The rise of digital platforms, datafication and Artificial Intelligence are rapidly transforming the societies we live in. How can we best approach and understand these changing landscapes, and can old theoretical frameworks still help us make sense of the media world we live in today? This module is designed to introduce students to some of the key concepts and advanced debates relevant to the study of contemporary communications and media. Providing students with relevant theoretical background as well as practical examples from contemporary media environments, the module revisits some of the classic theoretical debates in the field and brings them into dialogue with recent technological, social, cultural and political developments.

The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of contemporary arguments about, and advanced research on, strategic communication, paying particular attention to the socio-economic and policy frameworks, and technological shifts, that inform and shape these practices.

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of methodologies for the analysis of media users and institutions. The module focuses on critically discuss how qualitative and quantitative methodologies are applied, identifying their strengths and shortcomings.

The aim of this module is to outline the major conceptual and empirical questions raised by work on the media and cultural industries, media and cultural policy; to examine the changes that have taken place in the media and cultural industries under the impact of cultural, social, political and technological change since the 1970s and to explore the questions these changes raise for public policy. A series of practical case studies in the media and cultural industries will allow students to gain a good understanding of professional work in these sectors.

This module examines the impacts of digital technologies on media and cultural industries and how they matter to society.
It also offers students an introduction to the economic sociology of digital media.
In addition to theoretical frameworks, practical case studies will be given to illustrate the profound social and economic changes brought by advanced technology - including Artificial Intelligence.

The aim of this module is for students to design, conduct and write an original study within the field of communication, media or cultural studies. The module equips students with academic skills needed for conducting their individual research project. In addition, it fosters employability skills through careers-related training and lectures by media professionals.

The module provides students the opportunity to work with a project partner in the private or public sector, to deliver a research project related to media, communication and culture.
Based on a brief by the project partner, students will conduct and write an original study that solves a real-world problem or addresses a research need by the partner organisation.

The module equips students with academic skills needed for conducting their research project. In addition, it fosters employability skills through careers-related training, lectures by media professionals as well as their engagement with the partner, fostering professional communication, networking and other workplace-related skills.