COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of this Media and Communications course, students develop a broad foundational understanding across a shared curriculum, which introduces essential tools, concepts, and practices in contemporary media production. The Media Toolkit module provides hands-on experience with key media technologies, while Power and Influence explores who controls media narratives and how these narratives are interpreted by audiences worldwide. The Ideas Network encourages creative collaboration and experimentation with storytelling across multiple platforms. Creating Stories further strengthens storytelling skills, enabling students to write and produce content for formats such as TV, radio, and podcasts. In Audiences and Communities, students investigate the behaviours and motivations of global media audiences and the formation of digital communities, including those influenced by citizen journalism and fandom. The Big Event allows for a collaborative, real-world project, offering students the chance to build their portfolio while engaging with peers across media disciplines. During the second year, the course deepens its focus by embedding four key principles: technical ability, academic independence, professional readiness, and global awareness. Modules such as Cultural Production in Context analyze the lifecycle of media content, from production to reception. Careers in the Creative Industries offers guidance on employment in media and creative sectors, while Social Media Activism explores the power of digital campaigns to influence societal change. Film and Screen Culture broadens cinematic understanding through critical analysis of global screen content. AI, Society and Creative Industries examines the transformative impact of AI technologies on media work and ethics. Finally, Creative Collaboration tasks students with developing media projects that respond to local or global issues, fostering teamwork across disciplines or with industry professionals.In the final year, students consolidate their learning through advanced modules and a substantial independent project. Frameworks and Design prepares them with robust research methodologies. Ecologies of the Creative Industries offers critical insight into the structure and dynamics of modern media employment. Living in the Digital World addresses how digital technologies reshape identity, mobility, and borders, culminating in a live international research brief when possible. The Major Project, a 40-credit module, serves as the capstone of the degree, allowing students to explore a personally chosen topic through in-depth research or creative production. This year also includes an optional choice between Global Networks and Communities or Political Communication, enabling students to specialize in areas aligned with their career aspirations. The course ultimately aims to produce media professionals who are adaptable, analytically capable, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly evolving media landscape.