Newcastle University

Media, Communication and Cultural Studies BA Honours
UCAS Code: PQL0 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Media, Communication and Cultural Studies at Newcastle provides you with an understanding of how information is created, managed, promoted, circulated and consumed.

We offer an academically rigorous study of media and culture, without focusing on one particular communication medium that may be eclipsed by future technology.

You also develop the professional skills required for a career in the communications industry – someone able to apply critical thinking and theoretical knowledge, carry out practical evaluations, and offer imaginative solutions through high-quality verbal, visual and written communication.

The quality of our degree is reflected in a number of independent ratings, including a 100 per cent overall satisfaction score in the National Student Survey 2012.

The University has a highly active student media scene, with opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills. Our weekly student newspaper, The Courier, was recently awarded Student Publication of the Year in The Guardian student media awards. We also have excellent links with the local media and cultural industries.

This degree covers three distinct areas of study. This provides you with the opportunity to explore the generation, circulation and production of information through a wide range of approaches.

• Media: television, the press, radio, print media, the Internet, film, DVD, video, CDs, mass communications, media organisations, audiences, and producers
• Communication: the imparting or exchange of information, ideas or feelings
• Culture: the ideas, customs and art produced or shared by a particular society.

Quality and ranking

The quality of the study experience in Media, Communication and Cultural Studies at Newcastle is recognised with an overall satisfaction score of 90 per cent in the National Student Survey 2013.

Newcastle ranks first nationally for media studies in The Guardian Good University Guide 2014.

Teaching and assessment

Media is a research intensive subject, and our academics are constantly exploring new ideas and methods in media, to ensure your programme is of the highest quality. Our research themes include the following areas:

• media and cultural theory
• sociology of the media
• gender, the body and culture
• feminist theory
• media, journalism and popular culture
• intimacy, sexuality, family, childhood and education
• affect, emotion and psychoanalysis
• globalisation, nationalism and ethnicity
• media ethics and public relations

Our research feeds into our teaching material, giving you the chance to learn from experts who are at the forefront of their subject areas.

Teaching is through lectures, seminars, and regular one-to-one tutorials. In Stage 3 you undertake a research project that accounts for one third of your time.

You are expected to produce 10 pieces of written work each semester. This rises to 12 in Stages 2 and 3. The degree has no formal end of year examinations. Instead, you are assessed through a variety of methods including data collection portfolios, essays, presentations, in-class tests, events management experiences and online submissions. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Study abroad

UK and EU students have the chance to broaden their academic experience by taking part in a study abroad exchange as part of their degree.

School of Arts and Cultures

As a media student at Newcastle, you will join a vibrant community in the School of Arts and Cultures. You will be part of a small course cohort, which helps to foster close links between staff and students.

The University enjoys a highly active student media scene where you can develop skills relevant to the media industry, including:

• a weekly student newspaper (The Courier)
• fast-growing student radio and television stations

There is an emerging, vibrant media industry in the city which is being fuelled by skilled graduates, and we have good links with the local media and cultural industries.