Christoph Rosenthal

I constantly benefit from the solid theoretical understanding and rigorous methodological skills acquired in the IBCoM programme.

Double Master Global Media and Communications, London School of Economics (UK) & Annenberg School of Communication at University of South California (US)

Class of 2010 (Graduated in 2013)

What was important in making up your mind?

  • Programme’s alignment with Bachelor degree.
  • Options of financial support and scholarships.
  • Opportunity to study in a media capital with close links to the media and communications industry.
  • Reputation of the university.
  • Duration of the Master’s programme.
  • International composition of student body.
  • Studying abroad.

What made you decide to choose for this master?

  • Gain two degrees in one programme.
  • Study in two of the most important and dynamic cities in terms of technology, media and communication, with close links to the industry.
  • Excellent career services as well as training and development opportunities provided by the university.
  • Access to and collaboration with leading faculty/researchers in the field of media, communications and social psychology.
  • Integration of theory and practice.
  • Excellent job opportunities and PhD prerequisites.

How would you describe the connection between IBCoM and your master?
IBCoM is an ideal antecedent for the MSc/ A in Global Media and Communications at LSE and USC. It seamlessly fits with the theory-focused first Master’s at the LSE and serves as a good preparation for the more practical year at USC with opportunities for internships and as a research assistant. Given that IBCoM provided me with advanced knowledge of media and communication theory, I can further deepen and triangulate my knowledge in the compulsory courses at LSE, while simultaneously being able to explore specialist areas of interest, such as the social psychology of communication and media.

I constantly benefit from the solid theoretical understanding and rigorous methodological skills acquired in the IBCoM programme. Whereas fellow students with various different degrees from international universities sometimes had to do extra work in the beginning, I felt well prepared and could substitute some of the introductory courses with more advanced ones. Likewise, having enjoyed IBCoM’s focus on academic writing, presenting and collaborating with peers, I found myself in the pole position at the start of my Master’s at LSE, as these skills were essential to mastering the challenging coursework and taking full advantage of LSE’s diverse opportunities.

How would you describe your master?
The MSc/MA in Global Media and Communications at LSE and USC is highly international, flexible and with a high potential for networking and exploration of individual interests. The first year at the LSE provides the theoretical foundation of the field of media and communication, while the second year is more practical and features an internship in Los Angeles. Resolutely following the critical research paradigm, LSE has a wide range of high-quality courses in the field of media and communication, while also providing opportunities to take outside options in different departments. The Master’s at LSE is really what you make of it yourself, but if you’re up for a stressful, yet exciting and rewarding year, everything is possible.

In hindsight, what would you have liked to have known before, what you know now?
One thing I realized over and over again is that no matter how tedious or irrelevant an article, a concept or a class might seem, it most certainly comes back to you and if you haven’t completely forgotten it, will be useful to you in one way or another. Also, the more I learn and get to know, the more I realize how little I know. Would have been nice to know that before.

On a more practical note, I would have liked to have known earlier what my special area of interest is like. Getting a grip on this is a long, interesting process, but a crucial necessity, especially for doing a Master’s, so the earlier you start trying to find out, the better.

What kind of job would you be interested in after this master?
After the Master’s, I am planning to work in Shanghai for a while, then work in consultancy or international communications for a few years and then do my PhD in the field of social psychology of communication and media.

Any other points you would like to add?
With respect to LSE, it’s hard to imagine a more international combination than studying Global Media and Communications in London. If you like it, and I do, it’s great. London is a fascinating cosmopolitan melting pot and there are not more than three people from the same country in my year. The only downside is that it goes by so fast. That’s why you really have to make the best of every single day.

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