Media,Communication andCultural StudiesBA Honours

UCAS code PQL03 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/PQL0Printed from the web page above on 31/05/2018

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Media,Communication andCultural StudiesBA HonoursUCAS code PQL03 Years

We offer an academically rigorous study ofmedia and culture, covering three distinctareas: media, cultural studies and professionalpractice.

You will study the generation, circulation and promotion ofinformation, and explore the role the media plays in shapingculture, identity and interpersonal communications.

In addition, you develop a range of professional skills toequip you for a career in the communications industry, inareas such as:

• journalism• public relations• film-making• marketing

You can also get hands-on experience in print andbroadcast media with Newcastle University'sGuardian-award-winning student media scene.

This degree is consistently voted one of the best in the UKin the major university league tables.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and ranking• 6th in the UK – The Complete University Guide

2019 (Communications and Media category)• 4th in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good

University Guide 2018 (Communications and Mediacategory)

• top 20 in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2018(Media and Film Studies category)

• 4th in the UK for student satisfaction (95% overallsatisfaction score) – National Student Survey 2017(Media Studies category)

• top 200 – Social Sciences category – Times HigherEducation World University Rankings by Subject 2018

• Over 80% of our research is ‘world-leading’ or‘internationally excellent’ (Research ExcellenceFramework 2014)

What you will studyThis degree covers three distinct areas of study. Thisprovides you with the opportunity to explore the generation,circulation and production of information through a widerange of approaches.

• media: television, the press, radio, print media, theInternet, film, DVD, video, CDs, mass communications,media organisations, audiences, and producers

• communication: the imparting or exchange ofinformation, ideas or feelings

• culture: the ideas, customs and art produced or sharedby a particular society

A wide range of optional topics allows you to focus on areasof particular interest - such as television studies, publicrelations, marketing and business, magazine publishing. Seethe Modules section for more details.

A dissertation at Stage 3 gives you the opportunity toexplore an issue of interest in depth and showcase yourresearch and writing skills.

Boost your employability with a work placementApply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional workplacement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply tospend your placement year with any organisation and willreceive University support to do so.

You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector,putting your learning into practice and developing yourprofessional expertise.

It will extend your degree by a year and is subject toavailability.

Find out more about Work Placements.

Study AbroadYou may take part in a study abroad exchange as part ofthis degree. See Go Abroad for further information.

Student media opportunitiesThe University enjoys a highly active student mediascene where you can develop skills relevant to the mediaindustry.

You have the opportunity to work for The Courier,Newcastle's award-winning weekly student newspaper. Ithas twice been voted Guardian Media Student Publicationof the Year.

We have fast-growing student radio and television stations,offering opportunities for presenters and production staff.

You can also get involved in pop-up news projects andJesmond Local, a digital news hub where you can developand explore new models of journalism.

There is an emerging, vibrant media industry in the city andwe have good links with the local media and culturalindustries.

Facilities and supportAs a media student at Newcastle, you will join a vibrantcommunity in the School of Arts and Cultures.

FacilitiesYou will have access to:

• a mobile studio suite and editing facilities• specialist computing facilities including industry-standard

software, such as Adobe Creative Suite

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• modern, comfortable study and teaching spaces

We also have new facilities for multimedia journalism andfilm production under development.

SupportYou will have an academic member of staff as a personaltutor throughout your degree. They can help with academicand personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellowstudents who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have.

Social activitiesThis degree has a small course cohort, helping to fosterclose links between staff and students.

You can also join the active student-run society, MACS, thatorganises events throughout the year.

Historic Grey's Monument in the city centre.

