Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Media, Culture and Society

Academic Year: 2017/18

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different) N/A
Owning school/department Department of Social Sciences - pre 2018
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

N/A

Final award BSc/BSc+DPS/BSc+DIntS
Programme title Media, Culture and Society
Programme code SSUB05
Length of programme BSc (Hons): 3 years full-time BSc (Hons) DPS/DIntS: 4 years full-time (including a one-year placement)
UCAS code LP33, LP34
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/
departments/socialsciences/mediacultureandsociety/

Date at which the programme specification was published Mon, 17 Jul 2017 18:21:49 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To develop knowledge and understanding of key issues concerning the media, culture and society through specialist inter-disciplinary study and research.
  • To master key concepts, theories, methods and specialist skills required to interpret and analyse media, cultural and social processes and structures.
  • To address issues of social inequality, cultural diversity and social change and the contribution of the media to both.
  • To engage critically with rival arguments about media, culture and society.
  • To enhance students’ career and employment opportunities on graduating.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • The Benchmark Statement for Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2008)
  • The Benchmark Statement for Sociology (2007)
  • Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)
  • University Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • External Examiners’ Reports for BSc Sociology and BSc Communication and Media Studies  

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. Differentiate between the major traditions of thought and analysis which have contributed to the study of media, culture and society.
  2. Critically appraise contemporary debates on media, culture and society, identifying key arguments and developing their own distinct perspective.
  3. Compare and contrast the major quantitative and qualitative styles of research and investigation relevant to the study of media, culture and society, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Identify the main aspects of the historical development of key media and cultural practices and institutions, including the press, broadcasting, advertising and PR and digital media.
  5. Assess the inter-relations between media and cultural structures and practices and their economic and political dynamics at both national and transnational levels.
  6. Discuss the ethical and policy issues posed by the practices of media and cultural institutions, considering relevant forms of regulation, including self-regulation.
  7. Examine the ways in which media and cultural forms construct shared meanings, taking into account the roles of media producers, regulators and owners, media texts and genres, as well as media audiences and users.
  8. Evaluate the role of media and culture in the organisation of everyday life, social identities and belief systems, paying attention to their involvement in establishing forms of inclusion as well as exclusion.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. Draw on concepts and theories from  sociology, psychology, communication and media studies and other relevant disciplines and combine them productively to interpret media, culture and society.
  2. Critically appraise contemporary developments in media, culture and society and contribute effectively to the debates surrounding them.
  3. Formulate research questions appropriate to the problem studied and employ appropriate methods and resources in addressing them, providing justification as appropriate.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. Use a range of qualitative and quantitative methods of data gathering and data analysis relevant to the study of media, culture and society.
  2. Retrieve information from specialist electronic and other sources relevant to the study of media, culture and society, and evaluate the materials collected critically taking into account the nature of the source.
  3. Explain the relevance of media, cultural and sociological understanding and analysis to public and social policy and private enterprise to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. Gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate arguments cogently and persuasively and express them effectively in oral and/or written forms, including under-pressure, appropriate for the chosen audience;
  2. Organise and manage self-directed projects (with appropriate guidance).
  3. Work individually, flexibly and independently showing self-discipline, self-direction and reflexivity.
  4. Work productively in a group or team, displaying at different times abilities to listen, contribute and lead effectively, and work towards the attainment of a common goal.
  5. Master relevant applications of Information Technology, including data analysis and data visualisation packages.
  6. Follow briefs to deliver work to the required length, format and deadline, utilising appropriate time-management and workload-management skills.
  7. Consider and evaluate their own work in a reflective manner, identifying key strengths and weaknesses and developing strategies for self-improvement.

4. Programme structure

Programme Code SSUB05

This is a three-year long full-time degree programme. In each of the three parts (years) of the degree (A, B and C), students take modules amounting to 120 credits. In addition, students have the opportunity to undertake a Placement Year (Part I) after Part B or a Study Abroad scheme at Part B.

Important Note: No module may be taken and passed more than once. Optional module availability is subject to timetabling constraints and optional modules may be subject to change.

Part A – Introductory Modules

COMPULSORY MODULES (90 credits):

Semester 1

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA003

Sociological Imagination

10

SSA301

Introduction to Communication and Media Studies A

10

SSA307

Constructing Meaning: Texts and Audiences

10

SSA305

Foundation in Social Sciences

10

Semester 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA302

Introduction to Communication and Media Studies B

10

SSA306

Media Landscapes

10

Semesters 1 and 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA009

Introduction to Research Methods

30

CORE MODULES

Students MUST choose at least ONE 10 credit module from the selection below:

Semester 1

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA001

Introduction to Sociology: Identities and Inequalities

10

Semester 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA002

Introduction to Sociology: Global, Social and Cultural Change

10

OPTIONAL MODULES

In addition, student MAY choose up to TWO 10 credit options across both semesters, from a choice of: 

Semester 1

Code

Module Title

Credit

EUA607

Introduction to Democratic Government

10

SSA156

Self and Identity

10

SSA201

Introduction to Criminology & Social Policy A

10

Semester 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

EUA614

Political Ideologies

10

SSA158

Idea and Controversies

10

SSA202

Introduction to Criminology & Social Policy B

10

SSA308

Introduction to Critical Viewings

10

Semesters 1 and 2

Students can also choose other modules from the University’s Module Catalogue, approved by the Department of Social Sciences for inclusion in the programme, including languages in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin.

