UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Engineering and Informatics
School of Media, Design and Technology
Programme title: MA Media Studies
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award and interim award(s): / Master of Arts (MA) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
Programme title: / Media Studies
Programme approved / accredited by:
Relevant subject benchmark statement(s): / N/A
N/A
FHEQ Level: / 7
Duration: / 1 year full time - September (Semester 1) and January (Semester 2) starts, 2 years part-time
UCAS code: / N/A
Date produced: / April 2008
Last updated : / October 2013
Introduction
The MA Media Studies programme enables you to engage at an advanced level of study with media from cultural, social, political and philosophical perspectives. The programme is predominately theory-based, although you can choose options from a wide range of practical modules, including digital film and television production or digital arts. A particular emphasis in this programme is placed on the technological transformations of media and the associated changes in media production and consumption.
The MA Media Studies is delivered by a partnership of the School of Media, Design and Technology (MDT) in the School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Bradford and the National Media Museum (NMeM), also located in Bradford.
The School of MDT has a strong tradition of contextual studies of media, and staff members are involved in research that will have an impact on the future development of media studies in areas as diverse as mobile media, augmented public spaces and alternative film studies. The School’s experience in digital media production will also be a bonus when you engage with the changing practices of media production and consumption. Guest lecturers and speakers invited to the university and to associated events will offer you the opportunity to directly engage with producers, writers and academics. The close links between School of MDT and industry provide you with an opportunity to make connections with various media enterprises; the programme will also be suitable for those pursuing careers in teaching with a specialism in media studies.
The NMeM provides both a unique learning environment and a large body of resources relating to film and cinematic arts, as well as a growing collection of rare prints and over 9000 books on film and special holdings. You will also enjoy access to unique screenings and to all of the festivals held at the NMeM.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1. Enable you to develop an advanced knowledge of the development and current status of the media industries and institutions, the products they make, and their audiences.
A2. Enable you to master an integrated range of knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of media studies through critical engagement with media theory.
A3. Enable you to develop an advanced level of professional knowledge and skills in creative content design and production practice.
A4. Enable you to master appropriate transferable skills and attributes.
A5. Enable you to develop an advanced level of lifelong independent learning skills.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
At PG Certificate and PG Diploma level:
LO1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the major contemporary issues and of the historical development of media forms, languages, ethics and institutions and their relationships to their audiences and to commerce, state and government.
LO2. Apply your advanced knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical tools and critical analytical skills in the interpretation of media texts.
LO3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the social, political, cultural, technical, and economic conditions of media production, distribution, and reception in national and international contexts.
LO4. Develop an advanced understanding of key technologies in media production.
LO5. Master discipline-specific skills in media content evaluation.
LO6. Demonstrate an advanced ability to produce project work to high standards
LO7. Apply advanced personal and transferable skills in data management and presentation; interpretation and transformation of information; creative and systematic problem solving; and communication.
LO8. Demonstrate the mastery of effective skills in teamwork and leadership, project management and personal management.
At MA level, all the above and including:
LO9. Select, plan and manage a self-directed and managed research informed original dissertation. Demonstrating critical analysis and evaluation of relevant material and the ability to apply relevant skills and research methodologies.
Curriculum
There are currently no QAA Master's level benchmark statements for media and communications programmes. Note that, for September (semester 1) start students, the full-time programme periods are September to January, January to May, and May to September. For January (semester 2) start students, the full-time programme periods are January to May, September to January, and January to May.
Masters [level 7]
Programme Structure for September (semester 1) start only
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodEM-4060D / Cultural Theory / C / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4048D / Philosophies of Media and Film / C / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4038D / Visual Arts and Digital Media / O / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4035D / Cinematic Language / O / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4058D / Issues in Digital Media / C / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4047D / Screen Realism / C / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4026D / Broadcast Television / O / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4039D / Image and Identity / O / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-0365D / Alternative Film and Media / O / 20 / 6 / 2
EM-4046Z / Media Dissertation (PG) / C / 60 / 7 / DISS
Programme Structure for January (semester 2) start only:
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodEM-4058D / Issues in Digital Media / C / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4047D / Screen Realism / C / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4026D / Broadcast Television / O / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-4039D / Image and Identity / O / 20 / 7 / 1
EM-0365D / Alternative Film and Media / O / 20 / 6 / 1
EM-4060D / Cultural Theory / C / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4048D / Philosophies of Media and Film / C / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4038D / Visual Arts and Digital Media / O / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4035D / Cinematic Language / O / 20 / 7 / 2
EM-4046Z / Media Dissertation (PG) / C / 60 / 7 / DISS
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Learning and teaching strategies include formal lectures, practical workshops, seminar and tutorial work. The types of assessment that these strategies involve (discursive essays, oral presentations, assessment of practical videographic and photographic/still image projects etc.) will allow you to effectively and independently integrate theory, creativity and practice, a key aim of the programme. As is common practice in arts and media education, and due to the creative nature and negotiated aspects of the programme, formal examinations are not used as assessments.
Our lab spaces and suites offer students on our MA Media Studies good resources for producing the highest quality creative work for both print and screen.
Members of the programme team have experience of film and video work and music production, have written and/or edited papers, book chapters and books on the history and interpretation of media, and curate film seasons and run successful media symposia for the Bradford Film Festivals. We also aim to have a significant number of talks given by external industry speakers relating to jobs in the digital media industry (continuing the School’s current strong programme of external speakers).
You are required to commit 200 hours of time for each 20-credit module. The weighting of how this time is managed varies; some modules will involve many formal contact hours (time spent with the tutor), while others will require more independent study (self-managed under the guidance of the tutor).
In addition to 120 credits of taught modules, candidates for the Masters award will be expected to complete a 60 credit dissertation, which will be overseen by an individual supervisor.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements: with respect to the proposed programme, we specifically require that all applicants have an Honours Degree 2:2 or above in:
· An area relevant to your proposed programme of study from an approved degree-awarding body; OR
· Any subject, together with skills and experience in a relevant area
Candidates applying to the programme with non-standard qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using the University's RPL procedures.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.
The School is equipped with several computer suites running Windows 7 or the latest Intel based Apple Macs. Software includes Creative Suite 5 and Final Cut Studio. Students have free access to the latest high definition video cameras, shooting broadcast quality formats onto solid state media. These are provided with a range of accessories including lighting, microphones, audio recording equipment and tripods / grip. A selection of digital SLR cameras and accessories are available for photography work including full frame (35mm) equipment. A wide range of tripods, filter kits, lenses,additional batteries and memory are also available for these kits. Dedicated studio spaces are available for audio recording, photography, video/chromakey and television production http://ts.inf.brad.ac.uk/.
The National Media Museum provides both a unique learning environment and a large body of resources relating to media, photography, film and television, as well as a huge and growing archive of rare artefacts, photographs, television programmes and over 9000 books and other publications. Some of the teaching on the programme takes place at the Museum utilising its broadcast television production facilities and the expertise of Museum staff. As a student you will also enjoy access to unique screenings and events, and to all of the festivals held at the Museum.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
The Hub, Student Support Centre
The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.
The teams located within The Hub:
· Accommodation
· Admissions
o Education Liaison
o Enquiries
· Student Administration and Support
o Bursaries and Financial Support
o Finance and Credit Control Group
o Payzone
o Records and Tuition Fees
· International Office
· Customer Service Team
www.brad.ac.uk/hub
+44 1274 232233
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.