UNIVERSITY of Bradfordfaculty of Engineering and Informatics School of Media, Design And

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDFaculty of Engineering and Informatics School of Media, Design and Technology Programme title: BA (Hons) Media Studies

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final and interim awards: / BA (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 4]
Programme title: / Media Studies
Duration: / 3 years full time; 4 years full-time including a year of study abroad and/or a work placement; 6 years part time.
UCAS code: / P300 BA/MS
Subject benchmark statement: / Communication, Media, Film & Cultural Studies
Date produced:
Last updated : / February 2005
June 2014

Introduction

The University of Bradford has a long track record in offering programmes in new media technologies, media production and media studies. This programme has been developed by the School of Media, Design and Technology, part of University’s Faculty of Engineering and Informatics. The city of Bradford is the home of the National Media Museum, and the BA Media Studies programme makes use of its extensive resources. The School of Media, Design and Technology has strong links with the BBC and Creative Skillset, the sector skills council for the creative industries. Bradford is also the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. Our partnerships and collaborations provide you with the opportunity to experience interdisciplinary, shared learning within a vibrant, creative environment.

The Media Studies programme takes a mixture of traditional and new approaches. Focusing partly on media institutions, histories, audiences, and tools for the analysis of media products, the programme also takes advantage of the School’s up-to-date expertise in new media content creation and production technology – in areas such as television, Web design, digital media and photography. Bradford graduates go on to exciting jobs in the new media industries and many have won national and international awards for their work.

The BA Media Studies programme is designed for students who wish to develop a critical understanding of the development and current status of the media industries, the products they make, and their audiences. On this programme you will also study the major media production forms. Some of the teaching on the programme is done by practising media professionals and research academics, and the production resources are of high professional standard.

The School aims to provide Honours degree programmes which enable you to develop an integrated range of knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of media studies through critical engagement with media theory alongside content design and production practice. In addition the programmes aim actively to encourage students to develop a portfolio of appropriate transferable skills and attributes.

Even if you don’t wish to work in the media, a media studies degree provides you with the critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that are required in so many of today’s commercial environments. What’s more, a degree in media helps you make better sense of what’s going on in the world around you – an enormous amount of what we know comes to our attention through the media – a Bradford Media Studies degree will give you an invaluable insight into the ways in which our media work.

Programme Aims

The programme is intended to:

A1.Enable you to develop a contextual knowledge of the development and current status of the media industries and institutions, the products they make, and their audiences.

A2.Enable you to develop 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 your professional knowledge and skills in creative content design and production practice.

A4.Enable you to develop a portfolio of appropriate transferable skills and attributes.

A5.Enable you to develop lifelong independent learning skills.

Programme Learning Outcomes

When you have completed the programme you will be able to:

LO1.Demonstrate an in-depth 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 knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical tools and critical analytical skills in the interpretation of media texts.

LO3.Demonstrate an informed understanding of the social, political, cultural, technical, and economic conditions of media production, distribution, and reception in national and international contexts.

LO4.Apply your knowledge of and competence in key technologies and practices of media production.

LO5.Demonstrate discipline-specific skills in media content creation, specification, design, production, and evaluation.

LO6.Demonstrate the ability to produce project work to high technical and aesthetic standards with the ability to make informed judgements in the context of rapidly developing and converging media industries.

LO7.Apply appropriate personal and transferable skills in data management and presentation; interpretation and transformation of information; creative and systematic problem solving; and communication.

LO8.Demonstrate the application of effective skills in teamwork and leadership, project management and personal management.

On completion of this award at Certificate of Higher Education Level, you will be able to:

1. Explain relevant theories, models and principles as they apply to media industries and institutions.
2. Present and evaluate ideas and concepts relevant to the main forms of media.
3. Collect information, ideas and concepts from recommended sources, organizing and referencing them appropriately.
4. Work effectively as individuals and in groups being able to communicate ideas and arguments effectively and accurately both orally and in writing.
5. Demonstrate development as an independent learner, showing skills of organisation, group working and inquiry.

On completion of this award at Diploma of Higher Education Level, you will be able to:

1. Identify and explain the main theoretical approaches and practices found within media studies.
2. Identify, examine and evaluate elements of the media currently and historically.
3. Compare and contrast alternative approaches adopted by the media contextualising them in social, political, cultural, technical, and economic environments.
4. Synthesise theory and practice to show an advanced understanding of concepts and processes relevant to the media.
5. Integrate and analyse relevant knowledge and reflect on it.
6. Deploy a range of academic and research skills.
7. Demonstrate stronger project management skills, being able to select and deploy strategies to secure outcomes aiding your development as an autonomous learner.
8. Communicate your ideas and arguments fluently in writing and orally.

Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is available. A Bachelor’s degree (Ordinary) is awarded to students who have demonstrated:

• a systematic understanding key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge informed by aspects of media studies.
• an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within media studies.
• conceptual understanding that enables the student:
• to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques.
• to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship, or practice in media studies.
• an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
• the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of primary sources.

Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:

• apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding.
• communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non specialist audiences.

And holders will have:

• the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
• the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
• the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Curriculum

The programme is offered over 3 years full-time. The provisions for part-time mode are typically 6 years: the exact arrangements will be discussed with individual applicants. The map of your studies is detailed in the tables below showing core (C) and optional (O) modules. Each year, or stage, of an Honours programme comprises 2 semesters with 60 credits being studied in each semester. In Stage Two students will have in each semester 40 credits core and select 20 credits options. In Stage Three Semester One students have 20 credits core and 40 credits options. Ordinary degrees comprise 100 credits in each stage.

