Course description
This course will explore all aspects of human communication. It will help you to understand questions like:
* How do children develop language?
* How is speech produced and understood?
* And what can go wrong with speech and language?
You will also have the opportunity to think about communication in society and the media and learn about the forensic analysis of speech and language.
Why choose this course?
This course will appeal to people who want to study a range of subjects and who have broad interests, e.g. in language, psychology, sociology and the media. Although it is a Bachelor of Science it involves both scientific and arts/language based subjects. It will develop crucial skills in analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, critical appraisal, team working and organisation.
Where will it lead?
This course provides a foundation for any career that requires a good understanding of communication, such as commerce, business, public relations, civil service and the media. Graduates will be excellently placed to undertake further training in professions such as the law, social work, teaching, audiology and speech and language therapy.
Course content
Year 1
The first year of the course establishes the foundations of hearing, speech and language. You are equipped with the knowledge to understand the process of human communication.
You will study four core modules and one or two optional modules. Not all options are available every year.
Core modules are:
* Hearing and Speech Sciences 1
* Hearing science and speech perception, speech acoustics and production
* Language Sciences 1
* The nature, structure, and variation of language
* Bio-medical Sciences 1
* Anatomy and physiology
* Life Span Studies
* Human development and change across the life span
Optional modules include:
* Social Context
* Specialist Background in Psychology
* Cognitive Approaches to Mind and Behaviour
* History and Theory of Psychology
* Biological Approaches to Mind and Behaviour
* Lifespan Psychology
* Introduction to Sociology
* Sociology Research Workshop
* Introduction to Media Studies
* Introduction to Criminology
* Introduction to Journalism 1
* History of Journalism
* The British Media
Year 2
The second year explores the nature of speech and communication in children and adults and introduces research methods. You will study six modules of 15 or 30 credits. You are encouraged to choose optional modules that relate to year one options.
Core modules are:
* Hearing & Speech Sciences 2,
* Further speech production and communication science
* Language Sciences 2
* The acquisition of speech & language development
* Bio-medical Sciences 2
* Neurology & disorders of the ear
* Developmental Psychology
* Processes of normal development
* Research & Evidence-Based Practice 1
* Research methods to underpin academic & clinical enquiry
Optional modules include:
* Speech, communication & swallowing sciences
* Forensic phonetics
* Instrumental phonetics
* Cognitive Psychology 1 (Thinking and Perception)
* Cognitive Psychology 2 (Memory and Language)
* Biological Psychology
* Social Psychology
* Personality and Differential Psychology
* Theories and Research Strategies in Contemporary Sociology
* Understanding Social Change
* Media, Culture and Society
* New Media Challenges
* News and Society
* Globalisation and the City
* Media, Crime and Criminal Justice
* Key Issues in Criminology
* Introduction to Journalism: Reporting 2; Features 2
* Production 2 (Print and Radio)
* History of Journalism – 2
* Web Creation and Design
Year 3
The third year focuses both on the research project, and on the nature of cognition and language in children and adults and you will also study one or two optional modules.
Core modules are:
* Language Sciences 3
* Language processing, brain & behaviour
* Research and Evidence-Based Practice 2
* Research project
Optional modules include:
* Language, cognition & communication disabilities
* Concepts and Categorisation
* Judgment and Decision Making
* Memory: Trends and Issues
* Sound and Symbol in Written Language
* Neurobiological Approaches to Perception, Attention and Action
* Approaches to Autism
* Health Psychology
* Organisational Psychology
* Positive Psychology
* Psychology as Philosophy
* Social and Emotional Development: The Early Years
* Abnormal and Clinical Psychology
* Globalisation, Social Difference and Human Rights (not 2008-9)
* Culture, Community and Identity
* World Media Industry
* Film and Television Studies (not 2008-9)
* Race, Racism and Social Theory (not 2008-9)
* Migration, Refugees and Globalisation
* The Information Society
* Gender and Society
* Sociology of Sexualities
* Youth, Crime and Society
* Victims, Crime and Society
* Advanced Practical Journalism – Print
* Advanced Practical Journalism – Broadcast
* Media Law and Ethics
* Specialist Journalism options
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is highly specialised and delivered by a large teaching team with diverse perspectives. A variety of teaching methods are employed including large group lectures, small group workshops, tutorials, laboratory work, on-line learning and student centred learning.
The course is assessed through coursework, written and oral examinations and a research project. Student coursework includes essays, multiple choice tests, case-study analysis, exercises, labs, vivas, and presentations. The final degree mark is weighted from years 1-3 in the ratio 20:40:40.
