UPF's M.A. in International Studies on Media, Power and Difference offers an opportunity to study and research the media's role in the construction, representation and recognition of difference and diversity on the basis of the groups deemed most vulnerable. From various viewpoints corresponding to social sciences, the programme takes a critical, cross-cutting look at the power structures that lie behind communication practices (journalistic and persuasive or influence-oriented alike) and affect, reflect and interact within social processes related to difference and diversity.

The media have a major role in constructing societies' moral imaginary and, thus, in representing the Other and the difference thereof. The study of alterity through the lens of social communication is consequently one of the most internationally prestigious fields of research at present, due to its pioneering and multidisciplinary nature and its wealth of perspectives (cultural studies, the political economy of communication, and the ethics of mediation).

 

Holders of a university bachelor's degree, preferably in an area related to communication (Journalism, Audiovisual Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, etc.). The programme is also open to students with a bachelor's degree in any field corresponding to the humanities, social and legal sciences, health sciences or technologies.

For both profiles we expect students to have critical thinking and to be open-minded, exhibit intellectual humility and be ready to further develop their empathic skills in an international classroom environment. This involves avoiding thinking simplistically about complicated issues and striving to always appropriately consider the interest and needs of all Other sentient beings. This eventually includes striving to diminish egocentric and culturally sociocentric tendencies and aiming to improve the world and contribute to a more compassionate society.

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS
 
  • Official university bachelor's or master's degree from the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) or equivalent foreign degree allowing access to a postgraduate degree in the country that issued the degree. Should the applicant have not finished yet their studies at the time of application, they will be asked to sign a statement certifying that they will have completed them before the start of the master degree program. 

    Preference is given to graduates in the area of communication and in any area of the social sciences, the legal sciences and the humanities wishing to make their career in the media, in communication offices of international agencies, in nongovernmental organizations or in governmental organizations at all levels. Graduates in other areas having professional experience in journalism, advertising, marketing, social media or social media in general are also accepted.  
  • Academic transcript of the official training accredited, with the average grade, issued by the university of origin.
If the diploma or the academic transcript are not written in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, Portuguese or Italian, you will also have to include the respective sworn translations into Catalan or Spanish.
  • Curriculum Vitae in Spanish, English or Catalan.
  • Written presentation of a maximum of two pages, in English, in which the candidate exposes their suitability to the master's profile and their aims. 
  • Video presentation where you explain in English your profile and your motivation for studying the master's degree (it's necessary to upload a word document with the link to the video)
  • Proof of English language (level B2). Those applicants coming from a country where English language is official are exempted from this requierement. 
  • Identity Card or Passport

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS

  • Proof of professional experience in any of the fields related to the master's programme. 
  • Proof of research experience. 
  • Two letters of recommendation. Especial conderation will be given to one of the letters being from a university professor and the other one of a more professional nature. 

In addition, the Departments' selection committee may decide to interview the candidate.

  • A doctorate.
  • A career in research in a department, a laboratory or a public or private institute.
  • A career in communication.
  • Communication-related work in a national or international governmental or non-governmental organization.
Grants offered by the Department of Communication

Fee

  • UE students: 1,800 €
  • Non EU Students: 5,749.8 €

Calendar

From September to June, Timetable Afternoon timetable

Duration

1 academic year full time, 2 academic years part time (60 ECTS credits)

Language

English

Places

35

Course type

Research

PhD to which it grants access

Phd in Communication (Previous admission)