BA (Hons) Media, Communication and Advertising
Program Overview
The program explores media convergence, critical thinking, and specialized skills in advertising and branding, preparing graduates for careers in various media-related fields.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes employability and offers practical, real-world experience through client-facing projects, live briefs, and development of professional communication and creative skills.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the tools and knowledge to:
- Understand and analyze the convergence of old and new media
- Develop critical thinking skills and master the art of creative communication
- Produce high-quality media projects in various formats, including video, audio, and print
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and client briefs
- Develop professional skills and work with industry-standard equipment and facilities
Description:
The program starts with foundational courses that introduce the study of media and equip students with core creative skills. Throughout their studies, students delve deeper into media analysis and research methods, exploring the impact of new technologies on media convergence. They also develop specialized skills in advertising and branding, including digital advertising strategies and interactive gamification practices. The final year allows students to tailor their learning experience by choosing from a variety of modules and capstone projects. This enables them to focus on specific areas of interest and develop a portfolio that showcases their individual strengths and career goals.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program explores various aspects of media, including:
- Media and society
- Media production
- Media consumption
- Media representation
- Media industries
- Media technologies
- Media regulation
Program Structure:
The program is divided into three levels, each with specific learning objectives and modules:
- Level 4 (Year 1): Focuses on foundational concepts, critical analysis, and core communication skills.
- Level 5 (Year 2): Delves deeper into media theory, research methods, and specialized areas like digital media and social media.
- Level 6 (Year 3): Provides advanced training in advertising and branding, gamification, and allows for specialization through elective modules and a final project.
Course Schedule:
The program consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual study. Classes are typically held between 9 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Wednesdays are kept free for independent study, sports, and society activities.
Individual Modules:
- Level 4:
- Introduction to Media, Culture and Society
- Manipulating Media
- Understanding New Media
- Introduction to Digital Video Skills
- Introduction to Digital Publishing Skills
- Introduction to Design Thinking
- Level 5:
- Introduction to Media Research Methods
- Exploring Media Theory
- Social Media, Advertising and Branding
- Understanding Social Media
- Digital Media Research Methods
- Gamification
- Level 6:
- Advertising and Branding: History and Theory
- Work Placement (Optional)
- ONE
- The Extended Independent Study in Media and Communication
- Climate Crisis and the Media
- Community Media
- Working in Digital Journalism
- Politics and the Media
- TWO
- Documentary and Photojournalism
- Media Spectacles
- Video Game Worlds
- Celebrity Culture
- Big Data and Algorithmic Cultures
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Portfolios
- Supervised independent work
- Presentations
- Written exams
- Practical performances
Assessment Balance:
The program uses a varying mix of coursework and exams depending on the chosen modules. The approximate percentages for each assessment type are:
- Level 4: 87% coursework, 13% written exams
- Level 5: 100% coursework, 0% written exams, 0% practical exams
- Level 6: 83% coursework, 13% written exams, 4% practical exams
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a blend of innovative teaching methods, including:
- Working on real-life project briefs in teams
- Traditional lectures and seminars
- Strong focus on the convergence of old and new media, including social networking
- Access to industry-standard facilities
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced staff who have published books and articles on various topics related to media, technology, and communication.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in:
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Digital Media
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Education
- Management
Career Opportunities:
Graduates can work in various organizations, including:
- Advertising agencies
- Marketing firms
- Media production companies
- Digital marketing agencies
- Social media agencies
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
Career Outcomes:
The University of Winchester ranks among the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023.
Other:
- The program offers opportunities for students to undertake work placements to gain real-world experience.
- Students may have the opportunity to study abroad in the United States of America.
- The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, which are valuable in various career paths.
UK / Channel Islands /Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland International Year 1 £9,250 £16,700 Year 2 £9,250 £16,700 Year 3 £9,250 £16,700 Total £27,750 £50,100 Optional Sandwich Year £1,850 £3,340 Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440
