Bachelor of Media and Communications with Honours

This course provides up-to-date knowledge of the rapidly changing field of media and communications.

It explores such areas as film and television, screen adaptations, media convergence, changing print genres, digital communications and writing practices, with topics varying to reflect new developments and interests.

The coursework and dissertation components allow scope for students to pursue individual interests and enhance their research and communication skills, which are vital for further studies and today's changing workplaces.

Course Aims

This course provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the disciplinary field of media and communications. The coursework unit assists students to gain skills in communication research and analysis, in areas such as film and television studies, screen adaptations, and writing practices. The dissertation module provides guided development of individual research interests and skills, through supervised work on an individual topic.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of the disciplinary field of media and communications across local and global contexts, including the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques studied in the field; demonstrate advanced knowledge and applied understanding of the disciplinary methods of media and communications, including its rationales, themes, concepts, theories, methods and interdisciplinary dimensions; identify and apply appropriate research methods for gathering, interpreting, critically analysing, evaluating and transforming ideas and information from a variety of sources, and for developing and synthesising knowledge; select and use appropriate communication technologies, forms, styles and techniques, at an advanced level, to investigate complex problems and present ideas and arguments coherently for specific purposes and types of intended audience; adapt and apply advanced knowledge and skills with initiative and autonomy to plan and develop projects, solve problems and make decisions in scholarship and/or professional practice; and work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating adaptability and understanding of social, cultural and ethical contexts in further learning and professional practice related to media and communications.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline The course develops advanced knowledge of forms, practices, technologies, techniques and contexts of media and communications, and advanced knowledge of disciplinary concepts, approaches and methods used in studying the field, through theoretical and/or practical styles of learning and assessment. A global perspective is taught, practised and assessed in the study of diverse media forms and cultural contexts of communication, including debates about globalisation. Communication Skills Written communication skills are taught, practised and assessed, through the study of media and communications. Further skills of representation may be enhanced according to the options of genre and medium for theoretical and practical work in the coursework and/or dissertation. Problem Solving Techniques and methods for defining and investigating problems are taught, practised and assessed, with guidance towards increasingly independent study of issues and debates in media and communications. Information Literacy Information Literacy is taught, practised and assessed through the development of skills for researching media and communications and evaluating diverse sources and types of information. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Ethical conduct and responsibility are developed by consideration - in teaching, supervision, learning and assessment - of the social relations, and cultural and ethical frameworks of media and communications. Lifelong Learning Lifelong learning is embedded in the development of skills of research, analysis, argument and communication. Independence and Collaboration Principles of team work are taught through analysis and/or practice of media and communications, but are not assessed. Independence is developed through research practices in developing the dissertation.