University of Nottingham Ningbo China

Course overview

The MA in International Communications Studies - which is designed to meet the needs of graduates from both a communications and non-communications studies background - provides an opportunity not only to study communications against the background of recent theoretical and methodological developments, but also to gain an insight into the skills and knowledge required by the contemporary media and communication industries.

Special features

The aims of the MA International Communications Studies programme are to enable students to:

• Enhance their knowledge and understanding of the theoretical bases of verbal and non-verbal communication
• Enhance their knowledge and understanding of the cultural, social, political and economic bases of communications internationally
• Acquire a high level of proficiency in an East-Asian language or in one European language other than English
• Develop their intellectual skills
• Make use of some of the specialised forms of knowledge in the disciplines represented on the degree
• Practice and develop a wide range of transferable skills that will prepare students for further study and for employment

Course structure

MA International Communications Studies The MA degree programme can be taken full-time in one year or part-time over a maximum of six years. The programme is divided into modules, worth 10, 20, 30 or 60 credits each.

Students must take 180 credits (including 60 credits for a dissertation). Students must also pass the taught components before proceeding to the dissertation.

Year 1

Compulsory module

Students must take all modules in this group

INCM4033 Current Issues in International Communications (20 Credits)

INCM4034 Media and Communication Theory (20 Credits)

INCM4038 Media and Communication Research Methods 1 (10 Credits)

INCM4039 Media and Communication Research Methods 2 (10 Credits)

INCM4021 Dissertation in International Communications Studies (60 Credits)

Optional module (Group 1)

Students must take 20 credits from this group

LANG1062 Inter Faculty French 1A (10 Credits)

LANG1064 Inter Faculty German 1A (10 Credits)

LANG1066 Inter Faculty Japanese 1A (10 Credits)

LANG1068 Inter Faculty Spanish 1A (10 Credits)

LANG1070 Inter Faculty Korean 1A (10 Credits)

LANG1084 Mandarin Listening and Speaking 1A (10 Credits)

LANG1063 Inter Faculty French 1B (10 Credits)

LANG1065 Inter Faculty German 1B (10 Credits)

LANG1067 Inter Faculty Japanese 1B (10 Credits)

LANG1069 Inter Faculty Spanish 1B (10 Credits)

LANG1071 Inter Faculty Korean 1B (10 Credits)

LANG1085 Mandarin Listening and Speaking 1B (10 Credits)

Optional module (Group 2)

Students must take 40 credits from this group

INCM4025 Digital Games as Communication

INCM4036 Chinese Cinemas (level 4) (20 Credits)

INCM4102 Transmedia Narratives and Digital Literacy (20 Credits)

Detailed module information can be found through the online module catalogue. Please enter the module title or code when searching. 

Please note: This degree structure and modules may be subject to change. 

Careers and further study

Our Careers Development Service will work with you to explore your options. They will invite you to attend recruitment events featuring potential employers, and will suggest further opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.