Compulsory

Understanding Contemporary Media (15 credits)

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.

Media Industries and Professions (15 credits)

This module aims to outline the major conceptual and empirical questions raised by research in media and cultural industry studies.

It examines the changes that have taken place in these fields due to political-economic, socio-cultural, and technological shifts and explores why and how these changes matter to the lives of stakeholders in the cultural domain, including, but not limited to, creators, businesses, cultural organisations, and audiences/fans.

A series of practical case studies in media and cultural industries will provide students with a better understanding of professional work in these sectors.

Digital Economies (15 credits)

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.

Researching Communications 1: Media Users and Cultural Industries (15 credits)

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.

Semesters 1, 2 & 3

Your Dissertation module can be a standard research based Dissertation or a Workplace Focussed Dissertation with an industry partner, please choose one option from the list below:

Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits)

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.

Workplace Focused Dissertation (60 credits)

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.