Part B – Degree Modules

COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits)

Semester 1

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB301

Media, Identity and Inequality

20

SSB008

Classical Social Theories

10

Semester 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB303

Media and Social Change

20

Semesters 1 and 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB009

Advanced Research Methods

30

CORE MODULES

Students MUST choose at least ONE 10 credit module from the selection below:

Semester 1

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA034

Surveillance Society

10

Semester 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSA023

Religion and Society

10

OPTIONAL MODULES

In addition, student MAY choose up to TWO 10 credit options across both semesters, from a choice of: 

Semester 1

 Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB128

Political Psychology

10

SSB216

Women and Crime: Victims, Offenders and Survivors

10

SSB360

The Media in Global Context

10

EUB630

British Politics

10

SSB317

Critical Viewings:  Film

10

 Semester 2

 Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB234

Media, Culture and Crime

10

SSB239

Drugs: Society, Politics and Policy

10

SSB175

Psychological Disorders in Society

10

EUB604

Comparative European Politics

10

SSB366

Promotional Culture

10

Semesters 1 and 2

Language Options:  Students may choose to take a language option in either semester, however this must carry on from a language in Part A.

10

Information for students wishing to take a Study Abroad or Placement Year

Study Abroad: Candidates have the opportunity to apply for permission to undertake an approved course of study at either a European university which is a member of the EU approved Erasmus Exchange programmes in the Department of Social Sciences or any other University with which the University has exchange study arrangements. Such a course of study must be undertaken in place of one Semester at Part B.

For students opting to take the Study Abroad scheme in Semester 2

Semester 1 Compulsory Modules total modular weight 50 credits:

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB008

Classical Social Theories

10

SSB301

Media, Identity and Inequality

20

SSB393

Advanced Research Methods A (Erasmus)

20

In addition, depending on the credit gained through the Semester Abroad, students are enrolled on one of the following modules:

SSB397

Study Abroad Module

50

SSB398

Study Abroad Module

60

SSB399

Study Abroad Module

70

Optional modules: Depending on the credit gained through the Study Abroad semester, students take either 10, 20 or 30 credits worth of options in Semester 1.  A selection of optional modules will be offered every year from the Part B list provided above.

For students opting to take the Study Abroad scheme in Semester 1

Semester 2 Compulsory modules total modular weight 40 credits:

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSB303

Media and Social Change

20

SSB394

Advanced Research Methods B (Erasmus)

20

In addition, depending on the credit gained through the Semester Abroad, students are enrolled on one of the following modules:

SSB397

Study Abroad Module

50

SSB398

Study Abroad Module

60

SSB399

Study Abroad Module

70

Optional modules: Depending on the credit gained through the Study Abroad semester, students take either 10, 20 or 30 credits worth of options in Semester 2. A selection of optional modules will be offered every year from the Part B list provided above.

Part I:  Placement Year

Placement Year: Students have the opportunity to take a placement year (Part I) after successful completion of Part B.  Two placement routes are available:

  • Diploma of Professional Studies (DPS) Route: Students taking this route undertake a programme of professional training leading to the Diploma of Professional Studies (DPS) in accordance with Senate Regulation XI.
  • Diploma in International Studies (DIntS) Route: Students taking this route undertake a British Council approved Teaching Assistantship either at a school or other approved placement in a French, German or Spanish speaking country in accordance with Senate Regulation XI. Successful completion of this route leads to the award of the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS). It should be noted that students undertaking a Teaching Assistantship should have a minimum of AS level in the appropriate language, or its equivalent. The equivalent level in the University Wide Language Programme is level 4. Note that students taking this Teaching Assistantship scheme through the Department of Politics, History and International Relations will be registered on module EUI002.  Students taking other work abroad placement opportunities will be registered on SSI002.
  • Registration on the DIntS and DPS routes is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory performance during Parts A and B.

Depending on the Placement type, students are enrolled on one of the following modules:

Semesters 1 and 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSI001

Diploma in Professional Studies Placement (DPS)

120

SSI002

Diploma in International Studies Placement (DIntS) - for work placements abroad

120

EUI002

Diploma in International Studies Placement (DIntS) - for the Teaching Assistantship Scheme

120

Students opting for the Study Abroad scheme in Part B will only be allowed to undertake placement year (DIntS or DPS) in exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of the Department.

Part C

COMPULSORY MODULES (80 credits) 

Semester 1

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSC032

The Individual and Society

10

SSC320

Presenting Media Debates

10

Semester 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSC033

Communicating Sociology

10

SSC319

Digital Media and Society

10

Semester 1 and 2

Code

Module Title

Credit

SSC399

Communication and Media Studies Project Dissertation

40

OPTIONAL MODULES

Students take 40 credits worth of options across two semesters. A selection will be offered from the list below, plus language modules:

 

Semester 1

Code

Title

Credit

SSC024

Gender, Sex and Society

20

SSC031

History of Ideas: Stereotyping the ‘Other’

20

SSC130

Social Psychology of Everyday Life

20

SSC138

Forensic Psychology

20

SSC238

Youth Justice

20

SSC317

Critical Viewings: Documentary

10

SSC357

Producing the News

20

EUC602

Nationalism: blood, soil and citizens

20

EUC604

State, Violence and Terrorism

20

 Semester 2

Code

Title

Credit

SSC022

Body, Health and the Digital

20

SSC237

Sex Work and Sex Industries

20

SSC239

Green Criminology

20

SSC316

Media, Memory and History

20

SSC318

Critical Viewings: TV

10

EUC658

Art, Politics and Society

20

EUC677

Britain and the EU

20

Semesters 1 and 2

Language Options:  Students may choose to take a language option in either semester, however this must carry on from a language in Part B.

10

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the final programme percentage mark.

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