Types of Media and Communication Master Programs

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1 Department of Media and Communication Postgraduate Courses in Media and Communication

2 Contents 3 Welcome to the Department of Media and Communication 4 Why study Media at Leicester? 5 Postgraduate Study in Media and Communication at Leicester 6 Full-Time Master s Degrees Campus Based (One Year) 9 Part-Time Master s Degrees Distance Learning (Two Years) 11 MPhil and PhD Degrees The University has the joint highest scores for overall student satisfaction in England amongst mainstream universities (National Student Survey). Leicester s student completion rate is amongst the very highest. 12 Other Information 13 Applying for Postgraduate Study 14 Postgraduate student life 15 About the city of Leicester 2 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

3 Welcome to the Department of Media and Communication The Department of Media and Communication at the University of Leicester is one of the UK s leading centres for research and teaching in communications, media and culture. Since its establishment in 1966, the department has become internationally recognised for its innovative teaching and excellence in research. The department has experts in many different aspects of communications and media who produce world-leading research and teaching of the very highest quality. Many books and articles published by our academic staff have become standard texts around the world. We provide a supportive and stimulating learning environment in which UK and international students of all levels can engage in debates on the local, national and global nature of media and communication. Our MA degrees have helped many thousands of students into careers in their chosen professions, both inside and outside of the media. How to Apply Our application processes are designed to be user-friendly. Our staff are happy to advise if you have any queries about your application. For postal applications, please request an application package from the Postgraduate Admissions Office, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH For online applications, please visit Department of Media and Communication, Bankfield House, 132 New Walk, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7JA, UK Campus Based Courses: t: +44 (0) w: e: mediacom@le.ac.uk Distance Learning Courses: t: +44 (0) w: e: mediacom-dl@le.ac.uk POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 3

4 Why study Media at Leicester? Expertise in Media and Communications Studies As one of the longest established academic centres specialising in the study of media and communication, we have also become the fastest growing department of its kind in the UK. Our students are taught by experienced and highly qualified tutors and leading researchers in the field. You will be working in a progressive academic environment, with our research work being supported by major government and international organisations. Many of our Masters level students go on to work in a wide range of industries, including journalism, broadcasting, public relations, new media, advertising, international news agencies, education, government departments and foreign ministries, and many other public, private and third sector organisations. Some graduates go on to do research degrees but others have also returned to careers in which having the MA degree has helped their progression to higher positions. Research led Our teaching is informed by cuttingedge research by staff from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, including media and cultural studies, film and cinema, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology. We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to research that includes critical and empirical analysis of media and communications, their structures, policy and legal frameworks, audiences and effects. We acknowledge the rapidly changing media and communication environment in our research by actively pursuing the study of new and social media and communications technologies. The Department also specialises in the study of national and transnational media, and the emergence of global media cultures. Our research work continues to be supported by major government and international organisations such as the Home Office, Broadcasting Standards Council, UNESCO, ESRC and the Department for Education. League table success The University was ranked in the top 20 of the major 2015 UK league tables. The Department of Media and Communication was ranked 7th in the 2015 Guardian University Guide and 8th in the 2015 Complete University Guide. Global Reputation The University was ranked in the top 1% of universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings Widening Participation The University of Leicester is consistently one of the most socially inclusive of the UK s top 20 universities with a longstanding commitment to providing fairer and equal access to higher education. Listening to our Students We operate varied feedback systems through which our students can provide feedback to us about their experiences and our performance. We believe that we can learn from our students just as they learn from us. It felt great being an international student in the Department. The diversity and friendliness made all the difference. Nesrine, MA graduate 4 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

