Overview

This programme at the University of Leeds develops the ability to critically analyse the media and understand its social and political influence. Students gain a solid grounding in the theory and research underpinning communication and media studies, examining how economic, political, and social forces shape the field, while having the option to build practical production skills alongside their academic study.

What You'll Learn

• The role media plays in society and in political processes

• How changes in media relate to understandings of gender, race, religion, and sexuality

• The factors that influence the work of communications professionals

• Communication research methods and visual communication

• Media policy-making and its relationship to the media industries

• Optional specialist topics such as journalism ethics, digital media, genre in cinema, and media production skills like podcasting or camera and editing

• Independent research culminating in a dissertation on a topic of the student's choosing

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the social and political role of media using established theoretical frameworks. They will be able to apply appropriate research methods to questions in communication and media studies, and understand how policy, economics, and industry structures shape media practice. Students will also be equipped to design and complete an independent research project, and, where they choose optional practice-based modules, to apply foundational media production skills.