Media, Communication and Global Development | University of East Anglia UEA

You are viewing our beta course page.

Course summary

Overview
Discover how to harness the power of storytelling, media, and advocacy to drive real change in the world. Whether your passion lies in global justice, humanitarian action, or digital innovation, our innovative MA in Media, Communication and Global Development empowers you with the tools to tackle some of today’s most urgent global challenges.

This course delivers a powerful mix of theory and hands-on experience, designed to launch your career in media and global development. You’ll gain invaluable project management skills by working on a real-world ‘media and development’ project with a leading business, charity, or media organisation. Plus, you can boost your CV with a rewarding work placement and specialised professional courses like Participatory Photography and Mobile Filmmaking. You’ll also learn how media is used as a tool of persuasion, dialogue, advocacy and democratic accountability by studying key topics including media freedom, NGO fundraising, international journalism, participatory communication and behavior change communication.

This MA was the first of its kind in the UK - helping to pioneer the study of media and development. Since then, it’s become a globally recognised programme, attracting students from around the world. This course is housed in the School of Global Development, a world-leading centre for research, teaching, and practice, ranked as the No.1 Development Studies institution in the UK (REF 2021).

Based in the beautiful city of Norwich, UEA is an inspiring place to study. Here, you’ll join our close-knit world-class academic community, where you can get involved in dozens of clubs and societies including UEA:TV, Livewire 1350 and the Concrete newspaper. In 2026-27, we'll also run an exciting optional, partly subsidised fieldtrip to the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy.

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to launch a career that makes a real impact. Whether you choose to work with international organisations, charities, media outlets, businesses, or policy makers, you’ll have the skills and confidence to drive change. Our alumni are already making a difference around the world—as aid workers, journalists, entrepreneurs, fundraisers, policy experts, filmmakers, teachers, PR professionals, photographers, and academics. Want a sneak peek into what this degree offers? Explore our free FutureLearn course: ‘Why media matters for development’.

Disclaimer
Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider's website: www.uea.ac.uk

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Media, Communication and Global Development at University of East Anglia UEA: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

Alexandra
University of East Anglia UEA
Drama
Hi, I'm Alexandra and I'm a 2nd year Drama and Creative Writing undergraduate student at UEA. I'm Spanish/Bolivian but have lived most of my life in Bolivia. As someone with a passion for stage and screen, I chose the Drama and Creative Writing course at UEA to develop and acquire more skills that would allow me to succeed in my career path. I am particularly passionate about scriptwriting, acting and filmmaking, so in the future, I hope I can dedicate myself to all of them. I was previously studying graphic design in Bolivia, but I decided to apply to UEA to pursue my goals; however, I still dedicate some time to it because I love it. I also enjoy photography (especially nature photography), drawing and painting, writing and dancing.
Chat with Alexandra
Beth
University of East Anglia UEA
Art History and World Art Studies
In the future I don't know exactly what I want to do but I would like to work in a museum or with conservation. I am currently completing my study abroad in Ghent, Belgium and it has been one of the best opportunities of my life, I have been able to meet people from all across the world and study new and interesting classes. I love crafts, museums and the gym.
Chat with Beth
Albert
University of East Anglia UEA
Medicine
I'm Albert, a second year medical student at UEA from Vietnam. Outside of academia, I enjoy cycling, playing musical instruments, and walking in nature.
Chat with Albert
Amelia
University of East Anglia UEA
Global Development
Hi! I’m Amelia, a second year undergraduate Global Development student at UEA, and the president of Devsoc. Being from Norwich, I know all the best spots, both on-campus and in the city! I would be happy to answer any questions about student life, Global Development, accommodation, campus amenities, Norwich, or anything else :)
Chat with Amelia
Annabelle
University of East Anglia UEA
Global Development
I’m a mature student studying global development with anthropology with a placement year. I have completed a foundation year and I’m currently in my 2nd year of my degree! I love going out to eat in Norwich, going for cocktails, driving to the beach and charity shopping.
Chat with Annabelle
Alena
University of East Anglia UEA
Biological Sciences
Hi, my name's Alena. I'm a second year student studying Biological Sciences at UEA. I'm loving my time here at university and can't believe it's going by so fast already!
Chat with Alena
Daisy
University of East Anglia UEA
American Studies
Hi! I'm really interested in the history of American music and how it has shaped, and been shaped by, American culture over time. I also love twentieth century and modern American literature. I started at UEA when I was 22 and I'm so happy I made the decision to come to UEA as a mature student, I'm loving my course and spent a semester studying at a college in Vermont this year! Norwich is a great city and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about living here!
Chat with Daisy
Benjamina Efua
University of East Anglia UEA
Art History and World Art Studies
Before starting my PhD I was working in the museum sector, in collections management. I am passionate about heritage and culture, and after graduating I would like to go back to this field.
Chat with Benjamina Efua
Aimée
University of East Anglia UEA
Liberal Arts
Hi! I'm Aimée, a 4th year Liberal Arts with a Year Abroad student at UEA. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the uni, my studies, student life or anything else. :)
Chat with Aimée
Dhara
University of East Anglia UEA
Literature and Creative Writing
Hi! I'm Dhara, I’m in my third year at UEA and I study English Literature and Creative Writing, having transferred degrees from Psychology. I’m also a student ambassador, student content creator and student of colour ambassador! I'm interested in all things sports, books and creative writing, in particular, historical fiction and fantasy. I also do Taekwondo, having been the Vice-President, Publicity Officer and First Year Representative in my first and second years. Feel free to ask me any questions about my degree, student life, societies/clubs, part time jobs at UEA, advice on starting university and more!
Chat with Dhara
Ayesha
University of East Anglia UEA
Medicine
I enjoy developing myself as a student, learning new skills and interacting with people. A favorite pastime of mine is reading, especially thrillers but I'm open to other genres as well. I'm originally from India, specifically from Lucknow, the city of Nawabs (and Tunday kababs), and relish trying new foods and connecting with people from different cultures through their traditions :) Having grown up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that is the place I call home. The links I have to all these different places has given me a broader worldview, and allowed me to experience life from a different lens.
Chat with Ayesha
Alfie
University of East Anglia UEA
Biochemistry
My future plans involve working in a lab to progress research in genetic diseases that affect the immune system. This comes from a place of personal interest because I had a chronic genetic disease but am now cured and wish to help on this front by getting into research.
Chat with Alfie
See all