Course Details

Modules for 2017 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2017 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2018 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2018).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesMCH1023 Introduction to Media StudiesMCH1025 Introduction to Research MethodsMCH1026 Introduction to Social and Cultural StudiesMCH1031 Introduction to Multimedia Technologies forMedia StudiesOptional modulesYou take one or both of the modules below:MCH1028 Introduction to Professional CommunicationMCH1030 Introduction to Journalism PracticeIf only one module was selected from the list above, youselect one module from the list below:ACE1000 Introduction to Marketing and ConsumerBehaviourBUS1001 Introduction to Management and OrganisationMCH1036 Journalism: Pasts, Present and FutureMKT1002 Introduction to MarketingMUS1011 Understanding World MusicMUS1014 Introduction to Popular Music StudiesNCL1001 Career Planning ModuleSOC1027 Comparing CulturesSOC1029 Doing Sociology

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Stages 2

Compulsory modulesMCH2069 Research MethodsMCH2075 Representations: Identity, Culture and SocietyOptional modulesYou will take at least 40 credits from List 1 and 20 creditsfrom List 2:List 1MCH2034 Introduction to Public Relations*MCH2065 Race, Culture and IdentityMCH2068 Journalism Practice*MCH2087 Media, Democracy and the Public Sphere*MCH2088 Feminist Approaches to Media AnalysisBUS2001 Case Studies in Practical ManagementBUS2004 Practical Management Business GameMUS2085 Popular Music and MediaNCL2007 Career Development for Second Year StudentsNCL2100 Developing Enterprise, Entrepreneurship andEmployabilityList 2MCH2000 Film Theory for Practice 1: What is Cinema?MCH2001 Film Theory for Practice 2: Why Cinema?*MCH2010 Online User Experience*MCH2011 Memory Matters: Mediating Present Pasts forthe FutureMCH2012 Analysing Social Media InteractionsMCH2013 Gender, Food and CommunicationMCH2018 Campaigning Journalism, Activism and theCrowdMCH2035 Media, Mythology and Storytelling: How toanalyse archetypes and ideologies in media textsMCH2071 Sex, Sexuality and DesireMCH2077 Visual CultureMCH2080 Celebrity Culture*MCH2089 Broadcast Journalism 1 (Radio)*MCH2220 Conflict and Crisis ReportingMCH3063 Advertising and Consumption*MCH3067 Television: Texts, Genres and Screens*MUS2054 Music and Cultural TheoryMUS2083 American Popular MusicACE2000 Marketing Strategy: Concepts andApplications*BUS2000 Human Resource Management*These modules have pre-requisitesIt is recommended if selecting MCH2080 or MCH3067that students studying these modules outside of MCHhave a background in Media, Communication andCultural Studies.You can only take a maximum of 40 credits of non‐MCHmodules in total from the above two lists.With the approval of the Degree Programme Director, youmay spend Semester 1 studying abroad, in which caseyou will take the following module, subject to an overallselection of modules with the Module Leader.MCH2020 Student Exchange: Semester 1**Pre-requisite - you must have passed all modules inStage 1 of Degree Programme.

Stages 2

Work Placement (optional)You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optionalwork placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can applyto spend your placement year with any organisation andwill receive University support to do so. It will extend yourdegree by a year and is subject to availability. Find outmore about Work Placements.Placement Year (Year 3)On completion of Stage 2 and before entering Stage 3,you may as part of your studies for the degree spend ayear in a placement with an approved organisation.Permission to undertake a placement is subject to theapproval of the Degree Programme Director. If you arerequired to re‐sit your Stage 2 assessment, you mustdelay the start of your placement until you have done so.If you fail Stage 2, you may not complete a placementyear.NCL3000 Careers Service Placement Year Module

