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.

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. The shared values, traditions, norms, customs, arts, history, institutions, and experiences of a group of people. The group may be identified by race, age, ethnicity, language, national origin, religion, or other social categories or groupings

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.

Quality and ranking

Newcastle University is highly regarded for its teaching of media studies. We are ranked second in the UK in The Sunday Times University Guide 2013.

We are also ranked number one nationally for student satisfaction with a 100% overall satisfaction score in the 2012 National Student Survey.

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. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

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

We also have good links with the local media and cultural industries.