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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:P3U3
Department of Media and Communications

MSc Media and Communications (Media and Communication Governance)

Explore governance and regulation of media and communication, including internet, digital platforms, press freedom, telecommunications, broadcasting and media.

Overview

Introduction

This programme offers an intensive, year-long exploration of the governance and regulation of media and communication, including internet and digital platforms, press freedom, telecommunications, broadcasting and the converging media.

When urgent questions are being asked, after controversies such as the Edward Snowden revelations, about government’s influence on the internet and the power of media corporations, the content of this programme has never been more relevant.

The programme offers a broad-based understanding of the institutions and regulations that structure the development of media and communication systems, and covers policy, legal and economic aspects of media and communication services. It provides an up-to-date engagement with the latest developments in research on media and communications, specifically relating to communications governance at regional, national and international levels. It has a strong focus on international comparison, including at the European level, with opportunities to take courses in the Departments of Media and Communications, Government and Law.

In addition, you'll have the opportunity to take full advantage of London’s status as the leading global media industry city.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science, or degree in another field with professional experience in the media and communications field. Exceptionally, professional experience alone.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

Year 1

You take one course on media and communications theories and concepts, a course in research methods and a media and communications governance course, and will choose courses from a range of options within the department and across other relevant departments, such as Law and Management. In addition, you'll submit a dissertation of 12,000 words.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Media and Communications is a world-leading centre for education and research in the field. Our department is ranked number 1 in the UK and number 2 globally for communication and media studies (2024 QS World University Rankings).

We offer students a wide selection of programmes, including master’s degrees, doctoral research training and short courses. At any one time, we have around 270 master’s students and 30 PhD students from around the world – all varying in age, professional experience and backgrounds.

Within the department, our research is organised around four key themes: media culture and identities, media participation and politics, communication histories and futures, and communication technology, rights and justice. The outputs from our research are shared with organisations such as the BBC, Facebook, Google, UNICEF, Ofcom and the UK/EU governments.

LSE’s location at the heart of London, one of the world's media capitals, allows us to foster close links with media and communications industries and policymakers.

Graduates from our programmes progress to interesting roles in broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in the public and private sectors.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Please note: The applications, intake and ratio values below includes MSc Media and Communications, MSc Media and Communications (Research), and MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society).

1162
Applications
145
Intake
8:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£28,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

On graduating, our students enter a variety of careers in the UK and abroad, including broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management and research in both the public and private sectors.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating:

£35,500

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism
Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Consultancy
Information, Digital Technology and Data
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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