ObjectivesJournalism teaching is primarily theory-based, exploring the forms, practices, institutions and audiences of newspaper, radio, television and online news reporting in relation to broader social ideas, issues and debates (both in the UK and internationally). Studying Media and Cultural Studies (MCS) offers you a focused way to understand the complex and dynamic culture we live in, and the role of the media within it. You will explore a wide range of topics such as: the global media industries; audience tastes and consumer culture; youth cultures; technological change and digital media; urban cultures; environmentalism and the media, the design of museum displays, and popular science in the media. These courses are informed by current research, writing and media production undertaken by staff, so are always up to date. We also offer you a range of skills through a combination of theory and production courses.
Entry requirementsRequirements GCSE: English Tariff points range: 240-300 Specific subjects: None specified Relevant subjects: Media Studies, Arts, Social Science Access: Yes Baccalaureate EB %: 70-76 Baccalaureate IB pts: 28-32
Academic titleBA Journalism and Media and Cultural Studies
Course descriptionContent
Level 1
The modules News Media and Society and Journalism Writing offer in different ways an introduction to the dimensions of the theory and practice of journalism. News Media and Society is distinctive for its combination of the historical development of the news media; current debates about their role in modern society; the 'encoding' and 'decoding' of news discourse; and the ways in which news represents a range of pressing social issues. Journalism Writing emphasises a range of journalistic writing skills - news reports, features, reviews, editorials, investigative reports - and the ability to identify newsworthy events and issues.
You take two Level 1 modules chosen from the Media and Cultural Studies options, which must include the Media and Cultural Studies Foundation module. If you want to take production modules at Level 2 you must make sure you take Introduction to Digital Media. You will take a further two modules in your other subject.
Level 2
The foundation for the study of the theory and practice of journalism at Level 1 is developed further through the modules Journalism and Public Communication and Local and Global Journalism. The module Journalism and Public Communication explores the historical and contemporary development of a variety of forms of public communication within the contexts in which journalism is situated and practised, and debates such as cultural imperialism.
You take two Level 2 Media and Cultural Studies modules chosen from a range including: Researching Culture; Journalism and Society; Interactive Media; Photomedia: From the Analogue to the Digital Image; Video Documentary; British Film and TV Cultures; Currents in Film Theory; Culture and Identity; Contemporary Screen Media; Globalisation; Hollywood; and Urban Cultures; and a further two modules from your other main subject.
Level 3
Students at this level develop skills in a more specialised way by choosing two of the four optional modules: Critical Reporting, Journalism Dissertation, Alternative and Online Journalism, and Reporting War and Conflict.
You take two Level 3 Media and Cultural Studies modules from a range which is likely to include: British National Cinemas; Continuing Production; Dissertation; Documentary Film; Environmentalism and the Media; Gender and Sexuality in Film and Television; Journalism: Critical Reporting; Music, Cinema, Culture; Political Economy of the Media; the Politics of Collecting and Display; Youth Culture and Consumption; Travel and Tourism; and the Cultural Meaning of Popular Science.