Course description
Programme overview
The MA in Internet and Communication Studies is for students who wish to develop advanced knowledge and understanding in the field of internet and communication studies. It will provide students with high intellectual quality based on the teaching of theoretical, analytical and critical skills focussed on cultural and communicative activities involving the internet.
The programme is designed to enable students to examine the new media as texts, as social and economics institutions, as technologies and forms and within local, national and global contexts. It is also intended to evaluate ongoing research and advanced scholarship in the field of internet and communication studies. Students will learn new methodologies in order for them to carry out original and independent research on the internet at a professional level.
There are varied coursework assessments such as: extended essays, individual assignments, a project work, report, presentations, portfolio, critical commentaries and e-forum participation. This will allow students to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the field. They will show originality in the application of knowledge and conduct independent research that will allow them to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively. Graduates will also be able to demonstrate self direction in tackling and solving problems that may occur in an online environment.
We aim to provide a high quality teaching and learning experience for students. Besides providing a scholarly environment for students to develop their understanding of the theories to an advanced level, the modules are designed to provide challenging and interesting educational experiences for students that encourage critical awareness and independent study. We want to provide an educational experience that facilitates the development of all students irrespective of race, gender, physical ability, national origin, age and sexual orientation. Therefore we aim to produce graduates with high intellectual aptitudes, self-sufficiency and develop new skills at a high level to seek employment in complex and unpredictable professional environments.
Programme structure
The MA will be awarded on successful completion of the whole programme (180 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma in Internet and Communication Studies will be awarded to students who successfully complete the two core modules and two options modules (120 credits).
A Postgraduate Certificate in Internet and Communication Studies will be awarded on successful completion of the core modules (60 credits). In case of the PG cert and PG dip, the credits may not come from the dissertation module.
Students need to complete two core modules in the first semester (30 credits x 2) and two options in the second semester (30 credits x 2) and students aiming for the MA award will need to work on a fifteen to twenty thousand words (60 credits) dissertation during the summer. This independent research should be related to the knowledge gained throughout the course.
Programme content
CORE MODULES
-Theories and Concepts in New Media (30 credits)
-Internet Research Methods (30 credits)
-Dissertation (60 credits)
OPTIONS MODULES
-Internet Cultures (30 Credits)
-Online Digital Games (30 Credits)
-Globalisation, Communications and Internet (30 Credits)
-Media Technologies and Society (30 Credits)
-Internet Design - Practical (30 Credits)
Learning Environment
Students will receive a two hour weekly session in seminars for ten weeks per module.The seminar will consist of student presentations and topical discussions. Students will be given subjects to research and a reading list, allowing them to prepare for the seminars. Students are also encouraged to attend research seminars, conferences and visiting lecturers hosted by the department. A strong virtual learning environment will be available to students throughout the programme (Blackboard)
