The LSE & USC Global Media and Communication (Global Media and Communication) program is a joint master's program taught collaboratively by the London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of Southern California. LSE, a renowned public research university, is known for its outstanding reputation in social sciences and excellent academic achievements. Meanwhile, USC Annenberg School, as a top communication school in the US, stands out with its close ties to the Los Angeles media industry. This article will introduce the program's features, application requirements, and curriculum. For more detailed information on graduate applications, add CheersYou（清柚教育） consultant: qingyouge23!
1. Program Introduction
The MSc Global Media and Communication program is taught jointly by LSE and USC. From 2016 to 2021, applications grew slowly but it is not a niche program. In 2021, there were 354 applicants, with an overall acceptance rate of 34% and a Chinese student success rate of 25%. Although admission criteria were stricter in 2021, overall it remains a positive landscape for applicants.
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Students in this program have the opportunity to study for one year in London, the media capital of the UK, followed by one year at the top US USC Annenberg School for Communication. Upon completion, students will earn dual degrees.
During the first year at LSE, students will examine the theoretical and methodological foundations of media and communication issues within political, social, and cultural contexts. Specifically, they cover the following seven topic areas:
Global and transnational media
Media, culture, and community
Politics and the public
Health communication and social dynamics
Groups, organizations, and social networks
Information, political economy, and entertainment
New media and technology
In the second year at USC Annenberg, students will complete a research internship and corresponding coursework. Graduates of this program currently work in a wide range of fields, including broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management, and research positions in both public and private sectors.
This program is indeed a masterpiece of the strong collaboration between LSE and USC. LSE, founded in 1895, is a public research university in London, a member of the University of London federation and the Russell Group, and is regarded as one of the 'Golden Triangle' and G5 super-elite universities. LSE has consistently focused on social sciences, ranking second in the world in the QS subject ranking for eight consecutive years, second only to Harvard. Eleven of its disciplines, including politics, economics, finance, journalism and communication, public policy, and geography, are ranked in the top five globally by QS. In 2022, LSE ranked 49th in the QS World University Rankings and 27th in the THE World University Rankings. Additionally, in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), LSE demonstrated world-leading research outputs, with the highest proportion in the UK.
LSE's Department of Media and Communications is a world-leading research center in global communication and media studies, renowned internationally for its high-quality original research and excellent teaching. The program offers a critical exploration of mediatization in a global context, examining globalization processes related to organization, production, consumption, and representation in media and communication. In today's increasingly globalized world, students can gain valuable international experience through this global program, preparing them thoroughly for future careers with a strong foundation of knowledge and experience.
2. Target Audience
This program is suitable for students with a background in social sciences or other fields but with professional experience in media and communication-related areas.
Graduates of this program have entered various career fields, including broadcasting, journalism, advertising, new media industries, political marketing, market research, regulation and policy, media management, and research in both public and private sectors.
3. Application Materials
- A 2:1 bachelor's degree (GPA 3.0+)
- GMAT/GRE: not required
- 2 letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
- USC application can be completed through their system, usually only transcripts are needed
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
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