The programme draws on the enduring strength of transnational and comparative research as well as research in the political economy of communication within the Department. Core study areas include media and cultural industries, digital futures, media and cultural work, textual analysis research techniques, production and reception analysis, and a dissertation. Optional study areas include politics of representation, media and modernity, communication and citizenship, sex industries, global communications, media, nations, and nationalisms, digital cultures, digital economies, political marketing, heritage industries, and capitalism and culture.

The degree is designed to enhance specialist knowledge and methodological expertise of relevance to professionals working in communications, to students interested in media and cultural studies, and those wishing to progress to a research degree in these fields.