| Module | Credits | Compulsory/optional |
|---|
| Research Methods 1: Critical and Theoretical Debates | 15 Credits | Compulsory |
| This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the theoretical approaches and related critical methodologies which are influential in the scholarly analysis of media texts. Areas covered may include quantitative and qualitative research methods, such as content analysis and media sampling; interview and survey strategies and interpretation; audience research methods; focus groups and observation. Issues of technological convergence and the socio-cultural aspects of the contemporary media landscape. You will be invited to assess the strengths and limitations of different frameworks and learn to understand their application in media practice. This module is underpinned by the recognition of ethical and legal regulatory frameworks in the media industry and a deep regard for diversity, equity and inclusion in education and the workplace. |
| Media Research Methods B | 15 Credits | Compulsory |
| Media Research Methods B is designed to help you develop the research skills necessary for planning and carrying out media projects in both academic and professional environments. It will equip you with the know-how to embark on your final MA projects and allows you to develop a valuable portfolio of transferable skills relevant to a wide range of graduate careers. You will be encouraged to carry out focused research of scholarly literature and other relevant sources, both secondary and primary and look at how to best communicate your research to a range of different audiences. |
| Sports Journalism | 30 Credits | Optional |
| This module will equip you with a range of skills, knowledge and practical experience through the production of multiplatform sports journalism. This includes researching and producing a variety of radio sports commentaries and audio packages; writing accurate cue material and sports bulletins for radio and print media; researching and interviewing relevant experts and guests. |
| Media Research Methods A | 15 Credits | Compulsory |
| Media Research Methods A aims to introduce you to some of the major theoretical approaches and methodologies applied within Journalism and Media Studies. We will look at how the discipline has developed over time and investigate a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods that are commonly used in media research, both in academic and professional environments.
Moreover, we will look at issues of technological convergence and the socio-cultural aspects of the contemporary media landscape. These will allow you to explore how and why media systems change over time and the ways in which this has been conceptualised by scholars. You will also be invited to assess the strengths and limitations of different frameworks and learn to understand their application in media practice. |
| Advanced Media Research | 30 Credits | Compulsory |
| The aim of this module is to pick up on the research skills developed in Media Research Methods and to advance these skills in a systematic way. This will help you to further expand your repertoire of media research skills and explore a wider range of theoretical and methodological approaches. We will explore how to develop advanced media research projects, how you can apply these skills in a professional environment, how to use technology efficiently and effectively to support your research and what ethical implications may need to be considered when designing and carrying out research. |
| Media Project | 60 Credits | Compulsory |
| The focus of this module is to develop your professional practice by applying your advanced media research and production skills to advance your career. In this module you are encouraged to work with real clients and organisations because this will provide you with invaluable experience and a useful addition to a CV portfolio. The project should be practical in nature and based on real-world problems. In the past, projects have included the following: fashion magazines, promotional video, websites and multi-platform social media campaigns. This module is underpinned by the recognition of ethical and legal regulatory frameworks in the media industry and a deep regard for diversity, equity and inclusion in education and the workplace. |
| Media Production | 30 Credits | Compulsory |
| This module provides you with a detailed understanding of the digital and social media communication strategies in publishing and public relations. You will apply theory to practice by developing a digital publication and social media strategy that simulates a real-world scenario. You will examine key questions regarding copyright, market segmentation, user behaviour, advertising, digital business models, and to put in place AI systems to monitor and measure the effectiveness of your integrated communications strategy. Through-out the module you will be learning digital skills including: editing and manipulation of text and images, knowledge of a content management systems, blogs, video/podcasts and developing social media assets. This is a creative module and there is an emphasis on enterprise and innovation. |
| Intercultural Awareness in Media | 15 Credits | Optional |
| Have you ever wondered how cultural norms and trends influence the media across the globe? What does freedom of the press look like in a country where the news channels are state-owned? What sells, and what is taboo in advertising and why? How do we explain the increased demand for Netflix series in languages other than English? Which social media apps are your peers in other countries using, or not using, and why might that be? This module will enable you to explore and critically examine such questions. It will help you to develop a reflective and applied approach to the study of intercultural awareness in a range of contemporary media contexts such as the press, journalism, publishing, advertising, social networks, the internet, and/or TV, streaming and film. Furthermore, you will reflect on how outputs, communications and negotiating, decision-making and interpersonal relationships might all be affected by cultural differences in the workplace. It is therefore particularly relevant to those of you wishing to pursue a career in international media or working within multicultural environments. You will have the opportunity to personalise the focus of your independent research on countries/regions of interest and compare with your own. You will share your findings in discussions with your peers and reflect on them, then analyse their relevance in workplace dynamics and practice. By exploring perspectives from around the world, you will not only gain insights into other cultures, but also have the opportunity to develop your sense of self-awareness and empathy for others. You will be prepared to enter the job market as a truly global citizen. Whether you are interested in enhancing your intercultural awareness for work, travel and/or pleasure, this module fosters the development of professional soft skills that are highly valued by employers across the globe. |
| Corporate Communications | 30 Credits | Compulsory |
| In the first part of the module, you are introduced to corporate communication and its historic development from traditional Public Relations to an integrated Corporate Communications approach. You will then look at the ways in which companies develop and maintain a positive reputation, how to design a strong corporate identity and what are the key elements of a good communications strategy. The second part will look at a range of specialist subjects such as internal communications, branding, celebrities, sponsorship and event management. We will also discuss aspects of ethical communication and the role this plays now and in the future with an increasing focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Overall, the module aims to highlight the strong links between the corporate and journalistic aspects of media businesses, in particular magazines, and to equip you with a good range of professional communication tools. |
| Media Production | 30 Credits | Compulsory |
| This module provides you with a detailed understanding of the communication strategies including those of social media in the media and creative industries. You will apply theory to practice by developing a range of media products and a social media strategy that simulates a real-world scenario. You will examine key questions such as: communications strategies, branding, copyright, market segmentation, user behaviour, advertising and digital business models. Through-out the module you will be learning media production skills including: editing and manipulation of text and images, knowledge of a content management systems, blogs and developing social media assets for different platforms. You will also consider the implications of AI systems on supporting content creation, analysing user patterns, monitoring and measuring brand visibility. This is a creative module and there is an emphasis on enterprise and innovation and along with technical skills you will develop soft skills such as pitching ideas and presenting research to offer solutions to a real world scenario. |
| Mobile Journalism | 15 Credits | Optional |
| Students will learn to use mobile devices such as smartphones, to create high-quality short content for journalism storytelling. Students will learn about storytelling techniques, mobile journalism workflows, equipment, and apps that can help them produce engaging content, and understand the latest innovations at the intersection of technology and Journalism. |
| Journalism Skills and Reporting | 30 Credits | Optional |
| Explore and demonstrate two key, different facets of contemporary journalism: trends and techniques in news journalism with its emphasis on brevity, authenticity and changing news values and long form digital journalism with its emphasis on in-depth exploration and analysis. Students will also explore contemporary discourses about law and ethical regulation in journalism and develop competency in both interviewing and fact-checking. By the end of the module students will have produced different journalism products showcasing their intellectual, practical and transferable skills. |
