations. In particular the module focuses on how digitisation and convergence are changing the methods of managing those processes.
This module offers a theoretical framework for understanding how, in a global context, media organisations operating in each of the key media verticals are changing their strategies and operations in response to disruptive environmental challenges – particularly technological ones. The module also provides you with a critical approach to the application of foresight tools and practical skills, in order to help you explore the future for yourself in an evidence-based and realistic fashion.
This module focuses on strategic planning and research skills and the tools required to inform effective advertising. Students will study a range of planning and research processes and tools including account planning, market research, insight identification, media planning, connection planning and trend forecasting, in addition to working with a client brand in order to structure a business problem into a creative proposition to reach an audience more effectively. The module will be assessed through the production of a research phase and subsequent strategic and creative plans, with supporting rationale.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
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Careers
The Media Management MA course equips students with the skills, knowledge and tools required in order to progress towards a career within the managerial, strategic, operational and commercial functions of media and content creating organisations.
Our course provides students with a wide range of specialised and transferable skills. It has allowed many of our graduates to move from production or journalism into management, to move into more senior managerial roles, or to transfer into new sectors. The entrepreneurial and innovation skills taught on this course have also enabled a number of our graduates to set up their own businesses.
Some of our students have come to the course with considerable management experience and have used their period of study and research to pursue projects relevant to their organisations, or to reflect on their practice and the challenges they face as managers.
Some of our graduates have gone onto further postgraduate study, in the UK or internationally.
Develop in-demand skills
This course will equip you with the skills required to prosper in a rapidly evolving industry, which increasingly requires professionals who can deal with the challenges presented by new technologies, consumer behaviour, and evolving business models.
Industry engagement
You’ll learn from industry speakers and have the opportunity to attend a range of talks, masterclasses and workshops by media practitioners and researchers, across the University and at industry events in London.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in areas such as:
- Audience research
- Business development
- Film and television distribution
- Marketing and market analysis
- Media planning
- Production
- Strategic planning
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Alibaba
- BBC World Service
- Bertelsmann
- Goldcrest Films
- Hunan TV
- Mediacom
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Nino Cirone
Lecturer
For the last 30 years Nino Cirone has been part of, and contributed to, the changing media landscape. He was a founding partner of Broadcast Research Ltd and conducted audience, programme and channel research for the all the major UK broadcasters.
He joined Fremantle Media as a Programme Strategist, identifying audience and programme trends. He then went on to run his own consulting media company, providing programme viewing analysis and audience programme research consulting services for terrestrial and satellite channels.
Joining the University of Westminster has allowed him to use his industry contacts as guest lecturers and to be ‘real-world’ clients for students. These industry contacts have allowed his modules to combine both theoretical and practical knowledge to enhance the learning experience of students.
"Teaching gives me the opportunity to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained, and to be able to excite the creative passions in the next generation of media professionals."
Course Team
Why study this course?
Leading provider
We're ranked top 10 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2021, and also ranked 4th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2022 for Research Quality in Communication and Media Studies.
Learn from experts
You’ll be taught by academic staff with extensive experience of advising and managing media organisations.
Easy access to central London
Based just a 20-minute tube ride away from the heart of the city, you’ll be perfectly placed to access networking opportunities in London’s media industries.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline.
Applicants may be required to submit a short written assignment. Applicants may also be asked to take part in a Skype interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or a lower second class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant discipline.
Applicants may be required to submit a short written assignment. Applicants may also be asked to take part in a Skype interview.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each element.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
What our students say
Zhenzhen Liang
Media Management MA - 2014
Director of International Affairs | China Film Producers' Association
I think the strategic management skills, the marketing skills, and the research skills I learned at Westminster are the most valuable parts.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,125 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
International tuition fee: £1,985 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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