Media and Communication Studies: Culture, Collaborative Media, and Creative Industries, Master's programme (One-Year)

“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 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 to study a master's in Media and Communication studies?

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, the course ‘Understanding how the creative industries work’ 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.

An ideal way to learn online

Hannah Lemoine is a one-year master’s programme student living in Copenhagen, Denmark with her two children. After she finished her bachelor’s degree in media and communication at Malmö University, she has been waiting patiently to start the master’s programme and is now among the first group of students.

Hannah has already completed two bachelor's degrees at Malmö University, one in media and communication studies and one in gender studies. She wanted to extend her studies in the media field and when she heard about the master’s in communication studies, she did not hesitate to apply.

“Except for the practical reasons that the university is just across the Öresund and that the programme is held online, I really like the professors at Malmö University and they are exceptionally good at what they do. That was really a stamp of quality for me, and one of the crucial factors towards applying,” Hannah explains.

“I have studied at different universities through the years but Malmö University is the one I keep coming back to. The professors are quick to respond to students’ questions, they listen to our feedback and really make time to ensure the students excel and progress.” Hannah aims for a career within academia and her next step will be pursuing a doctorate.

Combines working life and student life

In her earlier career she worked as a freelance graphic designer, an illustrator and a web designer.

During the past years she worked as a communication consultant with focus to assure that equality was integrated within a company’s written and image content.

“As of right now, I have been trying to cut down on working so I can focus more on my studies. When I applied online, I was not really considering how great of an asset online classes would be. I have been able to choose between going to classes on campus and attending them online. This gives me the freedom to work when I want to.”

In love with Malmö

Aside from the cost of commuting from Denmark to Sweden, which is a 30 minute train ride, Hannah loves the southern Swedish city.

“The city has a vibrant atmosphere and I love the diversity among the people living here. One of the things I like most about the programme is the inclusive intersectional perspective that has been constant through the different courses. It feels like the atmosphere from the city is reflected in the programme.”