Compulsory modules
Media Industries: Critical Perspectives (15 credits)
The aims of this module are to introduce students to key critical debates relating to the economics of media and creative industries and their social, cultural and political implications.
Grand Challenges (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to give students an opportunity to explore grand challenges facing our global society and to propose imaginative solutions to specific challenges in one or more country.
Students will critically reflect on the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals and think about how Loughborough University's Creating Better Futures. Together Strategy might contribute to them.
Students will engage with ideas and approaches to possible solutions from their own programme and gain diverse insights from Loughborough University London's interdisciplinary ecosystem. This will involve solution-oriented thinking and a balance between criticality and possibility, leading to a deep understanding of grand challenges and imagining creative responses to them.
Optional modules
One of:
Digital Heritage, Museums and Cultural Industries (15 credits)
This module will consolidate knowledge on the global cultural and heritage industries and contemporary developments, with a focus on the integration and impacts of digital media. The module has the following key aims:
- Introduce students to the cultural and heritage industries in the UK and across the world and explore their structure and operation alongside their sociocultural, economic and political impact;
- Provide a critical, theoretically-informed analysis of how these industries are shaped and constrained in contemporary times by social and cultural policy and by technological change;
- Introduce and consolidate knowledge on key concepts and theories in heritage and digital heritage studies, with applications in two areas: (1) GLAM institutions - Gallery, Libraries, Archives and Museums; and (2) community and indigenous heritage;
- Offer theoretical and methodological tools for examining the integration and effects of digital media in the production of cultural experiences, cultural participation and cultural learning;
- Develop understanding of and ability to use conceptual, analytical and methodological tools for engaging with key issues and debates in contemporary heritage and digital heritage studies, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Global South and International Development (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to critically examine and understand key theories and debates associated with the field of international development. The module aims to deconstruct the epistemological underpinnings informing dominant theories of development and examine how they translate into the practice of international and sustainable development as seen amongst key stakeholders such as UN agencies, national governments, companies, civil society organisations and social movements.
This module examines the growing critique of development and explores the diversity of thought reflected in the epistemologies of the South. By further assessing how colonial history, patriarchy and capitalism have influenced discourses and practices of development this module seeks to complexify and nuance our understandings of theories of development and actors of change.
One of:
Creative Producing in the Digital Economy (15 credits)
The module offers a unique opportunity to develop hands-on experience, skill-specific competencies, and industry-relevant knowledge to join the next generation of creative producers, innovators, entrepreneurs, content creators, and storytellers in the fast-growing digital experience economy. The module combines lectures, practice-led workshops, and seminars with leading industry experts that aim to provide insights into the craft and creative development, intellectual property (IP), business models and finance raising, team and event management of creative experiences across screen, live events and performance, immersive experiences, gaming and entertainment sectors.
Students will learn about and collaborate on real-world projects with leading creative organisations and companies (Sadlers Wells East, BBC Music Studios, 59Productions, ScreenSkills, etc.) fostering students career paths and prospects.
Promotional Practices and Cultures (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to introduce and discuss promotional and public engagement strategies and tactics developed by private and public organizations across the world. The module will provide conceptual, contextual and practice-based education on promotional industries, cultures and practices under a perspective of integrated communication, meaning the strategic combination of resources from public relations, advertising and journalism. Conceptual discussions will include issues such as persuasion, visibility, social mobilization, context blindness, perception and representation, public interest, among others.
Students will engage in theoretical debates and practice-based learning in promotional and persuasion campaigns addressing diverse social groups and communities. The combination of conceptual, contextual debates and practical exercises aims to prepare students to develop understanding of and skills in producing promotional strategies in different fields.
Sustainable and Resilient Development (15 credits)
The aims of this module are to understand opportunities and constraints associated with urbanisation and simultaneous transitioning to a low-carbon economy by many countries. Using Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, the module will take a `whole system's perspective, discussing technological, social, political, cultural, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability and resilience in the context of broader urban and development issues.