Course summary

The BA Digital Media, Culture and Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia) offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the intersections of digital media, cultural practices, and the languages of the Middle East, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. This unique programme empowers students to critically engage with contemporary cultural expressions while developing essential skills in digital media production and analysis. In the Digital Media component, students explore how digital technologies transform communication, creativity, and cultural engagement across these diverse regions. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including social media dynamics, digital storytelling, content creation, and the impact of digital platforms on cultural representation and identity. Students are trained to critically analyse digital media texts and practices, investigating the ways in which technology shapes the production and dissemination of cultural content. Practical training in digital media production equips them with the skills needed to create engaging digital work, enhancing their understanding of the contemporary media landscape and its influence on cultural narratives. The Languages and Cultures component delves into the rich linguistic and cultural landscapes of the Middle East, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of key languages, their structures, and cultural significance, alongside essential aspects of linguistics, literature, and cultural history. The curriculum allows students to develop proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in selected languages while engaging with themes such as identity, tradition, and modernity. Through the exploration of diverse cultural forms—including literature, film, and visual arts—students reflect on the cultural contexts that shape media production and reception in these regions, fostering a deeper appreciation for their vibrant heritage and contemporary issues. The Year Abroad, spent in a country where the chosen language is spoken, enhances linguistic proficiency and cultural immersion, providing invaluable real-world experience. By integrating these two disciplines, the BA Digital Media, Culture and Languages and Cultures programme equips graduates with a distinctive blend of critical analytical skills, linguistic proficiency, and digital literacy. This interdisciplinary framework prepares students for a variety of career paths in media, cultural production, education, translation, and international relations, empowering them to engage meaningfully in discussions about the role of digital media in shaping cultural narratives and identities across the Middle East, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.