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s

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Final

PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION

Course summary

Final award BA (Hons) Media and Environmental Communication

Intermediate award BA Media and Environmental Communication; Cert HE Media and Environmental Communication; Dip HE Media and Environmental Communication

Course status Validated

Awarding body University of Brighton

School Media

Location of study/ campus Moulsecoomb

Partner institution(s)

Name of institution Host department Course status

1. SELECT

2.

3.

Admissions

Admissions agency UCAS

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Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course.

Check the University’s website for current entry requirements.

A-levels or BTEC Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBC–CCC (112–96 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

We will generally make you an offer if your predicted grades are at the top of this range. If your predicted grades are towards the lower end of this range we may still make you an offer if you have a good GCSE (or equivalent) profile or relevant non–academic achievements.

International Baccalaureate 28 points.

Access to HE Diploma Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)

At least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

Studied before or got relevant experience? A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

For non-native speakers of English IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Those applicants whose background does not meet these requirements, but can demonstrate through work experience that they are suitable for the course are still encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

The admission policy for the course abides with Equality Act 2010 and assessment of the student’s needs will be made. An evaluation of required adjustments will be made in order to the student to be able to undertake the course. Applicants with disability will have the opportunity of an interview with a student disability officer to ensure that their needs can be reasonably met.

Each applicant is considered on their individual merits based on the rigorous selection procedure.

Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September

September 2020

Mode of study

Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period

Full-time 3 years 8

Part-time Not offered Not offered

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Sandwich 4 years 10

Distance Select Select

Course codes/categories

UCAS code DP43

Contacts

Course Leader (or Course Development Leader)

Dr Patricia Prieto-Blanco

Admissions Tutor Iestyn George

Examination and Assessment

External Examiner(s)

Name Place of work Date tenure expires

Dr Bianca Fox University of Wolverhampton

30 September 2024

Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB)

Academic Programme in Media and Creative Industries (AEB/CEB)

Approval and review

Approval date Review date

Validation 20091 N/A2

Programme Specification February 2020

February 2021

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable):

N/A N/A3

1 Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.

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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

A1 understand how our knowledge of, and responses to, contemporary global environmental concerns are shaped by media, culture, economics, science and politics

A2 equip students with the ability to evaluate a range of practices, methods and theoretical approaches found within media and communication studies as well as within environmental and human geography

A3 support students to engage actively with key aspects of global environmental change, sustainable and community development to promote positive change

A4 facilitate the critical application of theory and practice to address ‘real world’ issues;

A5 enable students to pursue employment in a range of environment, media and communication related industries and professions

Learning outcomes

(Note: LO means Learning Outcome)

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and theory e.g. demonstrate knowledge of, be aware of, have an understanding of

(LO1) Demonstrate and apply a critical understanding of the production,

consumption and circulation of imagery, discourses, data and narratives

(LO2) Understand global and local processes of environmental, economic,

social and political change and approaches to managing them

(LO3) Critically analyse the relationship between media, culture and society in

an increasingly globalised world

(LO4) Recognise how place, power, identity and inequality operate in different

contexts and at different scales

(LO5) Engage with the nature and demands of sustainable development as a

local and global agenda

(LO6) Apply and evaluate a range of theoretical and methodological

approaches found within media and communication studies as well as within

environmental and human geography

Skills Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills.

Intellectual skills

On successful completion of the course, the graduate should be able to:

(LO7) Develop a reasoned and critical argument through the integration and interpretation of primary and secondary materials, using appropriate methods

(LO8) Critically evaluate evidence, ideas and theoretical standpoints within a breadth of environmental and media approaches

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Professional and practical skills

On successful completion of the course, the graduate should be able to:

(LO9) Identify environmental or media studies problems or issues, to investigate them through an appropriately planned, designed and implemented research project, and to present the findings using reasoned argument to draw clear conclusions

(LO10) Work safely, ethically, effectively and in a professional manner within studio, laboratory, employment and field contexts

(LO11) Contextualise theory with practice and have a deeper understanding of the relevance of their study to environment and media industries

Transferable skills

On successful completion of the course, the graduate should be able to:

(LO12) Think critically and imaginatively, to read widely and with understanding and to communicate clearly in spoken and written English

(LO13) Collect, record, analyse and present media and data of various forms using appropriate techniques