5 Postgraduate Study in Media and Communication at Leicester The Department offers seven, one year, full-time, campus-based Master s degree programmes and five, two year, part-time distance learning Master s programmes for students who seek a more flexible learning regime. The Department also offers postgraduate research degrees. A full list of our postgraduate programmes is shown below. Full-time Campus Based Master s Degrees MA Globalization and Communications MA Journalism Studies MA Mass Communications MA Media and Public Relations MA Media and Advertising MA Media, Culture and Society MA New Media and Society Part-time Master s Degrees by Distance Learning MA Communications, Media and Advertising MA Communications, Media and Public Relations MA Mass Communications MA New Media and Society MA New Media Governance and Democracy Research Degrees Full-time PhD/MPhil Part-time PhD/MPhil POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 5

6 Full-Time Masters Degrees Campus Based (One Year) MA Globalization and Communications The MA Globalization and Communications programme will provide you with a comprehensive grounding in theories, perspectives and research related to globalization and communications. The programme s core focus is on the different political, economic and cultural dynamics of national and transnational media and communications. Through a variety of core and optional modules, you will critically consider the role of media and communications technology in shaping cultures and societies, how it influences development processes and links different transnational communities. The programme helps you to understand more fully how media and communications are central to the changing structures, boundaries and flows of our increasingly globalized world. It also pays particular attention to global development and inequalities, and the ways in which communication processes can be seen to both widen and close the gap between the global north and south. The programme will facilitate your knowledge of the contemporary and historical processes shaping globalization in the digital era, the changing roles of states and corporations in this context and the emergence of global civil society. You will pay particular attention to the evolving patterns of cultural production and consumption and the transformations in the global media environment, including processes of conglomeratisation, digitalisation and convergence. The programme will aid your understanding of communications and contemporary issues of identity, including the emergence of diasporic, transnational and new virtual communities. It also examines the evolving nature of global civil society and the public sphere, and the potential use of new media for activating social movements and democratic politics. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Assessment is by means of essays, research methods assignments and a dissertation. MA Journalism Studies This exciting new programme is vocationally-orientated and takes a critical approach to the news industry and its place in society. It has been developed and is delivered by academics who are leaders in the burgeoning fields of news and journalism studies and you will benefit from their expertise in all aspects of the programme. The programme combines theoretical and more practically-oriented explorations of journalism, in both national and international contexts and examines the most up-to-date debates, including emerging issues and practices in print, online and citizen journalism. Throughout the programme you will deepen your knowledge of journalism and 6 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