Stage 1 [Level 4]

By the end of this stage, you will have acquired a broad knowledge base of fundamental technical, practical and theoretical concepts and will be able to apply them to your work in critical media analysis and media production.

Module Code / Module Title / Hon / Credits / Level / Sem
EM0152D / Higher Learning in Media / C / 20 / 4 / 1
EM0147D / Elements of Visual Media / O / 20 / 4 / 1
EM0153D / Film - Style and Language / O / 20 / 4 / 1
EM0134D / Media Histories / C / 20 / 4 / 1
EM0157D / Institutions and Audiences / C / 20 / 4 / 2
EM0148D / Visual Literacy and Communication / O / 20 / 4 / 2
EM0154D / Film – Narrative and Genre / O / 20 / 4 / 2
EM0156D / Moving Image Production / C / 20 / 4 / 2

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.

Stage 2 [Level 5]

By the end of this stage, you will be able to analyse and evaluate information on key theoretical perspectives and media contexts and will be able to relate this information to your own work, identifying opportunities for the development of your own portfolio of industry facing work.

Module Code / Module Title / Hon / Ord / Credits / Level / Sem
EM0239D / Media Audiences / C / C / 20 / 5 / 1
EM0211D / Soundscapes / O / O / 20 / 5 / 1
EM0281D / Factual Production / O / O / 20 / 5 / 1
EM0252D / Factual Film and Television / C / C / 20 / 5 / 1
EM0258D / Media Ethics, Compliance & Sustainability / O / O / 20 / 5 / 1
EM0238D / International Media / C / C / 20 / 5 / 2
EM0273D / Media Archaeologies / C / C / 20 / 5 / 2
EM0251D / British Film and Television Drama / O / 20 / 5 / 2
EM0373D / Drama Production / O / 20 / 5 / 2

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.

Stage 3 [Level 6]

By the end of this stage, you will be able to critically review, consolidate and extend considerable specialist knowledge in cultural and media theory and demonstrate the successful application of this to your own research-based and self directed projects.

Module Code / Module Title / Hon / Ord / Credits / Level / Sem
EM0371D / Narrative in Culture / O / O / 20 / 6 / 1
EM0369D / Creative Media Enterprise / O / O / 20 / 6 / 1
EM0347D / Dissertation - Preparation / C / C / 20 / 6 / 1
EM0374D / Practices of Representation / O* / O* / 20 / 6 / 1
EM0353D / Experimental Filmmaking / O* / O* / 20 / 6 / 1
EM0364Q / Dissertation – 8000 Word Write-up / C / C / 40 / 6 / 2
EM0215D / Photography Research and Practice / O / 20 / 5 / 2
EM0365D / Alternative Film & Media / O / 20 / 6 / 2

*Students can choose EITHER Practices of Representation OR Experimental Filmmaking but not BOTH.

Students must take 40 credits worth of options in year 4 semester 2.

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education

Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Study abroad and work placement opportunities

You have the option to undertake an industrial placement, or of studying or working abroad for a year between stages 2 and 3; this option is strongly encouraged. The School has an industrial training co-ordinator who has contacts with a large number of outside organisations and who assists in helping you find a placement. The university’s International Office provides a wide range of opportunities and support for students to gain international experience. Both options provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, and are viewed favourably by prospective employers.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

You will experience a wide range of teaching and learning environments. Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practised in associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated in laboratory classes. Practical skills are developed in laboratory, workshop, and studio sessions. Professional and personal skills are developed through discussion and small-scale project work which involves problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by working in small groups supported by members of academic staff. Project work is used to bring various aspects of your programme together. A particular strength of this programme is the contribution made to the teaching programme by successful practising media professionals. Working with students and staff from other academic programmes, you will have the opportunity to experience collaborative learning, drawing on the extensive and up-to-date subject knowledge of research active staff.

Each 20-credit module on the programme requires you to commit 200 hours of study. Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars, tutorials and workshops – and others will involve you in carrying out private study. The balance between these forms of study changes as you pass through the three years of the programme. There are a lot of “contact hours” (time spent with tutors) in the earlier stages of the programme; the final year is mostly project based, and at this stage you will be expected to manage your own learning, under the general guidance of your tutors.

Basic principles and concepts are addressed in the first year (Stage One) of your studies. In the second year (Stage Two) a more analytical approach is taken, and in the final year (Stage Three) you will have the opportunity to synthesise and critically review the knowledge, understanding, and skills you have gained throughout the programme.

Methods of assessment are similarly varied and your progress will be assessed using a mix of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports, laboratory tests, essays, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate method is chosen so that you may demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of each module.

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link:

Admission Requirements

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.

Entry requirements: Typical offer (UCAS tariff points): 280

• To include 160 points from 2 GCE A levels or equivalent. No specific subject requirements, although those involving media and English will be an advantage. Or DMM in a relevant BTEC Diploma. International Baccalaureate (see UCAS tariff point requirements).
• GCSE English and Maths minimum grade C
• Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent

Students will be invited to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 280 points. However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Applicant Visit Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current students.

Learning Resources

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health and 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 all 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 online journals are available on the internet (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, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

The School of Media, Design and Technology is equipped with several computer suites running Windows 7 or the latest Intel based Apple Macs. Software includes Creative Suite 5, AVID and Final Cut Pro. 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 tripodsand professional grip equipment. 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 including a unique television Outside Broadcast Unit.