The programme is designed for those interested in both the industrial and economic aspects of contemporary screen media (film, television and videogames) and in the complex ways in which such media interact with societies and cultures globally. Utilising cutting-edge research in the field, it prepares you for a career in the screen entertainment sector and/or a research degree.
The programme provides you with the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of the industrial and cultural dimensions that permeate screen-based media. It focuses on both the historical evolution of film, television and videogames and their shifting place in contemporary media industries and cultures, enabling you to understand the complexity of current media trends on a global scale.
Strongly interdisciplinary, the course brings together elements from a diverse range of disciplines, within the arts and humanities, including film studies, television studies, games studies, communication studies, media studies, policy studies, political economy, and others.
The programme cultivates fundamental transferrable skills related to media research, develops applied knowledge and provides real world insights all strongly informed by digital-led approaches and tools.
It also integrates practical experience as it benefits from the input of top screen industry practitioners who share their wealth of knowledge in specially organised events.
This course is for people who would like a career in the media industries, with a particular focus on screen media and entertainment. This could include areas such as media production, distribution, exhibition, sales, as well research development in film, television, videogame and streaming platforms.
Furthermore, the course can also be a stepping stone for a postgraduate research degree, especially in the field of media industry studies, which has been attracting a lot of scholarly attention in the last few years.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In Semester 1 the focus is on Screen Cultures A as these engage with the diversity of cultural contexts and histories that have shaped the formal, industrial, institutional, and political meanings of screen media. You will also be taught research methods in the study of the field of screen media as part of Researching Screen.
The same content is spread over a two-year period for those doing the course part time.
Students will choose one optional module.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| SCREEN CULTURES A (COMM743) | 30 |
| RESEARCHING SCREEN (COMM749) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In Semester 2 the emphasis shifts to Screen Industries and the business logic behind the production of entertainment that reaches audiences through the mediation of screens.
The same content is spread over a two-year period for those doing the course part time.
Students will choose one optional module.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| SCREEN INDUSTRIES A (COMM745) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In the final semester you undertake a research-led Dissertation.
The same content is spread over a two-year period for those doing the course part time.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (COMM716) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The programme consists of 1 x 30 credits and 1 x 15 credits core modules in Semester 1 and 1 x 30 credits module in Semester 2, plus 1 x 60 credits Dissertation module in the summer months.
The remaining 45 credits (15 in Semester 1 and 30 in Semester 2) will be supplemented by 3 x 15 credit optional modules available from the department of Communication and Media.
You will be advised which of these modules are particularly relevant to Screen Studies and its various learning outcomes but as Screen Studies, while more information will be detailed on the programme’s CANVAS page.
Each module is taught on a weekly basis, either as part of 3-hour or 2-hour blocs and in the form of a workshop, where formal lectures and interactive engagement with students are combined to provide an active learning environment and to encourage knowledge sharing and peer learning.
Independent study is fostered by progressively more demanding essay-work and specified preparation for workshop or seminars, including a range of increasingly advanced bibliography to be explored and consulted.
For the 30 credit core modules independent study is expected to be approximately 16 hours a week over a 15-week combined semester and assessment period. For the 15 credit modules it is expected to be 8 hours a week.
In an ideal scenario, you will have approximately 7-8 hours a week in class as part of three modules that correspond to 60 credits, with the expectations that you will be able to dedicate approximately 30 hours to independent learning, consisting primarily of doing the key readings for each session, delving into secondary readings in your areas of interest, viewing important visual material (films, TV shows), researching and drafting assignments.
The course’s modules are assessed in a wide variety of methods that allow you to test their learning to specific ‘real-world’ contexts. Some of these assessments include:
These methods are also supplemented with more traditional methods of assessment, including research-led essays, essay proposals and annotated bibliographies. Finally the core modules also include formative assessments in which the feedback is intended to help improve future work without a summative mark.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
The Department of Communication and Media is a friendly and close-knit department with well-established systems to support you to make the most of your abilities. As such, we will get to know you and treat you as an individual, providing support and guidance from your very first day.
Core modules are usually clustered around two consecutive days which allows space for uninterrupted independent learning, especially if an option module is chosen in that part of the week
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The course provides strong employability opportunities that include:
The programme opens up opportunities in the following two broadly defined fields:
Screen-based media in a number of sectors, including:
Opportunities for further qualifications or employment within the field of screen-based media
Beyond these subject related fields, the programme equips you for General Graduate employment opportunities, such as journalism, law, Civil Service, Management, Consultancy, Teaching, etc.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Part-time place, per year - £12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Communication (or a closely related subject e.g. Media, Film, Languages or any other subject informed by an Arts and Humanities tradition. Other subjects will be accepted if combined with appropriate experience). Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. |
| International qualifications |
For international applicants, if you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
If you have any questions about the course content, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 29 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions