Global Communication (MA) and Global Media (MSc) Fall 2023
When may I submit my application?
The online USC Graduate Admission application will open on September 1, 2022 and the LSE application opens early in October. If you choose to apply after February 1, check the program availability on the LSE website here.
Am I required to submit applications to both schools?
You must submit the online admission application to LSE and USC.
First, complete the online LSE application at: http://www.lse.ac.uk/GraduateApplyOnline and pay the LSE application fee. See the LSE website for details, or contact the LSE Student Recruitment Office for details: media@lse.ac.uk or 020 7955 6613. You must submit all required supporting materials (résumé, statement of purpose, etc.) to complete this application.
Second, complete the online USC Graduate Admission Application at https://usc.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login. The USC application fee is waived if you select the fee waiver option. You are not required to upload your résumé, writing samples or reference materials to the USC application. However, you must request to have your English proficiency test scores reported to USC if required. Also, official transcripts (original language and English translations) from all universities attended must be submitted to the USC Office of Graduate Admission.
Is there a certain GPA required for admission to this degree program?
Although no GPA guarantees admission, a minimum 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA from your undergraduate institution, or the international equivalent, is required for this degree program.
What admission test scores are required?
All international student applicants are expected to demonstrate adequate English-language proficiency. To learn more about how to satisfy this requirement, click here. Also, review the USC Graduate Admission video tutorial titled, “English Proficiency Requirements for International Students” for more details.
Are there opportunities to learn more about the MA/MSc in Global Communication?
Refer to the LSE and USC Annenberg websites for details about campus visit programs, online information sessions and events that faculty and admissions officers will attend in your local area.
When are admission decisions released?
Admission decisions are released on a rolling basis from the London School of Economics on behalf of both USC and LSE. A separate decision letter is not issued from the University of Southern California.
Application Guidelines
The online USC Graduate Admission Application opens September 1, 2022. Go to https://usc.liaisoncas.com to access the application.
Assemble the following documents and program materials which must be uploaded to your application:
- CV or Résumé
- Copy of Official Transcript(s)
- Copy of your official passport (International Student Applicants only)
All program materials must be in English and uploaded to the online application. Note: Once your application has been submitted, you may not add, edit or change any document or program material. Also, all submitted documents and program materials become the property of USC and will not be returned.
Official Transcripts
Copies of a registrar-issued official transcript (with registrar’s signature, stamp or seal) from all colleges and universities attended (including USC) must be uploaded to your application in the Academic History section. If you do not possess copies of your registrar-issued official transcripts, request to have official transcripts with legend or grading scale emailed to you from your previous colleges/universities.
After submitting your online application, request to have e-transcripts sent from your degree conferring institutions to USC Graduate Admission at etrans@usc.edu.
Note:
- International transcripts must include the original language and the English translation as one document.
- Transcripts from your institution’s student portal are unacceptable.
Recommendations
Create online profiles in the Program Materials section of the application by providing names and email addresses of your recommenders. Instructions and forms will be emailed to your recommenders. Only recommendations submitted through the online process are accepted.
Graduate Admission Testing
GRE scores are not required for admission to Fall 2023.
Valid TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores (taken August 2021 or later) are required from international student applicants unless waived; see below for the exception. To be considered official, USC must receive scores electronically from the testing service. Photocopies or paper copies of scores are unacceptable.
- For TOEFL, request to have your scores sent to the USC institution code 4852.
- For IELTS or PTE, select “University of Southern California” from the list of available institutions when you register for the test. Alternatively, provide this information to your testing center after you have taken the test.
Exception: If you completed your entire bachelor’s degree in the United States or another Anglophone country (i.e. where English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country), TOEFL and IELTS are waived.
Note: Completing a master’s degree In the United States or another Anglophone country will not waive TOEFL or IELTS.
Fee Waiver
Review the fee waiver requirements at USC Graduate Admission website: https://gradadm.usc.edu/lightboxes/us-students-fee-waivers/. Applicants seeking a fee waiver must start the online application and then wait for the fee waiver approval before submitting the application.