Media & Communication BA (Hons)

30 credits

This module builds on the theoretical concepts introduced via prior learning, looking closely and in more depth at how these concepts emerged and developed in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and examines their utility in the understanding and analysis of contemporary media and communication cultures. It also introduces students to the research methodologies associated with the discipline of media and communication through a series of Research Methodology Workshops. These workshops will both re-cap on the relation between theory and practice explored in the module and prepare students for undertaking research using a methodology of their choice that address a particular topic or issue in the field of media and communication.

30 credits

This practical module aims to consolidate the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 1 where students developed visual thinking and software skills including video editing. It provides students with the skills and experience needed to research, plan and design digital media projects reflecting on their cultural identity and how this influences their thinking and professional creative practice. Students also work in groups following client's briefs for real work experience.

30 credits

This module introduces major theories in media and communication studies in order to explore the ways in which different social groups – different ‘identities'– are represented in the media as well as the lived experience of these identities. The module examines both mainstream and alternative media representations of gender and sexuality, 'race' and ethnicity, social class and national identity, diasporic identities, and disability. These are approached through theories that focus on the significance of ideas of ‘identity', ‘difference', ‘culture', ‘communication' and ‘ideology' in these representations. The module also addresses the ways in which the media address different audience groups in terms of their gender/sexuality, class, disability and ‘race'/ethnicity.

30 credits

This practical module aims to develop your skills and abilities to produce digital products - audio, video, games, images - in a way that meets contemporary audiences' changing expectations. You will consider how digital technology can be used to deliver media in the most compelling ways, and analyse how digital storytelling is altering both audiences and the wider media industry. The module aims to provide you with the specialist vocabulary, concepts and skills required for the use of digital storytelling in a variety of professional contexts such as commercial and educational campaigns and the interactive media industries.

You will consider the short history and emergence of digital storytelling by looking at case studies from various media such as news, television and the internet. You will look at the role of digital storytelling in narrative theory, such as the representation of narrative action, plot and character, and the use of words, images and sound as narrative devices. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to your own media production projects.

Methods for the formal presentation of plans for digital stories such as storyboards and structure diagrams will be covered. You will learn skills in identifying a story with strong audio visual potential and how to grab the attention of the audience. You will further develop competence in recording audio, shooting photography and video, animation, building interactive games and incorporating powerful narrative into the production edit.

30 credits

Film is often seen as a director's medium, rather than a writer's. This course doesn't debate the relative claims of either - it retains a strong commitment to the visual - but its primary focus is on the construction of script and, in particular, the screenplay of the mainstream narrative film. The cornerstone of the module is an exploration of what makes an effective screen story through analysis of dramatic structure. The tutors on this module, both experienced screenwriters, contend that all genres of screen narrative use essentially the same core principles of storytelling and that an understanding of how these principles work is a creative tool: we can use them to create our own stories and adapt them to different forms. First, through close study of several successful films - focusing in particular on structure and character - you will be taught the contribution of the screenplay to how a film is constructed and why it succeeds. Second, with particular emphasis on dialogue and the craft of visual storytelling, we will guide you to the creation and completion of your own short screenplay, providing you with models (in both film and script form) from a selection of short films, and teaching you how to present and format your script.

In your final year, you'll take the Dissertation module, enabling you to work in-depth on a topic of your choice under the supervision of a subject specialist.

Seminars provide a more intimate forum for the detailed exploration of texts, with student presentations and discussion.

30 credits

This strand-based module builds on students' awareness and experience of living in contemporary digital media environments. Strands vary each year to reflect current debates related to one area of practice and research in emerging media technologies. Each strand will look at how the selected issue is represented in public debates, or how it is treated in media policies and regulations. Strands are broadly focused on: AI and machine learning, issues in digital art practices, cult social media and digital folklore, evolution of celebrity and influencer cultures, sustainability; environmentalism; and transnational online streaming environments.

Each strand is taught by a different lecturer and has its own syllabus and reading lists. Whilst the number and specific focus of the strands may vary from year to year, the content is always current and teaching delivery pattern as well as assessments in various strands remain the same.

30 credits

This module integrates multidisciplinary creative practices, theories of media and communication and research methods while undertaking an extended piece of writing or practice-based research. In the process, you will become more aware of theoretical debates, review research strategies, analyse the findings, synthesise research, develop a coherent, structured argument and draw conclusions.

It fosters a deeper understanding of what it is to be a researcher and creative practitioner in the media industries and professions, in the arts and social sciences, media arts and technology, digital humanities and cultural studies. It is pretty much up to you! You come up with a topic that really interests you and start researching.

As well as attending the seminars, this module is about working independently and discussing your work with your supervisors so they can guide your research. In addition students will work together to organise a symposium and present their work. In doing so, they will develop their critical analytical and transferable professional skills.

30 credits

This highly practical module allows students to explore in-depth and actively engage with a range of work sectors and job functions in the media, communications and creative industries which could include, for example: PR and Advocacy, Social Media, Creative Media, Project Development and Management, Publishing etc. They will apply their newly-gained specialist knowledge using their acquired skills to the production of a portfolio of cutting-edge media and communication outputs to facilitate their transition into graduate level employment

Parallel taught sessions will help students to develop their critical thinking and to consider what is required to become a reflective practitioner. These classes will also look at career development and offer information and discussion on graduate progression and employability skills as well as jobs in media, communication and related areas.

30 credits

This special study examines art / media management and production in relation to opportunities and challenges posed in the current digital landscape. Students are able to familiarise themselves with how projects are managed; rights management issues, defining and understanding rights in the context of their own topical areas of interest; professional practice; and/or, production work. Looking at such rights as copyright, brand rights, image rights, privacy, freedom of expression and information, censorship, and regulation - students explore how these work in practice. They also develop knowledge and understanding of the use of agreements and of licensing, and relate these to art / media production and, professional practice. Students have a wide range of case studies to focus on: film, music, fashion, advertising, PR, publishing, and art; global media production and cultures of appropriation.

There will be an opportunity for portfolio development and the study of theoretical aspects of ‘digital disruption', the impact and use of free / open media and, how making media is affected by share culture, remix/mashups. Production work with archives and issues raised by archival rights are an important focus and students learn how to navigate these. To understand what happens to art and media work once produced, students look also at distribution, the rights affecting distribution, and the impact on these of e.g. download culture, cultural appropriation, globalisation; transborder flow, media convergence and spreadability.

30 credits

Drama has always been a key TV genre - and with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon we can binge-watch more than ever. In Box Set Television Drama, we'll explore how a successful series is created – and how to pitch one.

30 credits

This is a practical module designed to enable students to experience and work in a professionally-focused industry environment, and develop television production skills such as multi-camera operation, sound, mixing and teleprompting. Students will learn how to work and operate a professional broadcast studio as well as developing TV production skills. In addition, students will build on and reinforce employability skills such as problem-solving, time management and dependability sought by employers looking to fill graduate positions. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their professional practice and critically evaluate their teaching and learning contributions.