Department of Social Research/ Faculty of Social Sciences / University of Helsinki

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1 Master of Social Sciences Master s Degree Programme in Media and Communication Studies Specialisation Line: Media and Global Communication Degree Requirements Department of Social Research/ Faculty of Social Sciences / University of Helsinki

2 Master of Social Sciences, Master s Degree Programme in Media and Communication Studies (120 ECTS). Specialisation Line: Media and Global Communication Degree obtained: Master of Social Sciences in Media and Communication Studies / M.Soc.Sci. In Finnish: Maisteriopinnot/Vtm ECTS: 120 Advanced studies: ECTS Elective studies and other studies: ECTS Objectives of the Master s Programme The MGC programme focuses on the academic study of media and global communication. The degree provides insights into how media and journalism are changing in a globalised context, exploring key issues and approaches in media and communication studies today. The degree provides training in research skills to support academic scholarship in the students chosen field of media and communication. It also offers opportunities for the development of professional skills through optional modules and research. Degree Requirements The language of studies The official language of the Master s Degree Programme in Media and Global Communication is English. However, it is possible to include courses taken in other languages in the degree, such as courses completed during international exchange or exchange at another university in Finland. Non-English language courses cannot exceed 25% of the programme. This is equivalent to 30 ECTS credits out of the total 120 ECTS that make up the MGC programme. The structure of the programme The Master's Degree Programme in Media and Global Communication (MGC) is a full-time, two-year programme. The programme fulfils the requirements of a 120 ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) master's degree in social sciences at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The programme consists of advanced studies in communication offered by the Discipline of Media and Communication Studies, as well as compulsory other studies offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, and electives. 1

3 Advanced Studies in Communication 93 or 95 ECTS - MGC1 Introduction to Media and Global Communication, 5 ECTS, MGC2 Global Media Industries and Structures, 5 ECTS, MGC3 Key Issues and Approaches in Media and Global Communication, 4 x 5 ECTS = 20 ECTS, MGC4 Advanced Research Methods in Media and Communication Studies, 7 ECTS, MGC5 Internship, 7 ECTS, MGC6 Master s Seminar I+ Personal Study Plan, 5 + 1=6 ECTS, MGC6 Master s Seminar II, 5 ECTS, MGC7 Master's Thesis, 40 ECTS, Other Studies 9 or 11 ECTS - Orientation, 2 ECTS - Academic Writing, 2+2 ECTS - Introduction to Research Methods, 5 ECTS Electives 14 or 16 or 18 ECTS Complementary Studies (If necessary) - Introduction to Statistics, 10 ECTS 10 ECTS The Structure of the Master s Degree Programme in Media and Communication Studies

4 Advanced Studies 93 or 95 ECTS Advanced studies include theoretical and thematically focused core field studies, advanced research methodology, two master s seminars, an internship and the master s dissertation. The internship (7 ECTS) can be replaced with an MGC3 course (5 ECTS). Other Studies (compulsory studies) 9 or 11 ECTS Orientation and Academic Writing are compulsory for all MGC students. Students who have already studied at the University of Helsinki are exempt from the Orientation course. Students who have completed upper secondary school and/or both primary and secondary school in Finland and who have completed their Bachelor s degrees abroad must complete the language courses (mainly Swedish) that are required by the faculty and write their abstract in Finnish as well as English when submitting their Master s Thesis. Orientation and Personal Study Plan (2 ECTS): This unit is compulsory for students who have not studied at the University of Helsinki before. The unit aims to familiarise students with the education system at the University of Helsinki. The orientation credits are given by the study office of the Faculty of Social Sciences. At the beginning of their studies, students are required to draw up a personal study plan with the help of their supervisor. The personal study plan is reviewed in their second year during the master s seminar. Academic Writing (2+2 ECTS): All MGC students are required to attend the Academic Writing for Media and Global Communication Master's Students course, on which they will learn how to write scientific texts in English. Introduction to Research Methods (5 ECTS): This is a compulsory course for all MGC students. If the student has completed quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in his/her previous studies, then he/she may replace this course with another course. The course is offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences, and teaches students the basics of writing a research plan. Elective Studies ECTS Students are encouraged to participate in other courses that are offered by the Department of Social Research/ Media and Communication Studies. They may also participate in courses offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences and by other departments of the faculty, or by the other faculties of the University of Helsinki. Elective courses can be language courses, minor studies in another subject or any other courses offered by a university, for example courses that are completed during exchange studies in another country. Complementary Studies Students may be required to take complementary, extra-curricular courses depending on their previous study experience. - Statistics (10 ECTS) 10 ECTS 3

