Masters Degrees in Communication & Media Studies, China

This programme aims to provide suitably qualified you with the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the field of media and communication at theoretical and practical levels. The programme is intended for graduates from the fields of media and communication, the social sciences, advertising and public relations, for individuals already working in the media and trying to gain a more profound understanding of their field, and for others who want to develop and extend the range of their theoretical and professional media skills. It is also a stepping stone for any individual wanting to pursue a PhD in the media and communication field.
You will graduate with a critical and theoretical knowledge of the contexts of communication studies in combination with the opportunity for developing practical skills in digital media production. These, combined with the strong English language skills that studying at XJTLU gives, produces students who will be very attractive employees for Chinese and international companies in an increasingly globalised workplace.

The programme will:

• give you an advanced critical understanding of key issues, concepts and theories and the relationship between theory and practice in the fields of media and communication
• instil in you a sound knowledge and understanding of media language and its iterations on different media platforms
• encourage your exploration of the implications of media analysis for work purposes
• help you develop an understanding of current methodology as it is embodied in media and communication practices
• encourage you to engage with theories underlying current views on communicative practices, including the importance of global and local media manifestations
• engage with and critically appreciate the connections made between theory and practice in the field of media and communication
• foster your research skills and techniques
• provide hands-on expertise through practical modules and a work placement

In addition, the programme provides an overview of the contemporary theoretical, methodological, practical and ethical principles that underpin research in the field of media and communication and develops your skills, knowledge and understanding further in the theory and practice of applied media work.

Modules

Students in this programme will study the following modules:
• Global Media Cultures
• Contemporary Media Theory
• Digital Ethics
• Social Media Management
• Contemporary Chinese Media Environment
• Research Methods in Communication
• Interactive and Emerging Technologies
• Advanced Public Relations and Advertising
• Gaming
• Practical Skills Development (audio/video, web design, print media)

Students will graduate with a combination of critical and theoretical knowledge of the contexts of communication studies in combination with the opportunity for developing practical skills in digital media production. These, combined with the strong English language skills that studying at XJTLU gives, produces students who will be very attractive employees in an increasingly globalised workplace, for Chinese and international companies.

Facilities

The department has a digital media laboratory, featuring Apple iMac computers, Final Cut Pro X editing software and the Adobe suite of professional digital media production software, in addition to Sony high definition digital video production kits for short film-making, digital media and documentary production.

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About the course

It is a commonplace that communication is at the core of crucial aspects of human life, and that a lot of that communication is mediated. In recent years, however, mediated communication has reached new levels of importance in social and cultural domains stretching from business to identity formation, and a lot of that communication is technically and financially underpinned by global networks of computation and communication. The academic fields of media, communication and cultural studies have responded by re-examining long-established frameworks for understanding communications and also by considering the need for new paradigms fitting new objects of study.

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.

Aims

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

Semester One

Compulsory modules provide the core skills and knowledge needed to analyse various forms of communication in their contemporary social and cultural settings as well as an opportunity to acquire either a modern European (French, Spanish, German) or East-Asian language (Japanese or Chinese). These modules include Communications Theory and Research Methodologies; Approaches to Globalisation and Contemporary Communications and Contemporary Communications society and Culture. The module Communications Theory and Research Methodologies is specifically designed to provide students with insight into how the theory and methodology of contemporary communications can be applied directly to differing forms of media production.

Semester Two

Students will continue to study their chosen language. Students will continue to develop their dissertation projects with the aid of their supervisors and in the compulsory module Media and Communication Research Methods 2. Optional modules allow students to immerse themselves in topics suiting their interests and future career goals.

Compulsory modules include:

Current Issues in International Communications
Media and Communication Research Methods 1
Media and Communication Theory
Media and Communications Research Methods 2
Dissertation in International Communications Studies

Optional modules:

Journalism: Theory and Practice
Chinese Cinemas (level 4)
Digital and Creative Media
Digital Games as Communication

Students must also study a European language (Spanish, French or German) or East-Asian language (Chinese or Japanese) for International Students (students cannot elect to study their first language) and a European Language (Spanish, French or German) or Japanese for Chinese students. Students will be able to enter study at a level appropriate to their individual needs ranging from beginners through to intermediate and advanced.

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Multimedia and wireless communications is a rapidly growing area in the booming communications industry. New standards such as 3G and 4G for mobile networking enable applications including triple services for mobile networks, digital television, video streaming, interactive gaming, navigation services, and emergency and healthcare applications. It is technologically challenging to deliver these multimedia applications and services efficiently over emerging and diverse wireless networks. To meet this challenge, engineers need to have a deep understanding of wireless and multimedia technologies.

This programme aims to provide you with an understanding of the technical characteristics of wireless systems and multimedia technologies. It will cover advanced topics in wireless communications for voice, data and multimedia. You will benefit from:
• gaining a degree from a globally respected university
• excellent research facilities with advanced experimental equipment
• knowledge of cutting-edge technologies needed in the real job market
• abundant opportunities to get involved in various national or industrial-funded projects

Modules

Core Modules
• Advanced Signal Processing
• Image and Video Processing
• Data Communication and Communication Networks
• Mobile Communications
• Multimedia Communications
• Coding and Cryptography
• Project Management
• Msc Project

Elective Modules
• Renewable Kinetic Energy Technologies
• Power Electronics and Applications for Renewable Energy

What are my career prospects?

Graduates of this programme will have skills that are in-demand in the job market and offer abundant research and application opportunities. You will have the necessary skills to enter careers in some of the most dynamic fields in image and video communications, and will typically be employed as multimedia system engineers, multimedia system and information technology consultants, mobile projects managers, wireless and mobile communication consultants, and managers and team leaders in the communications industry.

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