LSE and NYU Sign Agreement for First Joint Master’s in Media and Global Cities

LSE-NYU Partnership Offers Unique Media and Culture Degree Across Two Cities

In a landmark advancement for international academic collaboration, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and New York University (NYU) have jointly announced the launch of a double master’s degree in Media, Culture and Global Cities, set to commence in 2026. This pioneering programme underscores the increasing relevance of interdisciplinary study across global urban contexts, particularly within the dynamic realms of media and culture.

The formal agreement between the two globally renowned institutions was signed during a dedicated ceremony in New York, symbolising a strengthened partnership and a shared commitment to advancing transnational education. Through this dual-degree structure, students will have the opportunity to engage with leading academics and immerse themselves in the diverse urban landscapes of both London and New York, thereby cultivating a truly transatlantic academic experience. Moreover, the programme will critically examine London and New York as pivotal global centres for media production, distribution, and consumption. As the first double degree of its kind in media, culture, and communication within global cities, it offers students a distinctive opportunity to live and study in both locations while exploring their shared influence on global media systems.

Students will begin their studies at LSE, undertaking an MSc in Media and Communications (Communication, Culture and Global Cities), before progressing to NYU Steinhardt for the second year, where they will complete an MA in Media, Culture and Communication. Applications are scheduled to open in autumn, with the inaugural cohort commencing at LSE in the 2026/27 academic year. Commenting on the initiative, LSE President and Vice Chancellor Professor Larry Kramer expressed strong enthusiasm, describing the programme as a potential flagship offering for both institutions. He emphasised that it presents a unique opportunity for students to study in two of the world’s foremost media capitals while preparing to shape the future of the global media landscape.

Similarly, NYU President Linda G. Mills highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration, noting NYU’s established presence in London and the enduring academic ties between the two universities. She affirmed that the programme reflects a shared belief in the power of ideas to transcend borders and supports a core academic mission rooted in global engagement. This new partnership further expands LSE’s portfolio of double degree programmes within its Department of Media and Communications, which already includes collaborations with the University of Southern California, Fudan University, and the University of Cape Town. Collectively, these initiatives reflect the department’s global outlook and its commitment to interdisciplinary, cross-cultural education.

Additionally, the launch of this joint degree builds upon the success of the LSE-NYU joint seed research fund, introduced in March 2025, which supports collaborative research in areas such as sustainable growth, political science, data science, and AI and society. In July, eight projects were awarded a total of £80,000, further strengthening academic ties and fostering innovation between the two institutions. The launch of this double master’s programme exemplifies the evolving landscape of global higher education and the power of strategic partnerships to shape future academic and professional pathways.

Editor’s Note:

The launch of a joint double master’s degree in Media, Culture and Global Cities by the London School of Economics (LSE) and New York University (NYU) is an important step in global education. It shows how universities are responding to the growing need for courses that look at media, culture, and urban life from an international point of view. This programme gives students a rare chance to study in both London and New York, two of the world’s biggest media centres. It combines the strengths of both universities and offers a well-rounded learning experience that includes international travel, different teaching styles, and exposure to global ideas.
The degree also builds on the strong academic relationship between LSE and NYU, with both already working together on joint research projects. By blending classroom learning with real-world city experiences, the programme helps students gain a deeper understanding of how media works in different parts of the world.

Skoobuzz believes that this double degree will be especially useful for students who want to build international careers in media, communication, or cultural studies. It prepares them to think globally, work across cultures, and make a real impact in a fast-changing industry.