7 the social, political, economic and cultural contexts in which news is produced through core modules that provide foundational knowledge and optional modules that offer opportunities to explore more specialised areas of journalism studies. Both core and optional modules will prepare you for your dissertation an extended research study. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Assessment is by means of essays, research methods assignments and a dissertation. MA Mass Communications The MA Mass Communications provides you with a comprehensive grounding in the theories, approaches and research skills necessary for understanding and analysing media and communication in both national and global contexts. The course covers core approaches in mass communication theory, media and cultural studies, approaches to understanding audiences, and principles and practices in media and communication research methods. This programme will provide you with an all-round and in-depth, critical knowledge of historical and contemporary issues in media and communication, and the research skills to address and engage with those issues. It is ideal for those with a general interest in all aspects of media and mass communications. The programme will give you critical knowledge of the historical development of the study of media, culture and communication. It comprehensively covers the very latest theories and debates in national and global media and communications. You will receive extensive training in communication and social science research methods and approaches, including methods for studying new communication technologies, such as the internet, and training in web-based research. At the end of the programme you will be able to critically assess competing arguments in media and social theory and understand different perspectives on the organisation of the mass media and the way such organisations operate both nationally and internationally. You will also possess the relevant skills to use information and communication resources in the social sciences and beyond. Through the completion of methods modules and a dissertation, you will learn how to formulate research questions, conceptualise research problems, and design appropriate research projects involving the collection, management and analysis of communication and social science research data. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Assessment is by means of essays, research methods assignments and a dissertation. MA Media and Public Relations This programme teaches you about the rise of the public relations industry and its contemporary forms of organisation and practice. It will introduce the study of PR as an academic discipline, approaching PR from a range of critical and theoretical perspectives. The emphasis of this programme is on the academic study of public relations and related communications professions, and is taught by lecturers and support tutors who combine specialist knowledge of theory and research methods with experience of the public relations sector and its working practices. Graduates from this programme will be equipped to pursue academic study at research degree level. The programme explores the practice of PR and the skills that are important to this sector in the context of rapidly changing media environments. It examines classic and emerging PR strategies and the use of research to inform PR campaigns and to measure their impact and effectiveness. The programme will also deepen your knowledge of emerging topics such as Strategic Communication Management. You will also study how commercial organisations and NGOs campaigning for social change use PR techniques to promote themselves, and how crisis communication tools are applied to address challenges in organisational environments. Public Relations is an increasingly attractive career option. The profession is creatively vibrant and experiencing global growth. The role of the PR professional is varied and challenging, and there are employment opportunities within a wide range of companies, agencies and organisations across the private, public and voluntary sectors. But PR isn t just an exciting career option. As a profession that utilises a wide range of techniques with the aim of influencing public policy and discourses; produces its own media content; and initiates forms of dialogue and citizen participation, PR is an increasingly important subject of academic study. There are widespread concerns around so called spin doctors, manipulation and propaganda. PR may bring benefits to those who use it, but this programme enables you to get to grips with the ideas, issues and controversies surrounding the profession. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, problem solving workshops and tutorials. Assessment is by means of essays, case study reports, research methods assignments and a dissertation. Accreditation The University of Leicester is a recognised partner of the UK Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA). As part of this partnership students on the MA in Media and Public Relations enjoy free membership of the PRCA, unlimited free access to PRCA online training courses, reduced rates for other PRCA training and qualifications and access to a range of networking events, work placements and graduate schemes. MA Media and Advertising The MA Media and Advertising is designed to equip you with both the theoretical and the practical research skills to understand and critically evaluate one of the most creative promotional industries in the world: advertising. The MA explores this dynamic phenomenon from different standpoints and uses multidisciplinary approaches deriving from media and cultural studies, as well as marketing and consumer studies. It is taught jointly with POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 7

8 the School of Management, and this unique partnership ensures that you will grasp advertising in its complexity: as a cultural phenomenon that plays a crucial role in contemporary societies, as well as a marketing tool that promotes brands, but also political ideas and no-profit messages and much more! The MA Media and Advertising covers the history and development of the advertising industry; advertising media planning; analysis of meaning in advertising campaigns; local/ global advertising; advertising and representation (identity, race, gender); public service advertising and much more. It also explores advertising from the standpoint of marketing and consumer behaviour, by introducing the key concepts and practices of these disciplines and explaining how advertising promotes brand awareness and influences consumers decision making processes. You will also address advertising s creative strategies and the use of research in relation to advertising effectiveness, and you will have the chance to work and be assessed on live creative briefs and advertising research projects. By contextualising advertising within the framework of media and promotional culture and involving guest speakers from the industry who will share with you their valuable experiences you will become an expert in this exciting field and get ready to pursue a career in advertising/marketing or continue your study in a research degree. The programme will develop your theoretical academic skills as well as your ability to apply these to assess critically the role of advertising in contemporary societies. You will gain in-depth knowledge of marketing principles and practices, and practical skills such as being able to assess the effectiveness of advertising in the different development stages of a campaign. The course is studied full-time over one year and consists of five core modules, two optional modules and a dissertation. Successful completion of all elements is necessary to gain the Masters degree. Modules are assessed via individual essays, group assignments, exams and oral presentations. MA Media, Culture and Society The MA Media Culture and Society will provide you with a solid understanding of our social and political world through the study of media and culture in all its forms. Jointly-taught by staff from the Departments of Media and Communication and Sociology, the programme covers a wide range of themes including social and cultural theory, games studies, media ethics, the cultural industries, social media and digital politics, health and the environment, and gender politics in the media. By applying a range of media research methods and concepts to the study of media and communication, you will build an understanding of a range of perspectives in the disciplines of cultural studies, media and sociology, which will form a solid basis for further study. The programme combines theoretical and more practical study. For example, interview-workshops with prominent researchers in the field of media and communication and leading industry thinkers offer you the opportunity to discuss, in depth, research methods and project design with those who have firsthand experience. The MA Media, Culture and Society draws on contemporary social and cultural theory in order to study the global, national, social, political and regulatory systems in which the media are located. A principal objective is to help you build a critical awareness of media and the social processes that are associated with them as elements located within, and constitutive of, global societies and cultures. Additionally, you will receive training in the research methods and techniques of social science and media, communication and cultural studies, which are valuable for both future academic study and other professional careers. This MA will help to deepen your appreciation of the relationship between theory and practice and will allow you to pursue academic study at research degree level. Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars, research discussion workshops and tutorials. Assessment for this programme is diverse and avoids an over-reliance on essays and exams. The programme has been designed to ensure that assessment methods are germane to the topics covered and the learning objectives specific to each module. MA New Media and Society This programme will provide you with a comprehensive grounding in the theories, approaches and research necessary for studying and analysing new media and information structures and processes in both national and global contexts. The focus of the course is on new media technologies and their impact and influences on society, culture, politics and human behaviour. The programme introduces and critically examines the advent of the information society in all its dimensions. The programme will provide you with a critical knowledge of the historical background and key evolution steps in the study of new media and new technologies, along with a thorough understanding of the recent developments and trends in new media. The theoretical and methodological aspects of the course will allow you confidently to engage with all aspects of new media and new technologies. By completing this programme you will have developed a comprehensive understanding of key concepts associated with new media, including the network society, online social influence, cyber security, online activism and more. The programme encourages and supports critical and reflective appraisal of the relationship between new media and society, as well as the concepts used to grasp this relationship. It also introduces you to media and communications research methods and their application to the study of new media. Finally, as a postgraduate course, the programme will develop your intellectual autonomy through providing the resources and skills for you to undertake your own research project in the field of new media. The course is studied full-time over one year and comprises seven core modules, two optional modules and a dissertation. 8 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

