Course summary

Overview Media & Culture involves more traditional academic study that examines how the media, TV and digital communication shape society, its values and politics - and, as a result, identity and human experience. Throughout, you will be addressing some of the hottest topics of our times, from Green Media to Democracy and the Media, from War to Gender. There will be opportunities to explore all forms of media and culture (TV, radio, pop music, sport, social networks) and a multitude of fascinating questions (Why do people the world over listen to rap and hip hop? How does the news report immigration? Why do people reinvent themselves on Facebook and in Second Life?). You will hone your critical and intellectual faculties in a variety of dynamic and engrossing teaching and learning contexts - contexts in which the media that you use may well be those that you are also studying. Media & Culture also provides you with opportunities for work placements and volunteering; these are designed to highlight how your learning is supporting your employability and to introduce you to some of the professional and employment possibilities that you could pursue once you have graduated. Sociology at Worcester focuses on issues at the heart of any understanding of the modern world - from social welfare to the criminal justice system, from home, work and careers to gender and 'race', from the environment to health and illness. Sociology teaching takes place through a combination of thought-provoking lectures, interesting seminar discussions, helpful tutorials and student-directed learning. As you progress through your studies you are increasingly able to focus on areas of particular interest to you and you are encouraged to pursue original thought and ideas. Throughout, you will be addressing urgent and key issues facing people in contemporary societies. Key Features

• Innovative, contemporary and important topics

• Strong emphasis on employability and graduate progression throughout the course with the opportunity to take up a work project and volunteering activities

• Opportunity to study at a partner university abroad

• Course engagement with urgent and key issues facing contemporary societies, with a particular focus on matters of social division, social inequality and identity

• Encouragement to pursue original thought and ideas

• Shortlisted for Times Higher Education’s University of the Year in 2016, 2019 and 2020

• Top 5 in the UK for Quality Education in Times Higher Education’s University Impact Rankings 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022

• Sustainability Institution of the Year in the Green Gown Awards 2019

• Top 10 for Sustained Employment - Longitudinal Educational Outcomes survey (2017)