Media, Management and the Creative Industries - MSc

Not tied to one sector

This course was designed to address the needs of media and creative industries for people with a broad knowledge of the economic, cultural significance of those industries - not tied to one specific sector but with an overview of media and creative worlds as both converging and overlapping. Whilst some fields tend to be nationally focused (journalism, for example), some are global (popular music industries, for example). Other areas are facing the challenges of transitional from a national environment to the transnational (digital media regulation).

National and international in focus, and reflecting industry developments

This course covers UK national issues but it is also committed to an international perspective - it engages with current technological and business developments, such as the impact of digital technologies on media industries and the global significance of media platforms. One of the most important issues facing media and creative industries is that of their relationship with governments and other policy makers - the players that shape and regulate the market environment in which media and creative industries operate. You will explore those sometimes difficult areas of interaction and critically consider the forces that rapidly shape markets and industries.

Diversity of module choice

On completion of this course you will have both a broad UK national and international understanding of these challenges. You will also have had the opportunity to explore more deeply specific areas of interest drawn from the wide range of elective modules available to you from across QMU's School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits), a PgDip (120 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award.  Contact Admissions for more information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

This MSc is designed to put you at the centre of your learning by using a range of teaching and assessment approaches that take into account your individual interests, abilities and ambitions. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and online activities.

Assessment varies across the course. Modules typically require essays, reports or project work of 1,000-5,000 words and a final 12,000-word dissertation.

Placement/industry-based learning 

There is no formal placement in the course but we encourage and support students to seek industry-based learning opportunities where possible - Edinburgh has many festivals (Jazz, Fringe, Film, Television and others) all of which require enthusiastic and knowledgeable workers throughout the year.

Teaching hours and attendance

Full-time students attend classes for two semesters beginning in September, before completing their dissertation requirement.

Part-time students attend classes for four semesters and complete their dissertation in their second year. Students take three core modules of 20 credits each, in addition to three optional modules. Each 20-credit module usually requires attendance on campus for two to three hours a week for up to twelve weeks.

Class sizes

Class sizes will depend on elective modules chosen but will normally be between 10 and 30 students.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

Core modules:

• Media and Creative Industries (20 credits): You will develop the ability to critically analyse the changing economic forces that shape various sectors of the media and creative industries. You will develop knowledge and understanding of key concepts and issues in the context of the media and creative industries, as well as the political, economic and regulatory environment for both public and commercial industry sectors. The module develops critical understanding of contemporary industry contexts, including the political environment, scholarly research, and production of media and creative texts. This may include examples from television, film, music, print media, performing arts and online digital industries. It will feature a number of guest speakers from professionals working in the media and creative industries,
• Analysing Policy in the Media and Creative Industries (20 credits): This module explores the complex relationships between the conception, development and implementation of policy in the media and creative industries, with a particular focus on the role it plays in symbolic creation. It encourages students to think about how the development of cultural policy is framed through complex socio-political and cultural discourses, often related to the nation state. It looks at the implementation of policy in areas such as: UK broadcast regulation; film and video game tax relief; EU media and internet policy; digital journalism and press regulation.
• Designing Qualitative Research / Research Methods (20 credits): This module introduces you to key research methods and to practical issues in carrying out research. We will discuss a range of approaches to researching people, researching texts, and researching institutions and industries. You will develop an understanding of what research is, and of how to carry it out successfully in order to equip you to conduct media research.

Optional modules:

You can select a choice of 60 credits from a wide range of modules which may include:

• Media Theory and Media Campaigning
• Contemporary Debates in Cultural Policy
• Strategic Communication and Digital Practice
• Strategy and Leadership
• Markets, Innovation and the International Consumer
• Marketing and Society
• Leadership, Governance and Strategy (Not-For-Profit)
• Fundraising, Development and Finance
• Planning and Marketing Cultural Projects

If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits).

NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2023) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.

QMU has a track record of giving graduates the tools to succeed in a number of related fields, including festivals, marketing and media relations. It also has a commitment and track record in supporting business start-ups in these industries.

For those already working in one of the media and creative industries, this master's course will help you develop your knowledge and critical thinking about the current and future directions of those industries, and can be a valuable stepping stone in developing your career and professional profile.

This course develops skills relevant to a range of positions within a wide spectrum of media and creative industries in areas such as media production, journalism, public relations, advertising and media relations.

Entry requirements

A good UK honours degree or equivalent OR significant work experience in media industries

International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.0 with no individual component score below 5.5.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

Home: End of August for September 2024 start and end of December for January 2025 start.

International: End of June for September 204 start and end of October for January 2025 start.

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2024/25 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Contact Dr Mark J Percival or Contact Admissions