
Dr Thomas Sutherland - Programme Leader
Dr Thomas Sutherland is a Senior Lecturer in the University's Lincoln School of Media and specialises in the history and philosophy of media and communication, as well as critical and cultural theory more broadly.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MA Studies in Media and Culture
MA Studies in Media and Culture is a critical theory degree, designed to provide a thorough grounding in issues dominating contemporary thought on media, technology, and cultural practice. Students have the opportunity to investigate key debates reshaping this expanding and diverse field, examining various theoretical, philosophical, historical, and aesthetic approaches to better understand the complex, convergent, and entangled processes of mediation that characterise our contemporary networked culture.
The coherence of the programme is achieved through close connections between modules, reflecting the research interests of the teaching team. Students are encouraged to explore the various aspects of the ecological entanglements of media; analyse 21st-Century cultural processes and phenomena within a global context; and engage in reflexive, experimental research practice, building upon the knowledge and literacies that they already possess as result of their everyday experiences with media culture.
How You Study
Every student takes all nine modules as part of a single, coherent pathway.
Teaching and learning on the programme will be undertaken through lectures, seminars, presentations, reading groups, and personal tutorials. Students are able to develop their skills to work as both an individual and as a team member to produce solo and group presentations, essays, projects, and a dissertation.
Contact and Independent Study
Full-time weekly contact hours are typically around eight hours, however during the summer when the dissertation is being researched and written, you are expected to be largely engaged in independent 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 two to three hours in independent study.
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
Assessment is through written work, including essays and a dissertation, as well as through presentations. In addition, some optional modules provide the opportunity for collaborative research projects which involve elements of both theory and practice (eg. audio-visual essays), submission of research portfolios, and contribution to group blogs.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date (unless stated differently above).
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.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
International Postgraduate Taught Application Deadline
Please note that international applications for taught postgraduate programmes starting in September 2022 have now closed.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
International Students will require English Language at IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element, or equivalent. http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/englishrequirements
Career Opportunities
Graduates can go on to careers in the media and cultural industries, while others may utilise their knowledge and advanced critical-thinking skills in research roles across a range of commercial and public sector organisations. Some choose to go on to doctoral study and pursue a career in academia.
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.
Find out MoreRelated Courses

Digital Media
Designed to provide media professionals and graduates with an opportunity to advance their in-depth knowledge and technical skills.

Film Production
Film Production aims to equip students with the skills needed to become the next generation of innovative filmmakers.

Media and Cultural Studies
Undertake in-depth research and choose your own research topic while being mentored by a supervisor from a team of national and international experts.