Media, Data and Society BA (Hons)

Program Overview

The BA Media, Data, and Society program combines traditional media studies with computational and data-driven methods, equipping students with critical, analytical, and technical skills in digital media, data science, and AI. Through internships and partnerships with industry professionals, students gain practical experience and prepare for careers in broadcasting, journalism, marketing, public relations, and research. The program emphasizes contemporary debates on the role of data and algorithms in society, fostering a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape and its impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BA Media, Data and Society is a forward-looking program that combines standard approaches to studying the media with computational and data-driven methods to address the growing role of data and algorithms in society.

Objectives:

• To provide students with detailed knowledge and understanding in relation to one or more particular areas of the field of study.
• To equip students with transferable skills in critical, numerical, computational and digital methods, as well as in problem solving.
• To provide students with detailed knowledge of media forms and practices.
• To develop a range of critical, analytic and technical skills in students.
• To foster a detailed understanding of different theoretical frames of reference in students.
• To familiarize students with contemporary debates around the use of digital data in society.
• To develop the ability to construct arguments and convey ideas effectively in students.
• To enhance effective communication and presentation skills in students.

Description:

The program includes a range of core and optional modules spanning topics such as political media, screen media and public relations. In the second and final years, the modules will provide students with more specialist skills, including a critical understanding of digital media, data, and artificial intelligence, and hands-on technical experience in computer programming, data science, and data visualization. There is also the opportunity to undertake a Year in Industry as part of the degree, as well as other forms of industrial placement and international study.

Assessment:

• Depending on the module, assessment methods may include coursework projects, essays, blogs, reports, literature reviews, writing exercises, presentations, online tests and unseen examinations.

Teaching:

• Weekly lectures and seminar discussions may be supplemented by screening sessions, presentations and opportunities for group work where appropriate.
• The program regularly invites expert speakers and practitioners to speak to students about their work.
• Some modules also make use of specialist equipment or software.
• Dissertation and work placement modules involve more independent study, but always under the careful individual supervision of a member of academic staff.

Careers:

• The degree will open students to a myriad of jobs in media-related industries.
• Students will have opportunities to undertake a relevant work placement or their own independent research.
• Many modules seek to develop practical skills – such as media writing, blogging, analysis of social media data and video-making.
• Graduates have gone on to careers including:
• Broadcasting and journalism
• Social media, advertising and marketing
• Corporate communications and public relations
• Arts administration
• Political campaigning (including political parties, trade unions and charities)
• Management
• Government, and the civil service
• Teaching in universities, colleges and schools.

Other:

• The program is available with an optional year in industry.
If students choose this option, year three is spent on a paid placement within an organisation in industry, broadly defined. Students will be supported by the School of the Arts and the Department throughout, and their reflexive written account of the experience will contribute towards their final degree result.
• The program is available to study as part of the XJTLU 2+2 program.
• The Department has a long-standing reputation for innovative research in media, cultural and communication studies.
• The interest in contemporary communication is at the heart of the Department's enterprise, though always with a focus on how the media deploy their affordances to communicative and social effect.
• There is a strong family-ethos within the Department.
Personal interaction with students is at the heart of what the Department does.
• The Department has exciting partnerships with industry, arts and key creative venues both in the city and internationally and they collaborate with the Department as part of the program offer.
• The Department is ranked 4th in the sector for outstanding (4 ) research impact, with 100% of its impact classified as either outstanding (4 ) or very considerable (REF 2021).
• The Department's programs address a wide range of questions about the modern media industry, news, communication and social interaction in a lively and creative environment.
• The Department's internationally-acclaimed research is casting innovative light on many aspects of the discipline and engaging with the very latest topics, such as social media, populism, artificial intelligence, global media events, fake news and online harassment.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £22,400 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £11,200 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Additional costs This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.