Overview
Our World Politics and Popular Culture MA focuses on key theories, policies, and events in world politics in relation to traditional and new media.
You’ll learn to think critically about:
- how world politics is reflected or reproduced in popular culture
- how the politics of popular culture shapes the dynamics of world politics
- approaches and methods in social science and in cultural studies research
You’ll develop the skills to:
- identify, analyse, evaluate and interpret the principal source materials for world politics and popular culture
- plan, carry out and communicate original research
Overall you’ll gain advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary world politics and popular culture. This specialist knowledge and skills equip you for careers in:
- government agencies
- business
- the media
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
The course comprises:
- compulsory modules
- optional politics modules
- a dissertation
The compulsory module is co-taught via videolink with students from York University (Toronto).
Your remaining modules in popular culture are chosen from the wide range of modules available across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. This includes modules in arts, music, film, literature and media studies.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
World Politics and Popular Culture MA modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Thinking About Politics | 20 |
| World Politics and Popular Culture | 20 |
| Dissertation | 60 |
How you’ll learn
Teaching usually takes place on Newcastle University’s city-centre campus but may include some online delivery. Small group seminars create a highly positive and intimate learning environment.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Our staff
Key staff include Dr Matt Davies.
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 150 for Politics and International Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
As a politics student with you be based in the Henry Daysh Building. This space includes a dedicated postgraduate computer room and a postgraduate common room.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Degrees from all disciplines will be considered. We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience.
