International Year One in Media

Introduction to English and Skills for University Study (3 and 2.5 semester only)

This module will help you achieve the level of English language proficiency and study skills that you will need for university study. You will also learn independent research skills

Academic English Skills

Academic English Skills aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable you to best achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Introduction to Media and Culture

This module provides a broad introduction to key elements of Media and Culture Studies, developing an understanding of the cultural, historical and economic contexts that affect the production and content of media texts.

The Mediated World

Media, Communications and Culture form a central part of our contemporary lives: from the way we access the news, to the way meaning is produced in cultural forms such as television, film, literature and music. We rely on media technology to sustain our everyday social relationships as well as to engage in the worlds of business, politics, and international affairs. This module focuses on the key ideas, theories and thinkers in media, communications and cultural studies.

The Photographic Message

This module places an emphasis on the critical analysis of visual communication, the way in which we look at and interpret visual imagery and issues surrounding photographic representation. It also introduces both photographic methods of image production and the theory of representation. Students will be required to develop a photomontage as part of the assessment.

Digital Video

This module provides a broad introduction to the theoretical and practical elements of filmmaking. Key technologies, techniques, practices, genres, auteurs and critical perspectives are considered as well as the ways in which they can be situated against social, political, economic and institutional contexts.

Understanding Culture

An introduction to the cultural theories that are essential in analysing not only the mass media but everyday communicative practices more broadly. Explore the role of culture both in creating and understanding meaningful media texts and a range of media issues such as how media texts relate to broader cultural norms and values; the difficulties of intercultural communication and political questions about the way that issues, people and products are represented.

You will choose four additional modules from the following. We will recommend the modules that will best align with your chosen undergraduate degree or combined honours.

Managing and Developing People

Learn about the role of the manager, employee engagement, teamwork, leadership and management issues and managing change.

International Business Management

Study how firms operate in international markets, how they set about identifying and evaluating opportunities, quantify and minimise the risks, manage the practicalities, explore alternatives to exporting and become multinational enterprises.

Marketing

How does the marketing role drive success and deliver results? Study topics such as understanding customer needs and consumer behaviour, marketing research, market segmentation, the marketing mix and digital re-mix and marketing ethics. Explore emerging processes for engaging the marketing function in digital spaces.

Introduction to Human Resource Management

The success of a business often relies on its relationships with its employees. Study the theory and practice of human resource management focusing on current human resources practice and the impact of topical issues and legislation.

Introduction to the Global Economy

Whilst international trade provides great opportunities to organisations and national economies, its complexity, diversity and scale of operation present significant risk. Learn about the key differences, complexities and risks involved in trading in a global context.

Law for Business

Study the legal foundation of employer's rights and duties in the context of a UK corporation, the English Legal System, Contract, Employment and Company Law. The module also provides an opportunity to develop and strengthen analytical and problem solving skills.

Accounting Principles

Develop the techniques to produce financial statements, prepare budgets and complete analytical problem solving tasks which reflect workplace practices.

Financial Accounts

Building on the knowledge and skills developed in Accounting Principles, this module focuses on Financial Accounting in practice, more advanced accounting study and includes a concise study of the legal requirements for publication and the process of incorporation.

Financial Markets

Study the institutional framework that underpins financial markets and the instruments that are traded by financial institutions and enterprises. Develop and apply your knowledge and skills in economic theory such as supply and demand, market efficiency, risk and arbitrage, as well as practical analysis using discounting and investment appraisal. The module allows access to "live" data, thereby enhancing employability skills.

Quantitative Methods for Business

This module is specifically designed to develop understanding of the technical and quantitative aspects of finance and economics to inform decision making. Develop your skills in data collection, presentation, interpretation and analysis, conditional probability and probability distributions, statistical inference and calculus.

Introduction to Politics

This module is designed to orientate students in the demands and expectations of the study of politics in a British university context, as well as providing core knowledge of political ideas, for example classical ideological traditions and the UK political parties, parliament and constitution.

Justice, Authority and Power

Study key ancient and early-modern political thinkers and their different approaches to issues of justice, authority and power. This module explores modern and contemporary political issues with a focus on justice.

The World Today: Comparative Politics

This module introduces the theories and methods of comparative politics. It explores key aspects of comparative politics such as regime types, institutions, electoral systems and voters. Specific states are examined in greater depth and provide context for consideration of institutions and processes.

British Politics Since 1945

This module introduces the study of British Politics. It presents an overview of the key themes in Britain's domestic politics, its relations with the rest of the world and the debates surrounding the issues of consensus and conflict in post-war Britain.

Subject-specific modules include core modules which must be taken for your Media programme, alongside options from other pathways.