About the education

The field of media is constantly shifting. In the last decade, the changes have been rapid, and a new media landscape has emerged — forever reshaping not only consumers but also creators and distributors of media. Today's digital media are characterised by participation and cooperation; media are wholly collaborative in terms of both production and consumption, and this is what is meant by the term ‘collaborative media.

The two-year master's programme in Media and Communication Studies gives you advanced knowledge of digital media through practical approaches in the field. You will work creatively and in an explorative manner with different types of media while learning to evaluate them from a critical perspective

Choose between the one-year and two-year programme

Malmö University also offers one-year version of the programme. 

One-year master's programme

The two-year master’s programme in Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries will equip you with advanced knowledge of digital media. The programme is oriented towards practical approaches to the field. You will work creatively and in an explorative way with different types of media while you learn to approach them from a critical perspective.

During the programme, you will develop three primary skill sets: the ability to analyse and strategically approach media and its impact on society; the capability to work with media and communication both methodologically and systematically; and the knowledge required to produce media texts, both individually and collaboratively. Compared to bachelor's level degrees, this advanced programme has a clear focus on the development of strategic expertise, a skill crucial for those intending to pursue a professional career in media and communication. During the education, you will furthermore obtain an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the creative industries.

The programme is developed alongside and conducted in collaboration with Media Evolution, a media cluster with over 350 member companies based in Malmö. This facilitates a crossover between the academic and professional worlds and allows students to develop skills in both areas throughout their studies. Throughout the duration of the programme, you will get the chance to meet a number of international guest lecturers from universities all across the world, further adding to the global relevance of the programme.

This programme starts with new students every autumn semester. The first year focuses on examining key themes in communication studies. The courses will also give you a deeper understanding of today's creative industries and the possibilities of collaborative media. The year ends with the writing of a (one-year, 15 credits) master's thesis. During the second year of the programme, there is the possibility of doing an internship based course. You will also deepen your knowledge in activist, strategic and entrepreneurial approaches to media, and you will acquire skills in prototyping and visualisation. The programme ends with the writing of a second master’s thesis (15 credits).

The programme, which is web-based and full-time, makes education available to students globally and offers a unique blend of distance and campus based learning. The seminars are compulsory, and you can either attend in Malmö or online. This approach makes it possible for international students to enrol in the programme without having to relocate, leading to a diverse and intercultural student body that increases the opportunities for students to form transnational networks and to benefit from international lecturers.

The programme is hosted on an online platform through which communication between students and lecturers takes place and where student projects are uploaded. As the main theme of the programme is collaborative media, this pedagogical approach leaves room for experimentation, and students are encouraged to use collaborative media during the learning process.

After graduating, you will have the qualifications necessary to work in media and communication. The skill sets and knowledge you develop during your studies are valuable to the fast-growing creative industries. Companies, governments, and organisations are other possible employers as they become increasingly dependent on communication and media in their activities. This programme is for those who want to take an active role in the development of the media field. It also provides a foundation for further, post-graduate studies. 

Courses within the programme

Autumn 2025 - Semester 1

Spring 2026 - Semester 2

Autumn 2026 - Semester 3

Optional courses during the semester:

Spring 2027 - Semester 4

Syllabus autumn 2025

Earlier syllabuses

Entry requirements and selection

Here you can find the entry requirements, as well as how the available study places are distributed between applicants in the selection. 

If you have any questions about general admission, you are welcome to contact us.

Contact form

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree (180 credits) or equivalent in social sciences, humanities, arts or design studies. Examples of subject background relevant to the programme include, but are not limited to: Media and Communication, Cultural Studies, Film Studies, Literature, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Stage Production, Media Production, or Fine Arts.

The equivalent of Swedish higher secondary school English 6.

Selection

Supporting documents 100%. Applicants are selected in order according to precedence from letter of intent, experience document and work samples.

Apply with supporting documents

Please note that you are recommended to submit supporting documents with your application to this programme. If you fulfil the entry requirements but do not submit the supporting documents, you can only be admitted if space allows. The selection is based only on the supporting documents.

To complete your application, follow these steps:

  1. Create an account and apply to the programme no later than 15 January via universityadmissions.se.
  2. Submit documented proof of your Bachelor’s degree and proficiency in English. Upload the documentation as a PDF at universityadmissions.se, or send it by post. You can apply if you are in your final year and will receive your Bachelor’s degree before the programme starts, by following specific instructions.
  3. Submit your supporting documents via the form on this webpage. When you have completed the form and pressed “send”, you have submitted your supporting documents. Please make sure to do this after you have completed step one and two. If you apply in multiple admission rounds, you must upload supporting documents for each round.

Supporting documents deadline

Submit the supporting documents no later than 3 February 23.59 Central European Time (GMT +1), when applying in the international admission round, 15 October–15 January.

Submit the supporting documents no later than 3 May 23.59 Central European Time (GMT +1), when applying in the national admission round, 15 March – 15 April.

Supporting documents submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Only supporting documents submitted via the form will be reviewed.

Supporting documents Media and Communication Studies (Two-year)

Have you previously applied to Media and Communication Studies (Two-year)?
If yes, which admission round?
If yes, are you using the same Description of experiences/Letter of Intent as in your last application?

Part 1: Brief description of your experiences relating to the field of Media and Communication Studies

Please write a brief description of your experiences relating to the field of Media and Communication Studies that, in your opinion, prepare you for studies in the programme.

These experiences may be acquired from your professional life, volunteer/non-profit work, educational background, etc. You should describe how these experiences have led you to pursuing further studies in the field of Media and Communication Studies. Include one to three scholarly references that clearly tie your previous experience to research in the field.

