Media and Communication BSc (Hons) - 2023/4

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 6

Final award and programme/pathway title

BSc (Hons) Media and Communication

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
Ord Media and Communication
DipHE Media and Communication
CertHE Media and Communication

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time ULE10015 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits
Full-time with PTY ULE10015 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits

QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)

Sociology

Other internal and / or external reference points

N/A

Faculty and Department / School

Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Sociology

Programme Leader

WEIDHASE Nathalie (Sociology)

Date of production/revision of spec

26/09/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • To develop in students a broad range of communicative, analytical and organisational skills and the confidence and knowledge to apply these skills in their careers after graduation.
  • To develop students' understandings of the interplay between social institutions, cultural forms, media and contemporary forms of collective life.
  • To enable students to use a range of analytical tools in order to evaluate and conduct social-scientific research on mediated societies, mediated communication and its uses by individuals and communities.
  • To encourage critical, inquisitive and independent thought among students in their examination of media and communication.
  • To provide a high quality intellectually rigorous and up-to-date coverage of the social and cultural significance of media and digital communication technologies.
  • To provide students with an intensive and cutting-edge grounding in concepts, theories and principles of the study of contemporary media and communications in global, mediated societies.

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
Have a critical understanding of the elements of media and communication theory relevant to an understanding of contemporary mediated societies. K BSc (Hons)
Have a critical understanding of the role of media in organisations, institutions and individual lives in contemporary societies. K BSc (Hons)
Be familiar with the range of qualitative and quantitative methods used to generate data in sociological research. K BSc (Hons)
Display knowledge of different approaches to sociological research on media and communication K BSc (Hons)
Be aware of the links between the analysis of media, communication and other sociological topics. K BSc (Hons)
Be able to design and execute sociological research studies, and be competent in the collection, management and analysis of research data K BSc (Hons)
Be able to synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of sources, and evaluate the relationship between theoretical arguments and evidence K BSc (Hons)
Familiarity with and critical appreciation of the key elements of media and communication theory necessary for understanding the study of mediated societies and cultures. K Ord
Familiarity with and critical appreciation of the main theoretical perspectives and debates in social theory with respect to media, culture and society. K Ord
Familiarity with and understanding of the range and application of qualitative and quantitative methods used to produce data in media and communication research. K Ord
A critical understanding of the most recent developments in media and communication theory, methodology and methods. K Ord
Have acquired sufficient knowledge of media and communication concepts and theory to be able to challenge received opinion, evaluate their own work and report effectively K DipHE
Have acquired basic knowledge of media and communication concepts and theories K CertHE
To be able to understand standard media and communication text books K CertHE
Identify, summarise and apply key concepts in media and communication C BSc (Hons)
Distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of media and communication C BSc (Hons)
Synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of sources. C BSc (Hons)
Critically compare and contrast different theoretical approaches to media and communication C BSc (Hons)
Identify and interpret the relationships between technologies, institutions, texts, audiences and wider sociocultural relations. C BSc (Hons)
Critically compare and contrast different theoretical approaches within the discipline C BSc (Hons)
Plan, conduct and report an individual research study C BSc (Hons)
Identify, critically assess and apply key concepts to a range of relevant issues in media and communication C Ord
Distinguish between and evaluate different methodological approaches to the study of media and communication C Ord
Synthesise and evaluate data from a variety of primary and secondary sources. C Ord
Evaluate the relationship between theories and concepts and empirical evidence. C Ord
Critically evaluate, contrast and challenge different theoretical approaches within the discipline. C Ord
Have acquired further social research skills to enable them, with autonomy, to perform straightforward research tasks C DipHE
Have acquired a basic foundation of social research skills to enable them to perform simple research tasks with guidance C CertHE
Design and carry out social research focused upon media and communication using a variety of methods. P BSc (Hons)
Collect, manage and analyse quantitative and qualitative data competently. P BSc (Hons)
Locate, organise and use appropriate theories and concepts in order to inform media and communication research. P BSc (Hons)
Collect, evaluate and utilise relevant primary and secondary sources in order to inform and resolve questions and problems related to media and communication P BSc (Hons)
Work individually and as part of a group to elaborate upon key issues and debates relating to media and communication P BSc (Hons)
Produce a curriculum vitae. P BSc (Hons)
Design and execute independent research using a variety of methods. P Ord
Produce, manage and analyse quantitative and qualitative data. P Ord
Locate, evaluate and apply appropriate theories and concepts to inform both data production and analysis. P Ord
Identify, collect and apply relevant primary and secondary sources to inform and resolve theoretical or empirical issues. P Ord
Work individually and as part of a group to critically reflect upon key debates and substantive matters in media and communication P Ord
Have demonstrated an ability to utilise library and electronic learning material in self-directed learning P DipHE
Be able to access learning materials from library and electronic resources T CertHE
Communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and visual means. T BSc (Hons)
Formulate and solve problems, both individually and as part of a team. T BSc (Hons)
Work towards targets under pressure through discipline and careful organisation. T BSc (Hons)
Use information technologies for a variety of generic and subject specific purposes. T BSc (Hons)
Apply and present basic statistical and numerical data in an appropriate way. T BSc (Hons)
Carry out a set of responsibilities in a work environment (for those who undertake a professional placement year only). T BSc (Hons)
Communicate ideas, principles and theories T Ord
Formulate and solve problems, both individually and as part of a team. T Ord
Work towards targets under pressure through discipline and careful organisation T Ord
Use information technologies for a variety of generic and subject specific purposes. T Ord
Apply and present basic statistical and numerical data in an appropriate way. T Ord
Carry out a set of responsibilities in a work environment (for those who undertake a professional placement year only). T Ord
Be ready to develop professional working relationships T DipHE
Have attained a reasonable level of computer literacy and study skills T CertHE

