MA in Media and Broadcast Production

This MA is an intensive programme providing you with a solid foundation in media-based storytelling by combining in-depth research methods with a practical, hands-on approach to learning. It will teach you how to record and edit in audio and video formats; how to research, produce, script and edit your own material, whether it is short features or long-form documentaries; and how to produce stories for radio, TV and interactive online platforms. To do this, you’ll also learn effective interviewing techniques. This MA will teach you how to identify a good story and then how to research and pitch it for a successful commissioning outcome.

Whether you want to be a broadcast journalist, radio or podcast producer, videographer, documentary filmmaker, media production/communications specialist, post-production editor or immersive media practitioner, our practice-centred approach will strategically position you to work for any aspect of radio or podcasting; factual TV; documentary and informational production. Upon completing this MA, you will have numerous factual media outputs under your belt in radio/podcast, TV, documentary, interactive and experimental hybrid formats. This will be the basis of a robust work portfolio with which you can then enter the work market.

The programme is designed to appeal to graduate students in the Humanities and Social Sciences, particularly those with backgrounds in English, politics, history, journalism, cultural studies, and creative writing. The previous academic study of or practical experience in areas of the media is beneficial but not essential. This would also interest those from other disciplines who want to retrain and have already had some relevant media industry experience.

Industry Links

We have strong links to the BBC and relationships with local and global media organisations. We have industry professionals as guest speakers, both from Northern Ireland as well as internationally: foreign correspondents, award-winning directors and producers, photographers, editors and script writers. Students can take part in a range of talks and events and have regular opportunities to engage with the vibrant media scene in Northern Ireland and the international media landscape.

Students will use equipment and facilities acquired and designed in collaboration with BBC NI and other industry representatives. The Media and Broadcast MA is taught from the Sonic Arts Research Centre, the home of the world-renowned Sonic Lab. Students have opportunities to explore hybrid forms of storytelling using industry-level cameras, editing software and facilities.

Student Experience

Based in the School of Arts, English and Languages, the MA in Media and Broadcast Production offers a robust, hands-on production experience combined with rigorous academic research, enabling students to leave with a rich portfolio of self-produced, shot and edited factual stories in audio and video formats; radio and TV documentaries; and thorough understanding of modern media and broadcast landscapes.

Students are encouraged to develop their own interests throughout the degree, guided by the staff, whose expertise is wide-ranging, covering broadcast journalism, factual (audio and video) documentary production, hybrid storytelling, interactive media, virtual reality, media research & analysis and communications.

Welcome to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast. We are a dynamic community of internationally acclaimed researchers, scholars and students who are committed to creating and sustaining a modern and meaningful place of connected learning. We are open to all talents, welcoming of challenge and change, and dedicated to using our subject expertise to make a difference in lives locally, nationally and internationally.

The Faculty has almost 10,500 students and over 700 academic and support staff who work in and across our five Schools – Arts, English and Languages; History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics; Law; Management; and Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, and in the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. Our colleagues and students pursue a wide range of activities, including world-leading research and life-changing teaching. We hope that you want to be part of our work: we have nearly 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as lots of challenging doctoral opportunities, so there is definitely something to suit your needs and ambition.

We are proud of the work of our students and staff, which has been recognised by many others for its quality and its commitment to work that makes. As a member of the Russell Group, Queen’s University Belfast is one of the UK’s 24 leading universities, providing students with a world-class education underpinned by world-class research. Queen’s is truly a global university, as our researchers work closely with more than 250 universities around the world and with even more businesses and agencies in Belfast and internationally. These networks and collaborations inform our programmes and offer great opportunities for students to learn with and from international peers and partners.

So, with a huge range of undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities, as well as a vibrant postgraduate research culture, I know that you will find that Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast will challenge and inspire you, as well as equip you with the first-class skills and knowledge to excel in your chosen career.

Nola Hewitt-Dundas Pro-Vice-Chancellor

An Intellectual Powerhouse

Spanning everything from traditional humanities and social science subjects to cutting-edge areas in Creative Arts and applied professional studies.

Over 40 per cent of our research is ranked in the top 25 per cent for its respective subject area, with a further 40 per cent in the top 50 per cent nationally.

A Collaborative Culture

Our interdisciplinary environment allows students from all fields the opportunity to interact with academic leaders and participate in their research.

Areas of notable excellence include Creative Writing, Sonic Arts, Global Financial Markets, Children’s Well-being, Poverty and Social Exclusion, Translation and Interpreting and Shared Education.