Programme outline
The scope of the programme is 90 credits ECTS. The programme is run as part-time studies, which allows students to study alongside work. It takes 2-3 years for a student to complete the degree.
The courses are taught entirely in English and they are linked to the RDI (research, development and innovation) activities at Arcada. The courses comprise scheduled lectures, workshops, seminars, RDI exercises, and independent studies. Scheduled tuition takes place mainly after 4 p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. About 25 % of the programme consists of scheduled tuition in class and in living lab environments. 75 % of the programme is conducted as independent studies.
All students receive an individual study plan. The study plan allows the student to tailor the exam to suit her/his individual needs based on previous study and work experience. For instance, a student with a bachelor’s degree in business administration will have the possibility to replace business courses with studies in media production.
Programme structure
We believe that a successful media manager needs to have a multidisciplinary understanding of the media. Therefore the programme includes modules from several fields; the media landscape as a whole, management, research methodology and optional studies. This will give you a chance to specialize according to your interest. The thesis project is a development project for a client or for the student’s employer as well as a thesis report, in which the student publishes the key results.
Module 1: Mastering the Media Landscape (15 ECTS)
This module examines media industries and the changing media landscape with the intent to provide students with cutting edge knowledge and strategic understanding of the development trends of media production and consumption. The students explore the distinctive characteristics of the media and content industries from economic, technological and cultural points of view.
The module topics include:
- Media economics
- Media technology development
- Competencies in media management
- Special features of media and creative industries
Module 2: Managing Media Businesses (20 ECTS)
The module in Managing Media Businesses provides an operative view to managing creative companies. Students learn how to plan, develop, price, distribute and market media services, and how to assess and predict a company’s financial performance. The module also includes a managerial approach to media law and intellectual property management.
We cover selected topics related to:
- Earnings logic and pricing strategies
- Service development and management
- Marketing communications and brand management
- Financial statement analysis and valuation
- Media law
Module 3: Production Management (15 ECTS)
In Managing Creativity and Innovation, students design, produce and evaluate traditional and interactive media concepts for different platforms. This module allows students to combine theoretical knowledge acquired over the course of the programme in Media Management with their previous work experience. Students develop a media project for Stadi.TV or some other platform, wherein they utilise project planning, open innovation and network management skills. The selected work methods direct students to explore new value creation opportunities.
The module comprises selected topics with regard to:
- Concept and programme format development
- Production management
- Visual presentation and narrative
Module 4: Research Methodology (5 ECTS)
In this course, the student becomes acquainted with selected research approaches as well as with qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to media business research.
Module 5: Optional Studies (5 ECTS)
The student’s individual study plan includes five credits of optional studies. Optional studies can be any additional courses to support your degree. We recommend courses in the following areas:
- Entrepreneurship
- Media analysis
- Creative writing
- Media law
Thesis Project (30 ECTS)
The Master’s thesis project consists of a development project for a client or the student’s employer and a thesis report, in which the student publishes the key results of the development project. It is recommended that the student brings a project with her/him when (s)he enters the programme. However, this is not a prerequisite, as Arcada assists students in finding suitable projects. Students start to develop the thesis project already in the beginning of the programme. In connection to each study module the student hands in a term paper, the content of which can later be incorporated in the thesis report. Based on the development needs of the client/employer, the student develops the term papers and the thesis report in research seminars organised along the study modules. In the research seminars, the student is provided with guidance related to scientific writing and research methodology. The aim is to publish the key results of the development project as a scientific article. The article will be assessed. The article is expected to contain descriptions and analyses of the theories and methods used, a presentation of the empirical evidence, and a discussion of the research findings and results applied in a managerial, entrepreneurial, or market context.
