Overview

The BA (Hons) Media Studies at the University of Essex explores how media shape communication, culture and everyday life. The course considers traditional and digital forms of media while developing an understanding of how media content is produced, distributed, interpreted and influenced by wider social and cultural contexts.

What You'll Learn

• Key concepts and theories for analysing media, communication and digital culture.

• The development and changing role of traditional and digital media.

• Media representation, identity, culture and their influence on audiences and society.

• Digital communication and the ways technology transforms media practices and interactions.

• Media production, content creation and the processes through which media messages are developed.

• The relationship between media industries, audiences, institutions and wider society.

• Research approaches for examining media content, audiences and contemporary communication.

• Critical analysis, creative thinking, independent research and effective communication.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse media content and explain how media influence cultural, social and communicative practices. They will understand key theoretical approaches to media studies and be able to evaluate the relationship between media, audiences, institutions and digital technologies. Students will develop research skills that allow them to investigate media-related questions, assess evidence and present well-supported conclusions. They will also be able to communicate ideas clearly and apply critical and analytical approaches to changing media environments and contemporary cultural issues.