Course summary

This programme offers an introduction to the interdisciplinary fields of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. You are invited to think critically about the larger, global media worlds of the present age, and about your own location in the mediated society in which you live. The field of inquiry is organised by bringing together the two dominating perspectives: the sociological or political economy discussion of media institutions, emphasising social power of media organisations; and the domains of subjective identities in mediated societies, drawing from the intellectual traditions of cultural studies. By doing this, we borrow from a range of different academic disciplines: sociology, anthropology, geography, psychology, literature and history. Gain a broad skill set The programme offers broad knowledge and skills specific of the study of media, but also allows you to engage in critical thought in its widest meanings. These skills are appropriate for future employment in the media industries but also in many other areas of employment. Experience empowered and varied learning opportunities From the outset, students are guided to work independently and to think through the intellectual issues for themselves. Progress is carefully monitored via seminars and varied tutorials (with personal tutors and module leaders), ensuring students achieve their desired outcomes. An early diagnostic essay (non-assessed) will help to indicate how students are progressing and identify any areas for support. Different kinds of theoretical input and information-retrieval are required for each essay. Through consultation with tutors, students will be guided to the most appropriate intellectual approaches, archives, libraries or electronic sources. Trialling ideas takes place in seminars, giving students the opportunity to construct a dialogue amongst yourselves as well as via tutorial support. This provides a chance to learn how to present your ideas succinctly, to discriminate between different traditions of critical thought, and also to listen to other, perhaps competing, lines of argument. Optional modules are taught via the familiar mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials, although there are some variations. Some options offer a greater amount of workshop organisation. The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 12th in the world (2nd in the UK) in the 2022 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies. Professional development This programme is primarily aimed at students who want to develop their skills or retrain. The Careers Service provides central support for skills enhancement, running The Gold Award scheme and other co-curricular activities that are accredited via the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR). The Department has strong industry links and hosts a range of events that bring together industry experts, academics and students.