
Samantha Pidoux - Programme Leader
Samantha Pidoux is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Film, Media and Journalism. She has a background in broadcast journalism and digital communications and is a multi-international, award-winning radio journalist winning two Edward R Murrow awards in 2010. Sam is a fully qualified multimedia journalist and has worked for local BBC. Her interests are in social and digital media and how journalists and the communications industry are using these to tell stories. She has headed up multimedia teams at PR events and has worked with small business to raise their profiles online through the use of social media and digital communication techniques.
Academic Staff ListWelcome to MA Media and Communications
In today's competitive marketplace, good communications and a solid reputation are key to a business's survival and success. Lincoln's MA in Media and Communications is designed to explore the role of this fast-growing employment area, by recognising the rapid changes taking place in the communications environment and enabling students to develop the media skills needed to work internationally across multimedia and digital platforms. There is an emphasis on the ability to critically assess contemporary issues in communications in both commercial and not-for-profit organisations.
The programme examines PR agencies and corporate bodies operating within a global remit. Students can research and critique developments in communications practice, with a focus on an ethical approach. Developing eloquence and confidence is explored on the course, along with the key skills required to become a flexible communications professional.
Students can gain practical experience by joining the University's student-run communications company, Cygnet PR. They are also expected to complete an assessed work placement as an important part of the course. Please note that students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking work placements.
How You Study
A wide range of approaches to teaching and learning are used on the programme to reflect the ever-changing nature of the subject, spanning a range of genres, media, and audiences.
The communications-based modules aim to employ flexible and varied means of teaching, learning, and assessment tailored to the Master's experience and grounded in collaborative research-engaged learning. Media modules deal with the landscape of the media industry and the specific media skills that are required to work in the field of communications.
Students will have the chance to work as individuals and in groups, to produce solo and group presentations, reports, essays, projects, literature reviews, and a dissertation.
As well as the traditional skills of research, essay writing, speaking, and debating, students will be able to develop a range of writing and production skills associated with work in the discipline.
The composition and delivery for the course breaks down differently for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, practicals, work placements, research, and one-to-one learning.
Weekly contact hours on this programme vary depending on the module being delivered and the stage of study. 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 spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
An Introduction to Your Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How you are assessed
This programme uses a full range of assessment and feedback tools which may include written exams, written assignments, reports, a dissertation, portfolios, projects, oral assessments and presentations, practical skills assessments, and set exercises.
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.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, 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, UK students 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. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or second class honours degree.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
How to Apply
To apply for this course you will need to submit an application through our online application system:
Career and Personal Development
In our digitally connected world, there is an abundance of information readily available to audiences worldwide, meaning that companies are more vulnerable than ever to misinformation about their brand. Good communications and media relations are a key management function in any business and can be used as an essential strategy to manage reputation while establishing trust among the public, increasing news media and social media presence, and maintaining a consistent voice. Roles within the sector include publicist, copywriter, PR specialist, and social media manager, and can be based in-house or in an agency. This programme aims to equip graduates with the eloquence and confidence needed for a variety of career in media and communications.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
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