Pre-Masters in Media, Journalism and Film Studies

The Pre-Masters in Media will prepare you for a wide range of Masters programmes taught at the School of Media, Film and Music at the University of Sussex.

Key facts

Three-term programme Two-term programme
English language requirement IELTS 5.5 (in all components) or equivalent IELTS 6.0 (min 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other components) or equivalent
Next start dates September 2012 January 2013 April 2012 January 2013
Tuition fee £12,750 £7,900 £8,500
Progression to Masters October 2013 October 2012 October 2013

Entry requirements

Below are all the requirements for admission to the Pre-Masters programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. If you have any question this information doesn't answer, please contact us.

Nationality:

The Pre-Masters programme is only available to overseas students, non-UK and non-EU.

Age:

Students are normally at least 20 years old

English language:

Test Three-term programme Two-term programme
IELTS 5.5 in all components 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other components)
TOEFL Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21 Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 23
Pearson Test of English Approximately 46 55+ (with minimum 51 across all skills)

If your English is below IELTS 5.5, we can offer 1-2 terms of English for Pre-Masters before you start your Pre-Masters programme.

Academic:

One or more of the following: recognised higher/advanced diploma in a related subject area; recognised degree in related field (eg Business Studies); Honours degree in any subject (eg BA International Relations). See the table below for country-specific information.

Country Qualification*
Bangladesh Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate BA (hons) at 50%
China 3 year Vocational Diploma at 70% or above / recognised first degree (4 years) at 60% or above
Ghana Bachelor degree or HND (in related subject)
Hong Kong Recognised first degree (honours/ordinary)
India Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate BA (hons) at 45%
Indonesia Recognised first degree
Iran Recognised first degree
Japan Recognised first degree with 60% or above
Jordan Recognised first degree
Kazakhstan Successful completion of Bakalavar with GPA 3
Korea Recognised first degree with 60% or above
Libya Recognised first degree
Macau Recognised first degree (honours/ordinary)
Malaysia  Recognised first degree or Advanced Diploma in a related subject area (A, B & C/2.0+)
Nigeria Recognised first degree or HND (in related subject)
Pakistan Recognised first degree - 3 year undergraduate (hons) at 50% or above
Qatar Recognised first degree
Russia Recognised first degree, Bakalavar, Specialist Diploma or Russian Diploma at grade 4
Saudi Arabia Recognised first degree
Taiwan Bachelor degree at GPA 2.0
Thailand Recognised Bachelor degree
Turkey Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplomasi at GPA 2.3 or above
UAE Recognised first degree
Ukraine Bakavalar or Ukrainian Diploma
Vietnam Recognised first degree with GPA 6.5 or above

* if your qualification or country is not listed then please contact us for more information

Progression options

Below is the list of degrees you will be able to access on completion of the Pre-Masters in Media. Next to each degree we provide the final grades you will need to achieve on your Pre-Masters programme to be able to progress.

Available Masters programmes Overall grade English grade
MA Creative Media Practice** 65% 60% *
MA Digital Documentary**
MA Digital Media**
MA Film Studies
MA Gender and Media
MA Journalism and Documentary Practice ** 65% 60%
MA Journalism and Media Studies **
MA Media and Cultural Studies 65% 60%

* Equivalent to IELTS 6.5
** You will be required to take a compulsory practical pre-sessional course during the week prior to the start of the academic year. The pre-sessional course aims to ensure you are familiar with the equipment and facilities you will be using throughout your studies before you start formal teaching.

Programme content

You will study 8 modules for the two-term Pre-Masters.

Core modules

These modules are shared with all other Pre-Masters routes and are aimed at strengthening your English and study skills.

English and Skills for University Study 1 and 2

Over these two modules you will develop your English communication skills and learn a range of study skills, including: writing and reading strategies; presentation and seminar participation; organisation of time and materials, meeting deadlines and responding to feedback.

On completion, you will be able to use English language in your own academic work, give well structured presentations, confidently answer follow-up questions and contribute to seminar discussions; take notes from readings and lectures; plan, develop and write well structured academic essays; be confident in self-directed learning strategies.

Route modules

The following modules will provide you with the subject-specific knowledge for your Masters degree.

Approaches to Media and Film Studies

Learn about the most established theoretical frameworks used within the study of media and film. Apply key debates to contemporary and historical examples and gain a deeper understanding of the ideas and approaches that underpin media and film studies.

Media Research & Critique

Discover the different methods used within media studies. Develop and employ original case studies and present your findings in a variety of forms. Learn how to design research questions and develop research agendas.

Creativity, History & Media Technologies

Learn about the modern history of Western Europe through the lens of the media. Gain an understanding of the ideas that shaped and were shaped by leading media technologies from photography through to the Internet.

Media Representation and Analysis

Acquire the skills required for analysing representations in film, television, radio, online and in print. Develop an awareness of the different modes of analysis and use them to examine a range of media texts.

Media Stories

Focus on the issue of narrative and ‘telling stories’ via news, documentary and film & television genres. Learn about the politics of narrating ‘life’, the consequences of narrative decisions and the methods through which stories can be told.

Project Proposal Development

Learn to plan, research and develop an original piece of work (practice-based or written) that draws upon the knowledge and expertise gained in the other modules. Develop key skills in dissertation writing or media practice.

Apply now

We are accepting applications for April and September 2012. If you are ready, use our online application form.

Apply Now

If you still have any question you want to ask us before applying, there are a number of ways to contact us:

Using the enquiry form

Complete the simple online enquiry form to contact our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers. Your enquiry will be assigned to an adviser who will answer you shortly by email or telephone. To make it as easy as possible, our advisers speak a variety of languages and understand several more. We will do our best to understand you!

Meet our Student Enrolment Advisers.

Already been in contact?

If you have previously contacted us but have misplaced our email response, complete the enquiry form to get back in contact with your Student Adviser.

By telephone or fax

You can contact us on the numbers below (normal international charges apply). Our working hours are 09:00-17:30 GMT. Omit the zero if you are dialling from outside the UK:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1273 339333      
Fax: +44 1273 (0) 339398

By post

If you want to submit your application form and supporting documents by post, please use this address:

Student Enrolment Advisers
University of Sussex International Study Centre
1 Billinton Way
Brighton, BN1 4LF
UK

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