5 Advanced Studies (WebOodi code for the whole unit: ) 93 or 95 ECTS The advanced studies allow students to focus on different perspectives, discussions and scientific methods within the field of media and communication studies. These courses will help students to deepen and broaden their knowledge of media and communication theory, as well as to develop their skills in analysis. The advanced studies also provide a solid basis for applying research methods during media and communication research projects. The advanced studies are therefore a key preparation for students to go on and write the Master s thesis. In addition, the advanced studies include a voluntary internship component which provides valuable hands-on experience, preparing students for working life after graduation. Once a student has completed all of the individual units in this study module, the student must have the module graded and registered as advanced studies in communication in the Discipline of Media and Communication Studies. The overall grading scale is from 0 to 5. The Master s thesis (40 ECTS) is graded separately. MGC 1 Introduction to Media and Global Communication, 5 ECTS WebOodi code: After completing the unit, students will have familiarised themselves with various theoretical paradigms, debates, studies and concepts that have guided the study of media in international contexts. With the help of the course, students will be better prepared to evaluate critically different perspectives on media and global communication and to apply them to their own studies and master s theses. Lecturer: University lecturer and visiting lecturers Mode of Teaching: Lectures, workshops, or seminars Mode of Assessment: Participation in lectures, essay or learning diary Grading: The grading scale is from 0 to 5 Course Literature: Some of the course literature will be provided partly by the lecturer in addition to these books below. Marko Ampuja (2010): The Media and the Academic Globalization Debate. Theoretical Analysis and Critique. Terry Flew (2007): Understanding Global Media. Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan. Colin Sparks (2007): Globalization, Development and the Mass Media. London: Sage. Daya Kishan Thussu (2006): International Communication. Continuity and Change. 2nd edition. Hodder Arnold

6 MGC 2 Global Media Industries and Structures, 5 ECTS WebOodi code: The course will introduce students to the political and economic structures that guide production and management today in different media industries globally. After taking this course, the students should have deepened their understanding of key economic, political and technological trends in various media sectors, including television, journalism, public service broadcasting, the internet and social media. Particular attention will be given to the ways in which rapid technological change has affected the economic dynamics of media organizations and their relation to social and political power. Lecturer: University lecturer and visiting lecturers Mode of Teaching: Lectures, workshops or seminars Mode of Assessment: Participation in lectures, essay or learning diary Grading: The grading scale is from 0 to 5 Course Literature: Some of the course literature will be provided partly by the lecturer in addition to these books below. David Hesmondhalgh (2012): The Cultural Industries. 3rd edition. Sage. Daniel C. Hallin & Paolo Mancini (2004): Comparing Media Systems. Three Models of Media and Politics. Cambridge University Press. Daniel C. Hallin & Paolo Mancini (eds.) (2011): Comparing Media Systems Beyond the Western World. Cambridge University Press. Mark Deuze (2007): Media Work. Polity Press. MGC 3 Key Issues and Approaches in Media and Global Communication, 20 ECTS (4 x 5 ECTS), WebOodi code (for the whole unit) Students are required to attend to a minimum of four MGC3 courses. This unit is designed to give students a deeper understanding of specific fields and topical themes in media and communication studies. After completing the unit, students will have gained an in-depth knowledge of various developments in different areas of media and global communication, including media policy, journalism, the impact of new communication technology, media activism, and the development of media cultures in different regions of the world. The specific contents of the unit will vary depending on the visiting lecturers and their fields of expertise. Students will complete at least four courses within this study unit. It is recommended that students complete more courses from this unit as part of their elective studies. Lecturer: University lecturer and/or visiting lecturers Mode of Teaching: Lectures, group work, seminars, 20 hours 5

