ObjectivesThe expanding prominence of the media in modern society and the parallel developments in contemporary culture provide this ambitious BA Honours course with its academic focus. You will engage in a diversity of stimulating debates through a number of relevant intellectual disciplines drawn from the humanities and social sciences. These debates will enable a critical exploration of the press, radio, television, cinema, photography, literature, music and interactive design. Your understanding of the role of these media in both reflecting and shaping the complexities of cultural life will be enhanced by the core of the Communications Media Degree Programme.
Entry requirements2 'A' levels /AVCE (including 3 AS levels) grade A-C and 5 GCSE passes grade A-C (or equivalent) or EDEXCEL/BTEC HND or ND and a relevant Foundation course.
Academic titleBA Media and Cultural Studies
Course descriptionBA Media and Cultural Studies
Programme
Year One
Year One study is foundational and the aim is to help students develop skills for undergraduate study and be introduced to the fundamental debates and perspectives in media and cultural theory. In addition, an introduction is provided to radio, scriptwriting and features-based journalism.
Modules studied include:
· Understanding media: Histories and representations
· Communications in context: Media, modernity and the public sphere
· Culture and identity
· Introduction to applied studies (radio, scriptwriting and feature writing)
Year Two
In Year Two, the emphasis is on consolidating the skills and knowledge gained in year one and applying them to a series of case studies of the media in Europe and America. There is also a specialist unit on the study of music and its relationship to society. Alongside this, you will be introduced to skills for production management for TV and journalism for arts / culture sections of the press and broadcasting.
Modules studied include:
· Europe: Media, culture and ideas
· USA: Media, politics and cultural practices (music)
· Applied studies (production management for TV, cultural criticism)
· Work placement (media practice research by either work-based learning or case study)
Year Three
In year three, the emphasis is on extending knowledge of media & cultural theory, demonstrating an ability to both work independently and to adopt a critical, questioning approach to your studies. You will also be introduced to practical skills in interactive media and study aspects of cultural policy.
Modules studied include:
· New worlds of media and culture: Latin America and new technologies
· Applied studies: Media practices (cultural policy and new media)
· Critical debates
· Dissertation