9 Part-Time Masters Degrees Distance Learning (Two Years) Distance Learning at the University of Leicester Distance learning now enjoys a key role in many of the world s higher education systems and it is likely to expand in the future as teaching and studying embrace the use of new communications technologies. As one of the UK s leading providers of distance taught postgraduate courses, the University of Leicester is a centre for e-learning and is committed to the further development of flexible learning systems. As a distance learning student, you acquire knowledge principally through the study of printed texts and other media. You are assessed in much the same way as for other modes of learning. There is often provision for face-to-face tuition, and there is more intensive use of other means of communications such as post, , and audio-visual media, such as Skype tutorials and Screencasts. Benefits of Studying by Distance Learning Distance learning offers you the option to study part-time from home while remaining in full-time employment. Our distance learning programmes blend teaching through high quality, speciallywritten printed materials drawing on a range of expertise from universities around the world and assessed by experts of the highest standing. The flexibility of materials-based learning with online support offers you more scope to develop study patterns that fit in with your preferred pace of study and are adapted to your particular needs and circumstances. We launched our first distance learning programme the MA Mass Communications in Over 1,100 students from more than 30 countries have registered and successfully completed the programme and currently we have more than 350 students studying with us. Current Programmes Five postgraduate programmes are available for distance learners. MA Mass Communication MA New Media and Society MA New Media, Governance and Democracy MA Communications, Media and Public Relations MA Communications, Media and Advertising Each programme shares a common first year (on successful completion of which you may choose to exit with the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Mass Communication). The second year makes provision for more specialised study in the topic area identified in each programme s title, there is the opportunity of further specialisation through the pursuit of a dissertation (for an MA) or for early exit on completion of coursework (for a Postgraduate Diploma). POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 9

