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Media and Cultural Studies (Taught)

  • 2 Study options
  • Postgraduate
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More about University of Sussex

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2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

8th in the UK for our research outputs in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)

16th in the UK for Communication and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)

About the course
Take an interdisciplinary cultural studies approach to understand the media in all their complexity as institutions, texts, and systems of representation in local, national and global contexts.

Taught by experts, you’ll engage with current theoretical debates to explore and critique the media’s political, social and cultural power in everyday life and the public sphere. You’ll:

  • develop a skills portfolio in critical analysis, creative thinking, research methods, academic writing and presentation

  • choose from a wide variety of options, allowing you to set your own intellectual agenda

  • gain methodological knowledge to research a wide range of media.

At Sussex, we have a thriving research culture in media theory and cultural studies. This Masters offers you an opportunity to understand and question forms of communication and culture in the contemporary world.

About Sussex
Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location
Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • MA • Full-time • 1 Years
  • MA • Part-time • 2 Years

Start dates

  • 09/2026

How to apply

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Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Media and Cultural Studies at University of Sussex: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Lily

    University of Sussex
    Psychology
    I'm a mature international student, and have just started studying this year, which comes with different challenges, but just as many rewards! As much as I love my course, I also love being able to be a part of so many different societies, and meet so many new and interesting people!

  • Tomisin

    University of Sussex
    Politics
    I’m a British-Nigerian Politics and International Relations student. I’ve been enjoying the joint honour degree as it has personally helped me to expand my knowledge and connect the links between international history and British politics! I am also a Christian and passionate for Jesus! I enjoy attending church in Brighton, meeting more people and growing in faith 😄

  • Sarah

    University of Sussex
    Medicine
    Hi there! I’m Sarah, a fourth year medical student at Brighton and Sussex medical School. I am a mature student having worked for the UK Government for the past ten year, and a graduate, completing my first degree in Medical Neuroscience here at the University of Sussex. It really feels like I have come full circle now that I am back here studying medicine! I hope to become an obstetrician once I finish my degree, but we get so much exposure to different specialities I am also excited to explore. I enjoy yoga and cold water swimming which is great as I live by the sea for the first time!

  • Khadija

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    Second-year business student who started with a foundation year. I’m really enjoying the course and hoping to work in operations or consulting after I graduate. Happy to chat about uni life or business.

  • Rudie

    University of Sussex
    Ecology and Conservation
    I'm a Mature and Neurodivergent Student who didn't have the most conventional education due to a lack of support at school. If you feel like you need advice on the support Sussex offers or if this is the right University for you, I can help. I also organise a variety of surveying and STEM outreach events, both with the School of Life Sciences and the NGO Shelltering Sussex. So, if you want to know what extracurricular activities Sussex has to offer for Life Sciences students, I'm your person.

  • Mykhailo

    University of Sussex
    Business, Management & Marketing
    I'm Mykhailo, a first year BSc Marketing student at University of Sussex. I would be happy to answer all your questions about the university, my course or student life.

  • Shubby

    University of Sussex
    Law
    I am Nigerian but was born in Canada. I aspire to be a civil litigation or corporate lawyer in the future as this has been a long desire passion of mines. I am very passionate about helping other individuals in anyway I possible can! I also enjoy taking part in societies and staying involved in the community through volunteering.

  • Zehra

    University of Sussex
    Law
    Hi! My name is Zehra, and I’m a first-year LLB Law student at the University of Sussex. I’m really excited to be part of the Student Ambassador Programme and to support students who are considering joining our community. My goal is to become a barrister, and I’m particularly interested in areas such as human rights, public, and employment law. I’m passionate about supporting and advocating for underrepresented communities. As a first-generation student, an ethnic minority immigrant from Turkey, a mature student, and someone living with a disability, I truly understand how important it is to feel supported, welcomed, and connected at university. That’s why I’m here — to share my journey, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in finding your own path. I speak both Turkish and English, and outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, watersports, chess, cinema, and music. I also have a cat who keeps me company during my study sessions! If you’re feeling unsure, curious, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.

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Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

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