(LO14) Work and communicate in a timely, flexible and responsive manner both collaboratively and independently

QAA subject benchmark statement

Communication, Media, Film & Cultural Studies

Geography

Earth Sciences, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies

PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)

NA

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LEARNING AND TEACHING

Learning and teaching methods

Throughout the course students will develop an understanding of the complex interplay of media and communication with environmental issues and human geography. This includes considerations of how media, science, policy and culture shape key environmental concerns for humanity as well as debates on what are considered appropriate and/or innovative responses to these at a variety of scales. A key feature of the programme is the progressive development of this knowledge and understanding. The core modules at Level 4 develop understanding of the complexity, interdependence and uncertainties surrounding principal processes and patterns of environmental and social change, of media history, and of the social, economic and political changes associated with the development of new media forms. With progression to level 5 and 6, there are substantial opportunities for students to choose what areas of knowledge, understanding and expertise they wish to develop according to their own interests and aspirations. The extent to which individual students develop specialist and detailed understanding of particular areas across environment and media studies therefore varies depending upon individual module selection beyond the compulsory modules.

This degree is structured by semesters, with two semesters per year. Teaching takes place through a series of modules each worth 20 credits and students take six modules per year (only the final year has a 40-credit dissertation module and therefore 5 modules overall).

A twenty-credit module comprises 200 hours of total learning time. This combines the time spent within a range of tutor-led contact sessions (typically two to three hours per week) and time spent in guided independent study (including in preparing and completing assessment tasks). Modules can be delivered both within and across semesters. According to the objectives of each module, the balance of time spent within particular tutor-led activities and between these and guided independent study will be different. For example, some modules may be delivered via a lecture and supporting seminar in each week, whilst others may be structured around workshops of 2-3 hours. Some modules include time spent outside the university in visits to exhibitions, field sites and screenings or in volunteering activities, for example.

The suite of modules we offer has been designed to allow students to develop and build on their knowledge, skills and professionalism as they progress through the course. Out of the 17 modules a student would typically take to attain a BA (Hons) in Media and Environmental Communication, 9 are compulsory (core) and 2 are mandatory (placement and dissertation). Through their compulsory and mandatory modules, students develop a solid and cohesive knowledge base as a cohort. Students choose the remaining 11 modules from a wide list of optional (elective) modules to tailor the degree to their interests.

At Level 4, the approach to learning and teaching has two core aims; to provide a grounding in the material that forms the basis for students’ subsequent choices and progression through the degree and to facilitate their learning in their new undergraduate academic environment through the development of key skills including literature searching, academic referencing and the critical engagement with texts. Learning and teaching at Level 4 thereby involves a range of small-group opportunities including workshops, seminars, tutorials and practical/field-based learning in conjunction with lectures. Through the assessment strategies (that include a number of formative elements, for example) and tutorials, students gain an understanding of what will be expected from them during their academic career. Alongside the five compulsory modules, at level 4, students choose one option module (elective) that suits their interests.

At level 5, the approach to learning and teaching is designed to encourage greater critical and analytical abilities and to develop applied skills particularly in research and employment-related settings. The learning and teaching methods remain diverse but make greater use of a shared approach to enquiry, to student led seminars, reflective engagement in workshops, case study and workplace investigations and screenings, exhibition and field visits. The core module, LM220, for example, equips students with the skills as well as the knowledge to execute independent research at Level 6 (LM315).

The mandatory placement module (LM290) provides students with the opportunity to apply theory and practice learned thus far on the course within in a professional media or environmental context, such as industry, third sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) or policy. Optional modules provide

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opportunity to deepen and strengthen students’ knowledge and understanding in their chosen fields of interest, making up half of the level 5 credits.

Between level 5 and level 6, students can take an Optional Sandwich Year (GY680) to spend substantial time in a professional environment of their choice, with academic support and reflection (assessment). Students can choose to do all or parts of this abroad.

Level 6 develops advanced understanding of chosen aspects of knowledge and deepens critical understanding of its contested and provisional nature and its relevance to practice. Learning and teaching opportunities based on student-centred learning increase further with progression to Level 6 of the course, highlighted in the core 40-credit, dissertation (LM315). This is a substantially independent research project negotiated, designed and completed in collaboration with an identified tutor. At level 6, two thirds of the credits are made up of optional modules. These elective choices provide students with opportunities to further develop, synthesise and evaluate knowledge and understanding in their chosen fields of interest and to engage in practical and policy debates.

