Courses at Newman are constantly evolving to reflect changes in the field of study. Therefore, modules listed here are indicative and may be subject to change for each academic year. Some modules are mandatory and some are optional. Not all modules will be available on all routes through the programme you choose, and modules studied will depend on whether you choose minor, joint, major or single honours routes.

Year 1

Media Literacies
This mandatory module introduces students to media literacy debates and agendas in theoretical and practical contexts. The relationship between notions of literacy and media theory are explored, with particular emphasis on the OFCOM media literacy agenda, media education as an aspect of democracy and ideas about citizenship alongside the media effects debate. Students will engage with one media literacy theme (from a choice) and demonstrate their reflective understanding in this area through a digital media production outcome.

Media 2.0
This module aims to introduce students to the theory that there has been a profound shift in how mass media are circulated and distributed. Students will develop a sufficiently informed understanding of the impact of web 2.0 on media audiences to allow them to offer a critical analytical response to the media 2.0 hypothesis.

Year 2

Media and Power
This mandatory module explores the relationship between political discourse/communication and media coverage of politics, as well as the political and power contexts media institutions operate within. A range of international case studies are offered and students relate an example of their choice to the broader questions of discourse, politics and media representation. A link to other modules on new media / media 2.0 is provided by the posing of the question – as television is said to have transformed politics beyond recognition, will emerging digital technologies such as blogs and podcasts have the same effect? This module explores two separate but inter-related themes – a) the relationship between the media, politics and power and b) the nature of political discussion as communication.

Media Futures
This optional module asks students to consider some of the claims made by ‘futuregazers’ about digital technology, democracy, access and ownership. Computer games and virtual worlds as texts is used to explore further ideas about media literacy and moral panics. Games, and other interactive digital texts are deconstructed in order to discuss traditional text-reader relations, gender, culture and identity.

Media, Children and Youth Culture
This module aims to explore the complex debates around media literacies and media effects in relation to children and youth, enabling students to reflect on their own value judgements in relation to media. The module equips students with an informed understanding of socio-cultural theories of children’s media use and youth media cultures.

Year 3

Media Education
This optional module explores contemporary media education from a socio-cultural perspective, investigating purpose, competing versions and agendas and pedagogy. Through fieldwork in a local institution, students will select a theme within media education and develop a strategy for its implementation in an educational or informal learning setting.

Moving Image Arts
This optional module offers students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in non-linear digital film production. The outcome for assessment is the production of a short film with a fictional / aesthetic (as opposed to informational) purpose. This module is taught and assessed through collaboration with Art and IT subject areas.

Dissertation
This double optional module requires students to undertake a formal, academic research project leading to the presentation of a dissertation. Following preliminary tuition on media research concepts and methods, the module requires selection of methodology, careful consideration of ethical dimensions, execution of audience research and presentation of research outcomes following appropriate conventions.

"I came from a creative background so wanted to keep the creativity alive and therefore chose a Media & Communications and Management & Leadership degree, from which I have gained more than I expected. Management has helped me gain confidence within myself and my ability to deal professionally with people from the business sector. However, it has been within media studies and modules such as Media and Power that have helped me make sense of a complex reality whilst transforming me into a strong-minded individual."

Ranjeet Uppal
Media & Communication student