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesMCH3073 Media Research Dissertation*MCH3074 Themes and Issues in Media, Communicationand Cultural StudiesMCH3077 Politics, Power and CommunicationOptional modulesYou choose two modules from the following list:MCH2010 Online User Experience^*MCH2011 Memory Matters: Mediating Present Pasts forthe Future^MCH2012 Analysing Social Media InteractionsMCH2013 Gender, Food and Communication^MCH2065 Race, Culture and IdentityMCH2071 Sex, Sexuality and Desire^MCH2080 Celebrity Culture^*MCH3001 Magazine Publishing*MCH3002 Youth, Identity and Contemporary MediaMCH3012 Fashion, Communication and Culture*MCH3013 Global Public Relations*MCH3063 Advertising and Consumption*MCH3067 Television: Texts, Genres and Screens*MCH3081 Digital Culture in a Networked World*MCH3085 Digital Discourses and IdentityMCH3089 Broadcast Journalism 2 (TV)*MCH3164 Politics and International Relations forJournalistsMCH3169 Digital Communication for Cultural Institutionsand Organisations*ACE3201 Marketing and Public Policy*ACE3202 Communication and Behaviour Change*MUS3029 Music,Politics and PolicyNCL3007 Career Development for Final Year StudentsNCL3008 Advanced Career Development ModuleACE3000 Globalisation: Patterns, Processes andChallenges

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Stage 3

BUS3000 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship with LeanInnovation^You can only take one of these modules at Stage 3*These modules have pre-requisitesIt is recommended if selecting MCH2080 or MCH3067that students studying these modules outside of MCHhave a background in Media, Communication andCultural Studies.

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edgeMedia is a research intensive subject, and our academicsare constantly exploring new ideas and methods in media,to ensure your programme is of the highest quality. Ourresearch feeds into our teaching material, meaning you learnfrom experts who are at the forefront of the discipline.

Our research themes include:

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

Teaching methodsTeaching is through lectures, seminars, and regularone-to-one tutorials.

In Stage 3 you undertake a research project that accountsfor one third of your time.

Assessment methodsYou will produce 10 pieces of written work each semester.This rises to 12 in Stages 2 and 3. The degree has noformal end of year examinations.

You are assessed through:

• data collection portfolios• essays• presentations• in-class tests• events management experiences• online submissions

Find out moreVisit our Teaching and Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsAAB

Scottish QualificationsAAABB at Higher Grade. Combinations of Highers andAdvanced Highers accepted.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International BaccalaureateA minimum of 34 points.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H2H2H3 at Higher Level.

Access Qualifications30 level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3 at Merit.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaOverall DDD.

Cambridge Pre-UD3, D3, M2 in Principal Subjects.

Extended Project QualificationWe welcome applications from students offering anExtended Project and value the skills of research andindependent learning that it is designed to develop.  If youoffer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account aspart of your application profile, but we will not usuallyinclude it in offer conditions for this degree programme.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBB. Some candidates may be invited to interview.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaOverall DMM.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

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If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a pre-sessionalcourse at INTO Newcastle University, which will help toprepare you for study on this degree course.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses including theInternational Foundation in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Media, communication andcultural studies careersMedia and communication courses focus on thecommunication of information across a variety of mediumsand cover a broad range of subjects from the highlypractical to the theoretical.

You will develop a variety of skills that are extremely usefulfor employment, such as critical analysis, research,teamwork, flexibility, a creative and independent approachto tasks and the ability to work to a brief and meetdeadlines. You will be exposed to a broad commercial andcultural awareness of the media and creative industries,both from academic staff and media practitioners.

If your aim is to work directly within the media industry it isimportant to build up a portfolio of work, gaining as muchexperience as possible. Examples include contributing toyour university paper or other publications, or working for TVproduction or radio outlets, PR or advertising agencies.Persistence and motivation are vital due to the popularity ofthis sector.

Careers in public relations, journalism, media planning,broadcasting and advertising are the most popular choicesfor media and communications graduates, however

graduates with the ability to communicate informationclearly and effectively will be beneficial to any organisation.

Find out more about the career options for Media,Communication and Cultural Studies from Prospects: TheUK's Official Careers Website.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2016 UK-domiciled graduates progressedto employment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment more than threequarters (78%) achieved a professional or managerialposition.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250

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Tuition Fees (UK students)

For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250 in 2018-19For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£16,200 per year*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.

Tuition Fees (International students)

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer our Vice-Chancellor's InternationalScholarships and Vice-Chancellor's ExcellenceScholarships to eligible international students.We also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

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• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.

The Old Quadrangle, at the heart of campus