Skip to main content
MA/MSc in Media, Culture and Global Cities

Below you will find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about our dual degree program with the London School of Economics (LSE). 

Admissions

How do I apply?

Admissions for the dual degree opens in October and decisions are issued on a rolling basis. The application is centrally managed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Select P4UN LSE–NYU Double MSc Media, Culture and Global Cities from LSE's list of graduate programs to apply.

Where can I go for more information?

Questions about the dual degree admissions process
Grad.Dual.Degree@lse.ac.uk
 

Questions about the LSE Department of Media and Communications
media.msc@lse.ac.uk
 

Questions about NYU's MA in Media, Culture, and Communication
MCC.Graduate@nyu.edu

Do I need to apply to both LSE and NYU?

No. You only need to submit one application through LSE.

Your application is reviewed jointly by LSE and NYU Steinhardt as part of the admissions process. If you are admitted, your application materials will automatically be shared with NYU Steinhardt—there is no separate NYU application required.
 

How is the LSE dual degree different from NYU's standalone MA program in Media, Culture, and Communication?

The LSE–NYU Dual Degree offers the opportunity to study at two internationally recognized universities while earning two master's degrees. Explore the dual degree curriculum.

Students spend:

  • Year 1: London School of Economics (London)
  • Year 2: NYU Steinhardt (New York City)

By contrast, students in NYU's standalone MA in Media, Culture, and Communication complete their entire degree in New York and receive one degree only. Learn about the NYU MA curriculum.

If you are deciding between the two programs, we advise submitting an application to only one program—either the standalone NYU MA or the joint LSE dual degree. Because each program delivers a unique academic curriculum and operates an independent admissions process, candidates should evaluate both options thoroughly to select the degree path that aligns best with their educational and career goals.

When will I graduate from the dual degree program?

In order to graduate from LSE, students must satisfy the requirements of both the first year at LSE and the second year at NYU. The NYU commencement ceremony takes place in May, while the LSE dual degree graduation ceremony takes place in July.

What if I need to defer my second year?

If there are extenuating circumstances that disrupts the continuation to the second year of the program, dual degree students may request to defer their second year at NYU to the following academic year as a one-time exception. 

If dual degree students are unable to continue in the second year even after receiving a one-time deferral, they will be withdrawn from the program and will not receive an LSE MSc degree.

How large is each cohort?

The dual degree enrolls a small, selective cohort, allowing students to build close relationships with classmates and faculty while benefiting from the extensive academic resources and global networks of both LSE and NYU.

Academics

What will I study during my year at NYU?

At NYU, students complete advanced coursework in media, culture, and communication across five Areas of Study, including electives and a culminating seminar, while working closely with faculty and fellow graduate students.

Can this program prepare me for doctoral study?

Yes. The dual degree emphasizes:

  • Critical theory and analysis
  • Independent scholarship
  • Comparative and global perspectives

Students interested in pursuing doctoral study also receive guidance through faculty advising and annual workshops focused on preparing competitive PhD applications.

International Applicants

Do I need to submit a WES credential evaluation?

No. The WES credential evaluation is waived for applicants to the dual degree program.

Original final transcripts are still required. Applicants should upload transcripts for each qualification listed in the application. If documents are not in English, certified English translations must also be provided. If admitted, students will be asked to submit official documents before the start of the term.

What are the English language requirements?

The program follows LSE's Higher English language requirement. Please review the LSE English language requirements before applying. 

Visas and Employment

Where can I go for Visa and Immigration support?

Candidates can reach out to the LSE Visa Advice Team for questions related to the UK visa application. 

The NYU Office of Global Services handles immigration matters for all students seeking immigration and visa support when traveling to NYU. 

Is this program STEM-designated for OPT?

Yes, the NYU MA in Media, Culture, and Communication is a STEM-designated program. However, as federal regulations may change, candidates should reach out to  NYU Office of Global Services – STEM OPT for the most current information. 

Does this degree qualify graduates for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa?

Graduates may qualify for the UK's High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa, subject to current UK government eligibility requirements.

Please review the UK Government HPI Visa eligibility requirements for the most current information.

Tuition and Financial Planning

How much tuition will I pay during my year at NYU?

Students complete their first year at LSE before enrolling at NYU (see information about LSE fees and funding). 

Eligible coursework completed at LSE transfers toward the NYU degree, leaving 24 credits to complete during the NYU year. Students typically enroll in 12 credits each semester.

View current NYU Steinhardt graduate tuition and fees, along with estimated breakdown of costs and additional items to budget for. Information about NYU Student Health Insurance is also available online.

What financial aid exists for U.S. citizens and permanent residents?

Eligible students should submit the FAFSA by March 1 for priority consideration.

Additional funding opportunities include:

  • Scholarships
  • Graduate student employment
  • External scholarships
  • Veteran education benefits
  • Payment plans
  • Private educational loans

Learn more through:

What financial aid exists for international students?

International students are generally not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid.

However, students may wish to explore:

  • Scholarships offered by their home country
  • External scholarship opportunities
  • Private educational loans available to international students

Students on F-1 visas are generally eligible to work on campus during their studies and may apply for OPT after graduation.

Additional information:

Career Outcomes

What kinds of careers do graduates pursue?

The LSE–NYU Dual Degree welcomes its inaugural cohort in 2026, so career outcomes for graduates are not yet available. The examples below illustrate the range of academic and professional outcomes achieved by graduates of NYU's MA in Media, Culture, and Communication.

PhD Placements

Graduates have continued doctoral study at institutions including:

  • Brown University
  • Columbia University
  • Cornell University
  • London School of Economics
  • McGill University
  • New York University
  • Rutgers University
  • University of California (Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara)
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Southern California

Recent Professional Positions

  • sparks & honey, Director of Cultural Strategy 
  • Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, Digital Accessibility Fellow 
  • Amazon Music, Global Marketing Manager
  • Nickelodeon, Senior Digital Analyst for User Experience
  • Stanford Arts Institute, Grants Administrator and Programs Assistant
  • United Nations, International External Relations Specialist
  • CNN, Manager, Program and Content Strategy
  • New York Magazine, News Writer
  • NBCUniversal, National Sales Planner for Telemundo
  • Simon & Schuster, Online Marketing Manager
  • Tribeca Film Festival, Associate Programmer, Feature Films
  • Vox Media, Director, IP Development & Marketing
  • Edelman Mexico, Vice President
  • Nielsen, Head of Games and XR Research
Will I have access to career services?

Yes. Students have access to dedicated  Graduate Career advising from NYU as well as LSE Career Services, providing a range of services including employer recruiting, networking events, alumni programming, and professional development resources during each year of the program.