Master in Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries Malmö University

The field of media is constantly shifting, and in the last decade, the changes have been rapid, and a new media landscape has emerged. Digital media of today are characterised by participation and cooperation; media are wholly collaborative in terms of both production and consumption.

The master’s programme in Media and Communication studies gives you advanced knowledge of digital media through practical approaches in the field. You will work creatively and in an explorative manner with different types of media while learning to evaluate them from a critical perspective. The Media and Communication programme offers both 60 and 120 credits. Applicants can either choose the one-year or two-year programme.

What is collaborative media?

The field of media is constantly shifting. In the last decade, the changes have been rapid, and a new media landscape has emerged – forever reshaping not only the consumers but also the creators and distributors of media. Digital media of today are characterised by participation and cooperation; media are wholly collaborative in terms of both production and consumption – and this is what is meant by the term ‘collaborative media.’

The pedagogical approach

The programme, which is web-based and full-time, makes education available to students globally and offers a unique blend of distance and campus-based learning. The seminars are compulsory, and you can either attend in Malmö or online. This approach makes it possible for international students to enrol in the programme without having to relocate, leading to a diverse and intercultural student body that increases the opportunities for students to form transnational networks and to benefit from international lecturers.

The programme is hosted on an online platform through which communication between students and lecturers takes place and where student projects are uploaded. As the main theme of the programme is collaborative media, this pedagogical approach leaves room for experimentation, and students are encouraged to use collaborative media during this process.

What will I learn?

The master's programme in Media and Communication Studies – Culture, Collaborative Media, and Cultural Industries – will equip you with advanced knowledge of digital media. The programme is oriented towards practical approaches to the field. You will work creatively and in an explorative fashion with different types of media while you learn to approach them from a critical perspective.

During the programme, you will develop three primary skill sets: the ability to analyse and strategically approach media and its impact on society; the capability to work with media and communication both methodologically and systematically; the knowledge required to produce media texts, both individually and collaboratively. Compared to bachelor-level degrees, this advanced programme has a clear focus on the development of strategic expertise, a skill crucial for those intending to pursue a professional career in media and communication. During the education, you will furthermore obtain an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the creative industries.

The programme is developed alongside and conducted in collaboration with Media Evolution, a media cluster with over 350 member companies based in Malmö. This facilitates a crossover between the academic and professional worlds and allows you as a student to develop skills in both areas throughout your studies. Throughout the duration of the programme, you will get the chance to meet a number of international guest lecturers from universities all across the world, further adding to the global relevance of the programme.

The first and second year

The first year focuses on examining key themes in communication studies. The courses will also give you a deeper understanding of today's creative industries and the possibilities of collaborative media. The year ends with the writing of a (one-year, 15 credits) master's thesis.

During the second year of the programme, there is the possibility of doing an internship-based course. You will also deepen your knowledge in activist, strategic and entrepreneurial approaches to media, and you will acquire skills in prototyping and visualisation. The programme ends with the writing of a second master’s thesis (15 credits).

Organisation

The programme aims to advance the students' scientific knowledge and skills in media and communication studies. The programme is established in the research profile of new media, public spheres and forms of expression.

The programme is designed to provide students with the requisite skills to perform work in media and communication - at companies, government agencies, and organisations that specifically have media and communication as their field of activity, and at companies, government agencies and organisations that depend on media and communications in order to conduct its business. The programme also gives eligibility to further studies in the field.

The programme comprises 120 credits. It is web-based and is taught in English. Upon completion of the education, the student shall have acquired at least 60 credits in the main field of media and communication studies.

After graduating, you will have the qualifications necessary to work in media and communication. The skillset and knowledge you develop during your studies are valuable to the fast-growing creative industries. Companies, government, and organisations are other possible employers as they become increasingly dependent on communication and media in their business. This programme is for those of you who want to take an active role in the development of the media field. It also provides a foundation for further post-graduate studies.