Dunedin, New Zealand
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
Master of Arts (Coursework) (MA(Coursework)) in Communication Studies
The Master of Arts (Coursework) program is designed to give students the skills sought-after by employers around the globe, with a balance of specific subject knowledge plus broad-based transferable skills – such as oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
The degree is also an possible qualification for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The MA(Coursework) normally requires either 12 months or three semesters of full-time, or equivalent part-time, study and entails completion of papers and a dissertation.
The dissertation is a major piece of supervised research of up to 20,000 words.
The primary aim of the MA(Coursework) is to provide candidates with a grounding in their chosen subject area within a wider disciplinary frame. The degree cultivates the skills needed to identify a significant topic, design and implement a significant piece of research, and present the findings in a form acceptable to an expert readership.
Communication Studies
Make sense of your world.
Communication Studies focuses on the social, technological, political and cultural implications of current and changing communicative practices and networks.
With an emphasis on social and media-based communication, courses initiate a critical and creative understanding of digital, broadcast, print and mobile communication, and develop written and screens-based skills. These are central to comprehending the role of media and communication industries and practices in the wider context of society and culture.
Challenge your mind and broaden your views in a diverse, stimulating learning environment that demands you be critical, creative and innovative.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
- The degree may be awarded in any of the subjects listed in the MA(Coursework) Schedule. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) the degree may be awarded in a subject not listed in the MA(Coursework) Schedule.
- The program of study shall be as prescribed for the subject concerned in Part 2 of the MA(Coursework) Schedule and shall in each case consist of a research dissertation or studio project (60 points), two 500-level HUMS papers (30 points each) from HUMS 501-503, and further papers worth 60 points at 400- or 500-level for the subject concerned, to a total value of 180 points.
- With the permission of the Dean, Director, Head of School, or Head of program concerned, a candidate may substitute for one required paper a paper of another subject at the same level.
- A candidate shall, before commencing the research dissertation or studio option, secure the approval of the Dean, Director, Head of the School or Head of program concerned for the topic, the supervisor(s), and the proposed course of the investigation.
- A candidate may not present a research dissertation or studio project which has previously been accepted for another degree.
Subject areas
The degree may be awarded in any of the following subjects:
- Anthropology
- Buddhist Studies
- Childhood and Youth Studies (not available in 2020/21)
- Chinese
- Classics
- Communication Studies
- Education
- English
- Film and Media Studies
- French
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- Indigenous Development / He Kura Matanui
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Māori Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre Studies
Program Outcome
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Our graduates work in a variety of fields, including media production, journalism, education, advertising, administration, archival and curatorial work, media policy analysis, public relations, tourism, and some go on to postgraduate study in our Honours, Masters and PhD programs. A degree from our program prepares you for a wide range of career options, including career pathways that might not yet exist.
Program delivery
Application details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their previous official academic transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades) with their application, and provide proof of their identity: this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants must also submit a detailed research proposal that shows they are familiar with current literature surrounding their topic; an up-to date curriculum vitae; and name of the academic staff member with whom they have been in contact; and with an approximate start date. They may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.