Institute of Communications Studies
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ICS Postgraduate Programmes
The Institute of Communications Studies is one of the UK’s leading departments to study the media, journalism and communications. Since its foundation in 1988, the Institute has played a pioneering role in conducting world-class research and developing innovative programmes in communications studies. We are situated within one of the leading research universities in Europe, and students have judged Leeds the most popular city to study in Britain.
We offer five taught masters programmes (listed below) and three research degrees: PhD, MPhil and MA by Research.
- The MA Cinema and Photography reflects key contemporary debates in film and photographic practices.
- The MA Communications Studies is designed to provide multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary communication for students.
- The MA International Communications is recognised in the UK and across the world as one of the most comprehensive and cutting edge programmes of its kind.
- The MA International Journalism programme will combine journalism professional practice, related legal, political and ethical concerns, with a theoretical perspective firmly rooted in communications studies.
- The MA Media Industries examines the media industries across cultural and economic dimensions.
- The MA Political Communication examines the causes and consequences of the mediatisation of politics.
Taught and Research-based Study
An ICS PhD student
Students sometimes ask what is the difference between Taught and Research degrees. Taught programmes are composed of a number of modules that are offered to students through a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. Students are expected to conduct reading tasks and participate in classes. They are also assessed through written coursework, such as essays and examinations taken at the end of each semester. The programmes are taught over one year; teaching is spread across two semesters running from September to January and from February to June. The remainder of the year is taken up by the completion of a dissertation.
Research study, on the contrary, is conducted by the individual. Students who enrol for a PhD research programme are expected to produce independent research under the guidance of the department, within a specific field and on a specific topic chosen by the student. This involves researching and writing an original research thesis of up to 100,000 words, which is expected to make a contribution to the field. The study should be completed within 3 to 4 years, if full-time.
The ICS PhD training programme is designed to help students develop their research skills, and there are also opportunities to engage with the University’s lively research culture through events and seminars hosted by a wide range of research networks.
Download the current brochure (1.5 Mb pdf).