10 Programme Aims The communications media are increasingly pervasive and influential in politics, industry, business, leisure, education, and social regulation. There are few areas of study which have as much relevance and importance in contemporary life. As the media become more global in their ownership, content and audience reach, they raise profound questions about national sovereignty, industrial power and public access and representation. Our distance learning programmes are designed to: Serve as a broad introduction to the study of communications media. Explore the key themes and issues in contemporary media and communication research. Introduce some of the skills and approaches that can be used to study the media, emphasising the importance of analysing media and communication processes in their social, political, economic, and global contexts. Provide direct access to the current thinking of key researchers and writers in the field from around the world. Offer people who are already employed in the communications industries a chance to review current professional and organisational practices. Present a challenging and comprehensive introduction to the media for those who plan to work in the communications field in the future. MA Mass Communications This programme will provide you with the knowledge and research expertise to address a wide range of issues in media and communications, such as: the changing social uses of media; media production, organisation and control; issues of management, training and ethics in media practice; media regulation; comparative cross-national studies of media; analysis of media texts; the implications of media for the knowledge, beliefs and behaviours of audiences; media technologies; the contribution of media to economic growth, nation-building, community development; and individual identity and well-being. MA New Media and Society In addition to a thorough grounding in the origins, theoretical development, and research methods used in the study of media and communication research, this programme offers access to academic knowledge about the history, growth and development of the Internet and other related wired and wireless technologies. The course investigates the different applications to which new communications technologies have been put, and their social and psychological impact upon users and societies. Legal, regulatory and issues linked to the political economy of the Internet also form part of the course content. The programme has an international perspective, examining global developments, but also offers more detailed examination at the local and regional level. It aims to impart knowledge and encourage reflective practice among media professionals. MA New Media, Governance and Democracy This programme allows you to build on the broad introduction to media and communication research and specialise by studying the developments that have occurred around the world in the provision of electronic equipment. It examines the political, economic, and social reasons for the establishment of e-government and examines online government developments in the wider context of debates about the rapid spread and adoption of new information and communication technologies, e-democracy and the civic engagement of citizens. The programme also considers the importance of these developments in offsetting growing political alienation and distrust of politicians and governments. MA Communications, Media and Public Relations The specialised modules in this programme are designed for students wishing to acquire detailed knowledge of the latest research into news access and journalistic practices, and on the growth, functioning and significance of PR in contemporary society. You will cover modules on: PR and propaganda; spin and the role of public relations in political and commercial communication; PR and new media; media management in times of conflict; PR and the promotional practices of special interest groups; NGOs and the news. There will be opportunities for regional specialization and a chance to explore PR practices in a global context. MA Communications, Media and Advertising This programme places the academic study of advertising in a broad media context. The programme is designed for graduates with experience in advertising, marketing or related sectors who seek to enhance their qualifications and for those with an academic background in the social sciences or humanities who aspire to careers, or teach in, these sectors. The specialist modules explore the advertising industry in a global context, examining advertising as a form of communication shaped by economic, cultural and social factors, and as an occupational practice. These modules will examine how advertising works in different media; advertising history and development; ethical, regulatory and social issues; the nature and impact of advertising; and consumer behaviour, and marketing research. Assessment Assessment on distance learning master s degrees is by essays, dissertation and examination. 10 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

11 Research Degrees (PhD and MPhil) We welcome applications for well-qualified graduates to register for individually supervised research degrees (MPhil or PhD). We have experience of supervising students in a wide range of topic areas, including: media audiences; cultural production and consumption; the mediation of disability and health, environment and science (including climate change); media ethics and regulation; cultural policy; popular culture and film; media, gender and feminism; migration, transnationalism and multiculturalism; news and journalism (including online news); new media / digital media and their social consequences; online relationships; political economy of new media; political communication. The traditional route to a research degree is to complete an individually supervised programme of research that culminates in the submission of a thesis of around 80,000 words for the PhD degree and 50,000 words for the MPhil degree. Support You will normally work with two academic supervisors who have expertise and experience in your chosen research area and a comprehensive programme of training at department level. You will be supported in: Planning and managing your research Broadening your knowledge of research developments in your field Developing your understanding of relevant research methodology Developing your broader research and professional capabilities Building your profile within the research community Through regular consultations your supervisors will monitor your progress, provide you with guidance as needed, and be your first point of contact for help and advice. Training and support is also available through the University s Graduate School, which promotes and shares best practice across the institution. You will have access to a large open-plan work space in the Department s own building, Bankfield House. You will also have access to dedicated postgraduate facilities in other work areas on the main campus and in the University Library, for example reading rooms, PC zones and research archives. Period of Registration MPhil and PhD degrees by research are normally studied full-time and require at least two years for the MPhil and at least three years for the PhD. Students may be registered part-time for a research degree, over longer time periods. POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 11