7 Mode of Assessment: Participation in lectures, essays, exams, learning diaries. Grading: The grading scale is from 0 to 5. MGC 4 Advanced Research Methods in Communication, 7 ECTS WebOodi code: After completing this unit, students will have deepened their understanding of different research methods in media and communication studies and themselves with the practical application of at least one method to their own independent research. This unit is designed to prepare students for the master s seminar. Students are encouraged to employ the methods taught during the course to develop their own research plans, which can also be used as the basis for course assignments. If students do not have a research plan yet, materials provided by the teachers will be used for the assignments. Lecturer: University Lecturer and visiting lecturers. Mode of Teaching: Lectures, workshops and seminars Mode of Assessment: Participation, individual and group assignments Grading: The grading scale is from 0 to 5 Course Literature: Some of the course literature will be provided by the lecturer and small-group teachers, in addition to these books below. Alan Bryman (2008): Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press. Robert V. Kozinets (2010): Netnography. Doing Ethnographic Research Online. Sage. Silverman D 2005 (3rd edition 2009): Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook Michael Pickering (2008): Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Edinburgh University Press. Deacon D (et al) (2007): Researching Communications: A Practical Guide to Methods in Media and Cultural Analysis 6

8 MGC 5 Internship/ 7 ECTS/ The internship can be replaced by tutoring or a special course, 5 ECTS, WebOodi code: The internship is a chance for students to gain real-world experience of working in public administration, non-governmental organizations, or in the private sector. The main requirements for completion of the unit include three months of uninterrupted full-time training in a workplace -which has been accepted by the advisor in charge of the study unit - as well as a written report of the traineeship period. Students are individually responsible for securing themselves the traineeship place. Grading: The unit is graded as pass or fail. MGC 6 Master s Seminar I + Personal Study Plan, 6 ECTS, WebOodi code: MGC 6 Master s seminar II, 5 ECTS, WebOodi code: Prerequisite: Academic Writing The master s seminar is designed to develop skills necessary for the writing of the Master s Thesis. The seminar will help students to improve their performance in the following areas: scientific thinking; designing and undertaking independent research, oral and written presentation skills, and critical individual and collective evaluation of research papers. The seminar will be registered in the transcript in two parts as Master s Seminar I and Master s Seminar II. In the first part of the seminar (Master s Seminar I) each student will present a research plan and one preliminary chapter for the master s thesis (a literature review). In the second part of the seminar (Master s seminar II), the students will present preliminary chapters on data collection, research methodology, and data analysis. Lecturer: University lecturer Mode of Teaching: Lectures and group work, individual guidance and student presentations, 40 hours during two academic terms. Mode of Assessment: Mandatory participation for two semesters (four periods), research plan and draft literature review, draft methods section, peer reviews. Personal Study Plan: Students draw up a personal study plan in conjuction with their supervisor at the start of the master s program. During the master s seminar the lecturer and the student will together revise the personal study plan; they will evaluate and update the current situation and will make a timetable for the master s thesis. Grading: The master s seminar will be registered as Pass or Fail in two parts at the end of each term as Master s Seminar I and Personal Study Plan, 6 ECTS and as Master s Seminar II, 5 ECTS 7

9 MGC 7 Master's Thesis, 40 ECTS, WebOodi code: Prerequisite: MGC6 Master s Seminar The unit familiarizes students with conducting independent and critical research work, forming arguments, researching and using literature and other research materials in scientific writing. Mode of Assessment: Writing the master's thesis is predominantly independent work supported by advanced seminars and study groups. During the writing process students consult their own supervisor on a regular basis. Grading: The thesis grade scale is: fail, approbatur, lubenter approbatur, non sine laude approbatur, cum laude approbatur, magna cum laude approbatur, eximia cum laude approbatur, laudatur. 8