Part 2: Letter of Intent

Please write a Letter of Intent in which you describe why you are applying to this programme in particular. Clearly describe your expectations and ambitions related to the courses offered in the programme, and detail the knowledge and skills you expect to achieve.

Part 3: Demonstrate your connection to the field of Media and Communication Studies

Include two samples of scholarly, creative, or production work that demonstrate your connection to the field of Media and Communication Studies. Please, link to your work samples.

Malmö University is responsible for the personal data processed within the University's operations, and complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For more information on how your personal data is processed, visit mau.se/personal-data.

Alternative selection for Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries (120 credits).

Description and assessment matrix for Media and Communication studies (PDF)

“I always tell my coworkers that I'm learning so much in this programme. It’s so useful for my work with social media.”

Sarah Patsalidou is a two-year master’s student living in Cyprus, with a background in music and musical theatre production. Currently, she is pursuing her master’s degree while working with social media at a ticketing company. The online form allows her to continue working and apply her knowledge...

“I always tell my coworkers that I'm learning so much in this programme. It’s so useful for my work with social media.”

Sarah Patsalidou is a two-year master’s student living in Cyprus, with a background in music and musical theatre production. Currently, she is pursuing her master’s degree while working with social media at a ticketing company. The online form allows her to continue working and apply her knowledge in her work.

What were you doing before you enrolled in Media and Communication at Malmö University?

I did my undergraduate studies in music in Southampton, and then a postgraduate degree in musical theatre production at Goldsmiths, University of London. I learned how to put on a show and to produce a performing arts festival from scratch. But during my studies, I didn't learn how to advertise or market my work, so that’s what I was missing. When I returned to Cyprus, my home country, I started working in social media for Sold Out Tickets – one of the biggest event ticketing companies in Cyprus. I loved what I was doing, but I was obviously lacking professional academic training in media and communication. That’s when I started looking for distance learning courses in Europe to deepen my knowledge and put it to use in my work.

Why did you choose this master’s programme?

I always say that I've never experienced a richer university programme. It focuses on creative industries and culture, which aligns with my background as a musician and producer. In today's competitive professional landscape, I believe a master's degree is an asset. Completing a master's enhances my expertise and opens opportunities in this highly competitive field. I saw the chance to reskill in a growing area, aligning with my interest in media and communication. The programme offers a diverse range of courses, covering social theories, key theories of media and communication, creative industries and research methods.

How do you like the distance learning form?

Choosing distance learning was a practical decision because it allows me to continue working in Cyprus while advancing my education. I work and study full-time and find that I can apply what I learn during my studies into my work in social media and event ticketing. For example, courses like ‘Understanding how the creative industries work’ and ‘Data and analytics’ have been very useful.

I really enjoy the distance learning form. The use of online tools, cameras and microphones during lectures ensures a good experience and an effective learning environment. We have interactive seminars, open discussions and regular one-on-one and group sessions, which have contributed to a close community. Both my teachers and peers are helpful and supportive. It’s cool how you meet other students online and become friends with them because you basically see them every day. I actually met a few people in person while I was travelling.

What would you want to do after your graduation?

In the future, I want to travel in Europe and work with musicals as a production manager or coordinator. My knowledge in media will strengthen my skills as a producer. That is why I chose this programme – to get a package of skills and background to contribute to as many aspects as possible in the role as a production manager and work at big theatres.

“The perfect recipe”

Deliana is a 23-year-old student on the two-year master’s programme. She has a bachelor’s in American studies (cultural studies) from the University of Bucharest, Romania. Her passion lies in artistic practises and her future ambition is to work within the creative industries.

“The perfect recipe”

Deliana is a 23-year-old student on the two-year master’s programme. She has a bachelor’s in American studies (cultural studies) from the University of Bucharest, Romania. Her passion lies in artistic practises and her future ambition is to work within the creative industries.

The master’s programme was Deliana's first choice, for several reasons. 

“I had wanted to live in Malmö for a period of time and the title of the programme was very appealing to me. Media, collaboration and creativity were key terms that led me to imagine the programme being interdisciplinary and innovative- the perfect recipe,” she explains. 

“Media is an umbrella field that is consistently changing and I believed this could be an opportunity to combine the two subjects that I am the most interested in: the digital and the cultural landscape. I have been right so far,” she says. 

Appreciates Malmö’s eclectic vibe

“I love living in Malmö which has an eclectic vibe due to the multicultural citizens. My first impression of the city is that there are a lot of opportunities for young people to evolve in whatever direction they want to.” 

With a background in a more traditional academic environment, Deliana really enjoys how the university facilities, especially the new building, Niagara and the main library Orkanen, are designed in a way to encourage students to interact with each other. 

Advantages of attending courses both on campus and online

“I like to study on campus because then I can interact with my classmates and professors and feel more motivated. I need the campus atmosphere in order to keep the pace of my studies. But being able to study online is also great. For example, when I went back to Romania for three weeks, I attended the lectures online instead. When I got back to campus I had not missed a thing.”

Networking during the studies opens opportunities

Deliana does volunteer work at a non-profit organisation for refugees in Malmö. She is also working on a case study about an organisation within the creative industries. This she says, puts her in contact with people from the industry and opens the possibility for future collaborations. Deliana is convinced that her studies could open doors for her. 

“I believe it will open a lot of networking possibilities, and also give me the theoretical knowledge that I need for the field.” 

 “I think the way in which independent studying has been created in this programme goes in line with the idea of collaboration and entrepreneurship, encouraging us, the young professionals to take the situation in our hands and make the best out of it. The professors are open to questions, always helpful and the feedback is always constructive, never discouraging”.

Student Alexandra.

Chat with current student Alexandra from the Media and Communication Studies master's programme. Our ambassadors can answer questions regarding their programme, student life, and what it's like to study at Malmö University.

Contact

For more information about the education:

K3student@mau.se

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