In creative industries, success belongs to those who dare to get their hands dirty, experiment, innovate, and turn bold ideas into reality. They’re the ones directing video campaigns that set social media ablaze, uncovering the biggest stories in digital journalism, orchestrating the future of fashion, and crafting PR strategies that shape public opinion.
At the University of Salford’s School of Arts, Media & Creative Technology, the focus is on real-world experience. From day one, you’ll immerse yourself in industry-relevant challenges and opportunities, preparing to thrive in your creative career.
For postgraduate students, this is the approach you’ll need to test boundaries and build a portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills. With cutting-edge resources and specialised facilities tailored to the unique needs of each programme, you’ll have everything you need to transform your creative ideas into industry-ready work.
MA Digital Video Production and Marketing
This one-year programme combines digital marketing theory with hands-on filmmaking and influencer marketing. You’ll create, produce and distribute content for brands, through a dynamic blend of practical projects (50%), reflective writing (30%), and group work (20%).
You will dive into campaign management and social and advertising video production in the first trimester. By the second, the focus shifts to creating video content for e-commerce, and in the final trimester, you will apply everything in real-world projects.
As a student, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at MediaCity and Salford’s main Peel Park campus, including TV, digital video, and podcast studios. With connections to media giants like LADBible, MoneySuperMarket, AutoTrader, and Manchester United, the school provides invaluable networking and collaboration opportunities.
Courses at the University of Salford give students a toolkit directly used by technology-driven media producers such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. Source: University of Salford
MA International Journalism for Digital Media
Based at MediaCity, home to BBC and ITV, this programme offers professional-grade TV and radio studios, multimedia newsrooms, and digital labs. These facilities allow you to gain hands-on experience in a real newsroom environment.
Key modules include global perspectives on journalism and news ethics, along with a major project in the final trimester . All unique interests are catered to thanks to specialisms such as foreign affairs, health and science reporting, business, and data journalism. Regardless of your route, you’ll work with high-end facilities, such as HD TV studios and radio stations used by major networks like talkSPORT.
This exposure ensures that upon graduating, you’ll be confident in your ability to secure high-demand careers in print, broadcast, or online journalism — much like the graduates before you, who have landed roles as TV anchors and lead journalists for high-profile international outlets.
MA Public Relations and Digital Communications
Also based at MediaCity, this programme explores the origins and evolution of Public Relations, its ethical implications, and its intersection with journalism, video, and social media. In the first trimester, you’ll explore its history, content creation, and opportunities across digital platforms. The second trimester features a mandatory 10-day industry placement, where you’ll gain real-world experience while building a professional portfolio. You’ll also analyse PR campaigns, collaborate on group projects, and pitch live proposals to external clients, bridging academic learning with industry practice.
For graduate Ramma Shahid, from Lahore, Pakistan, her placement at Stockport Council made her more confident. “It was a professional ecosystem,” she says. “I took that experience and whatever I learned and use it in my daily work today.”
Throughout the MA, you’ll be guided by experienced faculty like award-winning journalist Debbie Manley and PR expert Michelle Eagleton as well as guest speakers from organisations such as ITV and MediaCity-based agencies.
“The best thing about studying PR and Digital Communications at the University of Salford was the engagement with my tutors and fellow students. I was constantly listening to younger students who had so much knowledge I could absorb, it felt like a sense of community.”
MediaCity is one of the UK’s key digital and creative hubs. Source: University of Salford
MA Fashion Business and Marketing
Delivered in collaboration with Salford Business School, this one-year programme blends creative innovation with business strategy. You’ll develop your entrepreneurial vision, creating live business plans supported by strategic marketing expertise and industry insights. With 100% coursework-based assessment, practical learning and real-world application are emphasised throughout.
Guest speakers from renowned organisations such as Elle and Manchester Fashion Movement provide invaluable insights and networking opportunities. You will also learn to navigate and innovate within the fast-paced fashion industry in the £55 million New Adelphi building, which houses 3D printing, laser cutting, and textiles workshops, as well as professional-grade photography studios and Mac suites.
All of this and more can prepare you for a career that is just as impactful as it is lucrative. For example, Stephanos Polyviou, a 2024 Create Student Award winner, leveraged their training to champion sustainability and drive environmental change in fashion.
Graduate Deepika Chavan aims to follow in their footsteps. “The programme’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation opened my eyes to future business opportunities, which align with my goal of starting my own business in the UK,” she says.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the creative industry as part of your postgraduate journey, explore Salford’s School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology.
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