12 My MA has proven to be useful as I have returned to the workforce and I am a more thoughtful and better equipped professional because of it Lindy, MA graduate Further Information Library The award-winning 32 million David Wilson Library is a light, airy, five-storey building providing state-of-the art facilities. We invest over 6 million per year in the Library. Self-service loan and return, group study rooms, hundreds of PCs, netbook loans, wireless access throughout, Help Zone in the Library and online, 24 hours a day Sunday Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday during term time, plus a bookshop and café create a first-class study environment. Our Librarians can provide detailed advice on finding and using information, and help you make the most of the resources available in the Library and on the web. You can also use our online guides to finding information for your coursework or research. You will have access to over one million printed volumes and a digital library of over 30,000 electronic journals and 350,000 ebooks. Our electronic resources can be accessed from anywhere you have an internet connection. The Library also has extensive collections of rare books and archives, ranging from the 12th to the 21st centuries, with particular strengths in English local history and the work of a number of modern literary authors. As a postgraduate, you will also benefit from the Graduate School Reading Room for the exclusive use of postgraduates and staff, which has additional study spaces and bookable group study rooms. A PC Zone is also reserved for postgraduates and our Leicester Research Archive contains research papers and theses from members of the University. Employment Prospects A postgraduate degree demonstrates to potential employers that you have a high level of knowledge in a particular area, which can set you apart from others in the graduate job market. Some of the key career destinations of our graduates include new media organisations, as well as press and broadcast organisations with a new media component, international news agencies, government departments (e.g. publicity, education, health), advertising organisations, public relations organisations, and many others. If you want to continue with your academic studies, you will be well placed to do so after completing one of our taught postgraduate programmes. With a broadlybased examination of history and global development, a theoretical diversity of approaches to the study of media and communications, a strong emphasis on research methods training, and an international perspective via case studies and exemplars of media developments around the world, our Masters programmes provide an excellent foundation for study at research degree level. Fees Full information on current fees for campus based courses, is available on request or from the University s website. Before, or at the time of registration, you must provide evidence of their ability to pay the appropriate course fee and to support themselves throughout the duration of the course. Scholarships The Department, together with the College of Social Sciences, occasionally funds graduate research assistantships that provide full-time equivalent PhD scholarships funding at UK/EU fee levels. These posts are advertised on our website when available and candidates are appointed on a competitive basis. The University of Leicester offers a limited number of scholarships and bursaries to students from certain countries. Details are available from University of Leicester alumni are entitled to a 10% discount on postgraduate fees if you have already completed an undergraduate degree (or PGCE course) at the University of Leicester and are a self-financing student UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

