School of Communication students may apply for the Global Media & Communications Seminar (GMCS) during the fall quarter application period.
The Global Media & Communications Seminar (GMCS) consists of two connected parts: a seminar course taught in Evanston during winter quarter, followed by a trip to London over spring break.
Program Timeline
The GMCS program typically follows this general timeline:
- Fall Quarter: Application period and selection process
- Winter Quarter: Students enroll in and complete the CMN 350 seminar course
- Spring Break: Travel to London
Past Seminars
Each year, the Global Media & Communications Seminar explores new themes and industry perspectives while connecting students with media professionals across London. The examples below offer snapshots from recent seminars, including sample site visits, academic engagements, and cultural experiences from the London portion of the program.
Faculty: Associate Dean Lori Barcliff Baptista
The 2025 seminar explored global media, digital cities, and the cultural forces shaping contemporary media fields. During winter quarter, students researched London-based organizations and produced creative final projects ranging from a documentary on the history of curry to a digital magazine inspired by The Great British Bake Off. The London experience connected these ideas to real-world practice through academic lectures, site visits, and cultural experiences across the city.
Example Site Visits & Experiences
- London School of Economics (lectures with Myria Georgiou, Shani Orgad, and Wendy Willems)
- Warner Brothers Studios (tour with alumnus Jim Kleverweis, C90)
- Garden Studios (tour with alumnus Thomas Hoegh, C92)
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Tate Modern – Electric Dreams exhibition
- SIX! The Musical on the West End
- Vogue: Inventing the Runway exhibition at Lightroom
Faculty: Associate Dean Lori Barcliff Baptista
The 2024 seminar examined the relationship between creative media practice and global entertainment. In Evanston, students led discussions on topics including media representation, public broadcasting, and international sports media, and created final projects experimenting with formats such as podcasts, scripts, and performance. The London portion of the program brought these conversations to life through academic lectures, site visits, and cultural experiences.
Example Site Visits & Experiences
- London School of Economics (lectures with Shani Orgad, Bart Cammaerts, and Wendy Willems)
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Google Academy
- Garden Studios (tour with alumnus Thomas Hoegh, C92)
- Apple TV+ Silo set tour with producer Joanna Thapa (C07)
- National Theatre tour and performance (Dear Octopus)
- Alumni reception with SoC graduates working in London
Faculty: Associate Dean Lori Barcliff Baptista
The 2023 seminar marked the first return to the London program following the pandemic interruption of the 2020 cohort. The course explored themes of creative capital, film and television, and theatre and comedy, preparing students during winter quarter for an immersive week of i engagement in London. Alumni played a central role throughout the experience, offering insights into careers across global media organizations.
Example Site Visits & Experiences
- London School of Economics (lectures with Shani Orgad, Bart Cammaerts, and Wendy Willems, Charlie Beckett)
- BFI Mediatheque
- Garden Studios (tour with alumnus Thomas Hoegh, C92)
- The Groucho Club with Lou Stein (C72)
- Alumni Panel discussion with Eliza Abramson (C16) working in PR at Netflix and Katie Russell (C20) who works in programming at BBC
Faculty: Aymar Jean Christian
The 2019 seminar explored the evolving relationship between media, technology, and culture through conversations with scholars and professionals in the field across London. Students attended daily lectures at the London School of Economics and visited organizations working across journalism, digital media, and entertainment.
Example Site Visits & Experiences
- London School of Economics lectures with Nick Couldry, Charlie Beckett, Sarah Banet-Weiser, and Shani Orgad
- Solveig Herzum (LSE) discussion on media research and trends
- LinkedIn London
- ELLE Magazine UK
- The National Gallery
- Chickenshed Theatre performance
- West End performance of Waitress
Faculty: Neil Verma
The 2018 Global Media & Communications Seminar introduced students to London’s media landscape through academic lectures, site visits, and cultural experiences. Students engaged with scholars and professionals working across journalism, film, technology, and the performing arts while exploring the city’s creative and media industries.
Example Site Visits & Experiences
- London School of Economics lectures with Nick Couldry, Charlie Beckett, and Shani Orgad
- Zenith (global media agency)
- LinkedIn London
- Deloitte
- Nancy Bishop Casting
- Bridge Theatre visit with David Sabel and performance of Julius Caesar
Student FAQ
Who is eligible?
The program is open to undergraduate majors with sophomore standing or above in the School of Communication.
What is the cost and what is covered by School of Communication?
The School of Communication covers the core program costs, including travel and accommodations, some meals and costs associated with required program activities. Participating students will be responsible for their own meals, relevant visa/passport fees (as applicable) and discretionary spending money if they are selected to participate. The approximate student contribution for participation is around $800, though this may vary slightly year to year. Students with demonstrated financial need may request additional funding to help cover expenses such as per diem costs or travel documentation fees.
Questions?
For general questions, email the EPICS at epics@northwestern.edu.