📖Program Curriculum
Incorporating a blend of theory critical analysis research and hands-on creative practice this MA in Global Media and Culture provides a fascinating insight into the cultural and creative industries.
A multidisciplinary approach is reflected in the selection of optional modules allowing you to engage in cross-subject study or focus more for example on critical theory and research or media production and practice. You can choose to undertake either a research-based Dissertation or a substantial Media Project for your final assessment with access to our specialist media facilities production equipment and software (no additional costs are involved).
To give you a strong foundation in media and culture you will study three compulsory taught core modules including the Globalisation Culture Media module. You will choose one optional module from four options in Semester 2 depending on which final assessment method you choose. This includes a work placement for example in a school theatre gallery museum or creative business. Students from this School have previously for example developed branding and social content for Baba Baboon a promotional hub all about Stoke-on-Trent Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire.
The MA can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course with a September start. You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master’s qualification.
Compulsory core modules
MDS-40018 Globalisation Culture Media (30 credits Semester 1)
Focusing on the relationships between media and globalisation you'll deepen your understanding of the influence and impact of processes of globalisation on contemporary culture and society. The module is split into two halves: the first half introduces key debates about the relationship between globalisation and the media. Core theoretical concepts and approaches are introduced including postcolonial theory critical race studies and theories of cultural imperialism; the second half of the module will apply these theories to a range of case studies. Topics explored may include: the global dynamics of the film industry; global digital networks and inequalities; and representations of race and ethnicity in the news media and cinema. Overall the module will give you tools to evaluate critically the complex and shifting relationships between global economic relations the transnational culture industries and cultural politics.
MDS-40031 Doing Media Research (30 credits Semester 1)
Prepares you to complete an independent piece of research. You’ll develop specialist skills in interviewing surveys literature searches and the mechanics of writing a postgraduate thesis and learn to analyse and interpret meaning in texts cultural practices media and film analysis.
MDS-40028 Mediated Communications: Theory and Practice (30 credits Semester 2)
The module aims to provide you with understanding of the communicative possibilities and limits of different media forms. It begins by examining broad historical shifts in the global media landscape focusing on the recent emergence of hybrid media forms and convergent media systems. This will be followed by a systematic examination of four key media forms (photography TV cinema and new media) each examined across two workshops. These sessions will involve a combination of seminar-based teaching group discussion of readings analysis of media texts and technical demonstrations. The final workshop will be used for student presentations and feedback. You will engage in a range of directed and independent learning activities including engagement with readings and relevant media texts as well as group work and individual study linked to the assessment.
Optional core modules
When choosing your final method of assessment you can opt for a Dissertation or a Media Project both valued at 60 credits.
MDS-40014 Dissertation (60 credits Semester 3)
The dissertation is a formal written academic project of 15000 words making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests and with support throughout from a supervisor with relevant expertise you’ll choose a topic to research in the field of global media and cultural studies. As an example previous students have used Beyoncé to examine the complexities of race in post-feminist media discourse studied audience reactions to four popular ads aired during the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup and analysed the social media framing of the #TakeAKnee hashtag.
MDS-40015 Media Project (60 credits Semester 3)
The media project involves the creation of a substantial media artefact; this could be a film photographic work or an installation. You will be assigned a supervisor based on the medium in which you wish to work with whom you’ll agree your subject matter. As an example one previous project involved creation of a photomontage examining the work of social influencers. Other students have produced documentary films for example one focused on the experiences of people working in the British TV wrestling industry while another examined the pandemic experience of international students studying in the UK.
Compulsory and elective optional modules
Please note that your choice of elective core modules (above) affects your optional module choices:
If you choose the Dissertation (60 credits) module you can pick one optional module to the value of 30 credits.
If you select the Media Project (60 credits) you must choose the optional Creative Media Practice (30 credits) module.
ENG-40057 Work Placement in the Humanities (30 credits Semester 1 & 2)
You have an opportunity to undertake a work placement in an environment where your research analytical and communication skills can be put to use in a meaningful way such as a local museum theatre library school marketing company PR firm local newspaper or radio station. For example you may research and produce materials to advertise or support an exhibit or performance or you might be able to contribute material to the project itself in the form of creative pieces or through education-based activities. You will gain valuable experience that you can apply in the future and gain a deeper understanding of what might be expected in collaborative projects.
MDS-40016 Creative Media Practice (30 credits Semester 2)
Combining theory with hands-on experience you’ll develop a stronger working sense of using film video photography or digital media. You will learn how to conceptualise plan and manage a large media project. You’ll eventually pitch your creative project to tutors and peers.
FIL-40008 Crime in Neoconservative America Masters (30 credits Semester 2)
Neoconservatism was a reaction within American culture and politics against the liberalism of the 1960s and faith in the ability of the state to address the socio-economic causes of crime. It sought to position the criminal as ultimately responsible for their actions. The consequences of this ideological hegemony have been a rejection of rehabilitative schemes and an increasingly punitive justice system. For example with policies such as three strike laws for offences that are often nonviolent mass incarceration the public labelling and shaming of offenders and the use of the death penalty as a deterrent. This module will explore US filmic and televisual representations of crime in relation to neoconservative ideology. It combines nuanced close reading of texts with historical and political contextualization in order to consider the ways in which issues of gender race sexuality and class are addressed in films and television shows from the 1970s to the present.
ENG-40044 Postmodernism: Fiction Film and Theory (30 credits Semester 2)
Postmodernism represents an important body of critical theory that developed in the second half of the 20th century and continues to have relevance in the 21st. It crosses a range of disciplines but emphasises an interrogative reflexive and eclectic challenge to many philosophical and aesthetic values and practices. On this module you will explore the relevance and meaning of some of the ideas associated with postmodernism with respect to selected novels and films. You will assess the influence of key ideas on writers and directors and study the main themes and techniques used in postmodern fiction and film. The module also encourages a critically-informed assessment of the implications of postmodern thinking for contemporary notions of history identity sexuality politics and consumer society. Fiction and film likely to be studied on the module include Julian Barnes A History of the World in 10 Chapters; Jeanette Winterson Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit; Martin Amis Other People; Ali Smith How To Be Both; The Hours (dir. Stephen Daldry); The Company of Wolves (dir. Neil Jordan); The Matrix (dir. the Wachowskis); and Mulholland Drive (dir. David Lynch).