13 Applying for Postgraduate Study Entry Requirements For all of our postgraduate courses, you should have at least a good second class honours degree in any discipline, though a social sciences degree would be particularly relevant, from an institution recognised by the University. Applicants who do not have a first degree, but who can demonstrate other relevant qualifications and/or experience may also be considered. For distance learning courses, such applicants may be invited to submit an entry assignment in answer to one of a set of essay questions as evidence in support of their application. Where English is not your first language, you are required, prior to admission to the Department, to provide evidence of their proficiency in both written and spoken English. This should usually be a score of 6.5 in the British council IELTs test or TOEFL 575(paper) Plus TWE (IBT). The University will also accept equivalent qualifications and further advice can be obtained from the Graduate School The University s English Language teaching Unit (ELTU) offers full-time preparatory courses in English Language and study skills for overseas students. Full-Time Campus Based Postgraduate Courses These begin in October each year and run for one year. Distance Learning Courses There are intakes in January, April, July and October of each year. Application forms can be obtained from or by contacting the department. Send your completed distance learning application form to: Department of Media & Communication, Distance Learning, Bankfield House, 132 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7JA Research Degrees Research degrees have two intakes in October and January. To apply for admission to the PhD programme for a selffunded place you must submit a completed application form, CV, two academic references, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English language level (if required), and a research proposal of between 3,000 and 4,000 words. Further details and information on applying can be obtained from www2.le.ac.uk/departments/media/ postgraduate/research-degrees Send your completed application form for campus based and research degrees to: The Graduate Office, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK e: graduateoffice@le.ac.uk POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 13

14 Postgraduate student life The iconic Percy Gee Students Union building provides a warm, welcoming and friendly environment for all students. There is everything a busy student needs, whether that s getting an early morning pick-me-up at Starbucks, grabbing lunch at 1923, or stocking up on study essentials at Ryman. At the heart of the Students Union is the Square a huge atrium and terrace area it s the perfect place for relaxing and catching up with friends. Throughout the year, all manner of social and academic-related events are arranged through the SU fundraising activities, health awareness campaigns, fashion shows, charity events and, of course, a superb nightlife. As a postgraduate you are encouraged make your voice heard. Annual elections vote in members of the Students Union Executive, who oversee its strategic and political direction. Being a part of a society is a sure way of getting involved in the University community. Societies offer a chance to meet like-minded people, have fun and try something new. Whatever you re into there will be a society for you there are over 200 at Leicester. The Students Union is home to groups in sport, media, politics, performing arts, music, volunteering, fundraising, plus the specialist and zany. For more information please visit: Whatever you re into there will be a society for you there are over 200 at Leicester. The Students Union is home to groups in sport, media, politics, performing arts, music, volunteering, fundraising, plus the specialist and zany. 14 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

15 Your city Leicester is a lively and diverse city and the tenth largest in Britain. It has all the activities and facilities you would expect, with a friendly and safe atmosphere. The city centre is just a short walk from campus so you ll never be far from the action. Leicester s diverse heritage is reflected in a dazzling array of festivals and cultural experiences including the largest Diwali celebrations outside India, the UK s longest running Comedy Festival and the University s hugely successful book festival Literary Leicester. Sports fans can enjoy Premier League football with Leicester City and watch top-class rugby at Welford Road, home of the mighty Leicester Tigers. Recent developments have led to the opening of the world class Curve Theatre and Phoenix Square Independent Arts Centre in the new Cultural Quarter, which complement Leicester s existing array of cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries. Leicester is a city of sporting excellence. Sports fans can enjoy Premier League football with Leicester City and watch top-class rugby at Welford Road, home of the mighty Leicester Tigers. The Leicester Riders are a formidable presence in the British Basketball League (BBL), and during the summer months, Leicestershire County Cricket Cub compete in the county championship and T20 Blast competition. The sparkling Highcross complex features 110,000 square metres of retail therapy,bars, cafés and restaurants. For those with independent tastes Leicester Lanes houses a variety of boutiques and specialist shops. As you would expect from a true student city, there is a huge range of bars, clubs and live music venues that cater for all kinds of tastes. Food lovers are treated to a fantastic selection of restaurants, with specialities available from every corner of the world. POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION 15

16 @uniofleicester /uniofleicester For more information Department of Media and Communication University of Leicester, Bankfield House, 132 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7JA, UK Campus Based Courses: t: +44 (0) /2785 f: +44 (0) e: w: Distance Learning Courses: t: +44 (0) f: +44 (0) e: w: WINNERS Printed by Print Services, University of Leicester, using vegetable based inks on FSC certified stock University of Leicester All information in this document was correct at the time of going to press. However, changes and developments are part of the life of the University, and alterations may occur to the programmes and services described in this document. 8272_02/15