Master in Critical Media Studies

Critical media studies employ approaches, methods, and perspectives dealing with the interpretation, exploration, and analysis of diverse media practices in contemporary and global landscapes. The program has an interdisciplinary orientation, focusing on the political and cultural economies of mainstream and alternative media channels as well as on media and wider cultural representations ranging from class, gender, and race.

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About

The new Master’s program in Critical Media Studies offered by the Faculty of Communications, Media, and Design will give students the opportunity to explore a wide range of media forms – from television and radio broadcasting to online social media – while implementing a number of theoretical frameworks, from political economy to cultural studies and more. This interdisciplinary program will employ approaches, methods, and perspectives allowing for diverse media practices in contemporary and global landscapes to be interpreted, explored, and analyzed.

During studies

Students enrolled in the program will gain expertise in contemporary media production and the industry itself, while also mastering the theoretical tools for analysing media representations of different social groups (class, race, gender, etc.) in Russia, the post-Soviet space, as well as the wider global context.

With a goal of enabling students to develop their critical, analytical and research skills, the program curriculum includes three required core courses and approximately 20 elective courses. The three core courses provide students a comprehensive overview of the critical media studies landscape and include:

• The Political Economy of Media

• Critical Discourse Analysis

• Media Practices

In addition to the core curriculum, the program will offer 3-4 short-term seminars each year (each lasting a couple of weeks or a couple of months) designed and taught by guest lecturers from leading universities abroad.

Finally, students will design and develop their own innovative research projects under the guidance of leading international experts in the field.

Critical media studies employ approaches, methods, and perspectives dealing with the interpretation, exploration, and analysis of diverse media practices in contemporary and global landscapes. The program has an interdisciplinary orientation, focusing on the political and cultural economies of mainstream and alternative media channels as well as on media and wider cultural representations ranging from class, gender, and race.

Graduates of the program will be well suited for careers in media or cultural institutions, academia, and the government sector, including as it relates to content creation, consulting, and directing in media and cultural organizations.