Media, Campaigning and Social Change MA

Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core module semester one
CRITICAL ISSUES IN CAMPAIGNING
In this module, you will consider the factors that influence social change in the context of current campaigns around the world, and the historical development of campaign techniques and practices. You will apply a critical analysis of concepts such as power, theories of change, ethics, innovation, media representation, narrative and framing to practical scenarios and topical campaigns. This module requires you to monitor and critically evaluate practice in the UK and/or internationally.
Core modules semester two
MEDIA, ACTIVISM AND POLITICS
The module investigates the relationship between media, activism and politics. It offers a critical assessment of the role of media in political mobilisation, social movements, dissent, memes, satire and art, and political and social crises. The module looks at the impact of the communications on activism in a range of circumstances from secure democracies through different kinds of political systems. The module combines traditional academic lectures and seminars with attendance at topical events and visits to relevant exhibitions and institutions.
PLANNING CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
In this module you will learn how to research and plan a strategic campaign for social change based on the theories of social change examined in Semester One. You will produce communication material such as news releases, e-alerts, tweets, infographics and/or videos to support your campaign strategy. Where possible, you work to live briefs from campaigning organisations. This is a practical, hands-on module taught through a series of workshops, visits to campaign communication teams in London-based campaigning organisations, and guest talks by leading campaigners and social change communicators.
Option modules
You choose three option modules from the following menu. You may choose to focus on practical skills, on new technologies, on diversity or development, or on media audiences and industries.

Semester one
Choose two of the following in addition to the core module:
Approaches to Social and Cultural Diversity
Global Media
Media Management and Content Production (PR and the Media)
Media Production
Political Economy of Communication
Reporting Diversity: Gender, Sexuality, Age, Disability
Social Media and e-Marketing
Social Media: Creativity, Sharing, Visibility
Technology and Communications Policy
Theories of Communication.
Semester two
Choose one of the following in addition to the core modules:
Approaches to Media and Communications Research
Critical Theory of Social Media and the Internet
Development and Communications Policy
Media Audiences
Online Journalism
Reporting Diversity: Faith and Religion
Reporting Migration, Race and Ethnicity
Sociology of News
Web Production: Westminster News Online.
Course team
Michaela O’Brien, Course leader
Associated careers
This course is particularly relevant if you want to start, or to progress, a career in communications and campaigning for social change, whether in a charity or non-governmental organisation; in a public sector body; in a political party or election campaigning setting; or even in a corporate social responsibility role. It could also be a stepping-stone towards a PhD and an academic career in this growing field of study.
For more information, please contact the course enquiries team on course-enquiries@westminster.ac.uk or joint course leader Michaela O’Brien on M.Obrien2@westminster.ac.uk.
Related courses
Communication MA
Diversity and the Media MA
Media and Development MA
Public Relations MA
Social Media MA
Length of course
One year, full-time
Two years, part-time
Location
Harrow and central London
Additional costs information