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Programme structure

Full-time

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Full-time with PTY

This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)

Programme Adjustments (if applicable)

N/A

Modules

Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC1030 MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY Compulsory 15 1
SOC1045 CURRENT ISSUES IN DIGITAL SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1046 COMMUNICATING DIFFERENCE IN VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS Compulsory 15 2
SOC1047 POPULAR CULTURE IN MEDIATED SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1044 CONCEPTS FOR A MEDIATED WORLD Compulsory 15 1
SOC1050 MEASURING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUANTITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 2
SOC1051 RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC1052 CONCEPTUALISING THE SOCIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1

Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC2046 MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY Optional 15 1
SOC2051 INTERNET AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC2066 CRIME AND TECHNOLOGY Optional 15 1
SOC2076 USING RESEARCH FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND IMPACT Optional 15 1
SOC2067 CRIME AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
SOC2068 EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Optional 15 2
SOC2086 MEDIA, POWER AND REGULATION Compulsory 15 1
SOC2087 AUDIENCES AND USERS IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION Compulsory 15 1
SOC2088 ANALYSING MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION Compulsory 15 2
SOC2089 COMMUNICATING CULTURE: CONCEPTS AND FRAMEWORKS Optional 15 2
SOC2085 GLOBAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION Compulsory 15 2
SOC2094 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS Optional 15 2
SOC2095 DE/CONSTRUCTING GENDER Optional 15 2
SOC2097 WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5

Students take two compulsories and two options in each semester.

Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC3033 CULTURES OF RACE AND RACISM Optional 15 2
SOC3063 HATE CRIME Optional 15 1
SOC3078 DATA AND THE DIGITAL IN PLATFORM SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 1
SOC3034 FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC3040 SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH Optional 15 2
SOC3028 DISSERTATION Compulsory 45 Year-long
SOC3079 MUSIC, MEDIA AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC3080 YOUTH, CULTURE AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
SOC3081 PUBLIC RELATIONS IN THE DIGITAL AGE Compulsory 15 2
SOC3083 UNDERSTANDING SEXUALITIES Optional 15 2
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6

Students take the dissertation (45 credits) across the whole year plus 1 compulsory and 2 options from semester 1 and 1 compulsory and 1 option from semester 2.

Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC1030 MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY Compulsory 15 1
SOC1045 CURRENT ISSUES IN DIGITAL SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1046 COMMUNICATING DIFFERENCE IN VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS Compulsory 15 2
SOC1047 POPULAR CULTURE IN MEDIATED SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 2
SOC1044 CONCEPTS FOR A MEDIATED WORLD Compulsory 15 1
SOC1050 MEASURING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUANTITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 2
SOC1051 RESEARCHING THE SOCIAL WORLD: QUALITATIVE METHODS Compulsory 15 1
SOC1052 CONCEPTUALISING THE SOCIAL WORLD Compulsory 15 1

Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4

N/A

Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC2046 MIGRATION AND THE POLITICS OF IDENTITY Optional 15 1
SOC2051 INTERNET AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC2066 CRIME AND TECHNOLOGY Optional 15 1
SOC2076 USING RESEARCH FOR POLICY, PRACTICE AND IMPACT Optional 15 1
SOC2067 CRIME AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
SOC2068 EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES Optional 15 2
SOC2086 MEDIA, POWER AND REGULATION Compulsory 15 1
SOC2087 AUDIENCES AND USERS IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION Compulsory 15 1
SOC2088 ANALYSING MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION Compulsory 15 2
SOC2089 COMMUNICATING CULTURE: CONCEPTS AND FRAMEWORKS Optional 15 2
SOC2085 GLOBAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION Compulsory 15 2
SOC2094 ADVANCED QUALITATIVE METHODS Optional 15 2
SOC2095 DE/CONSTRUCTING GENDER Optional 15 2
SOC2097 WORK, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIETY IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Optional 15 2

Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5

Students take two compulsories and two options in each semester.

Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOC3033 CULTURES OF RACE AND RACISM Optional 15 2
SOC3063 HATE CRIME Optional 15 1
SOC3078 DATA AND THE DIGITAL IN PLATFORM SOCIETIES Compulsory 15 1
SOC3034 FAMILIES AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC3040 SOCIOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH Optional 15 2
SOC3028 DISSERTATION Compulsory 45 Year-long
SOC3079 MUSIC, MEDIA AND SOCIETY Optional 15 1
SOC3080 YOUTH, CULTURE AND MEDIA Optional 15 2
SOC3081 PUBLIC RELATIONS IN THE DIGITAL AGE Compulsory 15 2
SOC3083 UNDERSTANDING SEXUALITIES Optional 15 2
POL3082 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION Optional 15 1

Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6

Students take the dissertation (45 credits) across the whole year plus 1 compulsory and 2 options from semester 1 and 1 compulsory and 1 option from semester 2.

Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

Module code Module title Status Credits Semester
SOCP010 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) Core 120 Year-long
SOCP011 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) Core 120 Year-long
SOCP012 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) Core 120 Year-long

Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) - Professional Training Year

N/A

Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity

Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics Y
Professional Training Year (PTY) Y
Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) N
Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) N
Study exchange (Level 5) Y
Dual degree N

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.