Professional experience is built into the programme of study. This is based on the notion of practical wisdom: creating knowledge through practice, applying knowledge into practice, and putting knowledge back to work. This is best expressed in the mandatory placement module (LM290) and the optional Sandwich Year Placement (GY680). On both modules, students work in partnership with external organisations to apply their academic skills and knowledge in a real-world professional environment.

The strong conceptual and practical links between professional and academic experience define the teaching and learning strategy on this degree. Students develop employability skills at the same time as developing conceptual and critical thinking skills that enable them to challenge and critique the working practices of the media industry as well as professional environmental and policy contexts. A key aspect of this is the focus on sustainability that is embedded throughout the degree, where students reflect on the environmental, ethical and social dimensions of the academic and professional study that they undertake. In this way students develop a portfolio of skills and competencies that are essential for their undergraduate study whilst also providing grounding for post-graduate study and professional engagement with the media and environmental sectors as well as the digital economy.

The values that underpin our teaching include inclusivity, the idea that the learning experience is equally accessible to all. As such, we offer a wide range of assessment types, including but not limited to: essays, individual presentations, group presentations, industry-style pitches, weekly blogs, production for example a of multimedia mashup or a poster, and report-writing. In addition, we take a blended learning approach, that combines face-to-face instruction (lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials) and online learning resources: lecture slides on Studentcentral (the University’s virtual learning environment) and an online Aspire Reading list. All of this enables students to learn in a mode that suits their own style and approach, as well as to develop and reflect critically on their own approach to learning. In addition, students and staff have worked in partnership on the development of this course. Student feedback is applied to module and course development on a semester-by-semester basis as standard practice. Further to this, student consultations relating to their learning experience have been used in the development of the assessment modes and teaching approaches taken on this degree.

Students receive feedback throughout their degree both formally in the shape of feedback on specific formative and summative assessment tasks and informally as part of the standard teaching and learning approach through seminars. Formative assessments are used throughout the degree to help students to understand their progress and academic success. Formative assessments enable students to gain appropriate feedback throughout the stages of every module. This permits students to assess their level of knowledge and understanding prior to the submission of each summative assessment at the conclusion of the semester. This approach enables students to develop skills of self-reflection and critique as they become independent learners.

The purpose of this learning and teaching strategy is to encourage a positive approach to learning and the student experience of university life; to mirror professional media and environmental practices as applicable; to promote lifelong learning; to promote the students’ independence and responsibility for their own learning. The programme provides a balance of guided to independent learning. Students are typically expected to experience 40 hours of scheduled, tutor-led teaching activities and 160 hours of

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guided independent learning for every 20-credit study module, which is graduated through the three levels of study with more contact time in level 4 than at level 6.

Sustainability is also a key value of the University of Brighton, see http://about.brighton.ac.uk/sustainability/ and the university runs a highly successful green business network, see https://www.brighton.ac.uk/business-services/green-growth-platform/index.aspx . The university is also closely engaged with Brighton as city with a high density of media and digital businesses and start-ups, for example through the Brighton Digital Catapult Centre https://www.digitalcatapultcentre.org.uk/local-centre/brighton/ . Together, the environmental/sustainability and the media/digital context of both Brighton as a city and the University of Brighton provide broader relevant context and additional opportunities and activities to get engaged with for students on Media and Environmental Communications BA (Hons).

Further information on total learning hours and proportions of the course delivered by each method is available on Unistats [http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/] and the University of Brighton website [https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/media-and-environmental-communication-ba-hons.aspx]

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods

The course is designed to actively engage students in the assessment process. It provides clear information in order for students to understand their assessment tasks and marking criteria. Students are provided with the assessment tasks and marking criteria at the start of each module. Coursework feedback comprises marking grids together with formative feedback enabling students to see how marks have been awarded and how to develop their future work. All modules have a written component to their assessment.

The Assessment Strategy of the course adheres to the University’s Assessment Policy. The assessments are aligned to the Learning Outcomes for the modules and the Course as a whole and provide a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning. The separate module descriptors specify the assessment formats in more detail and maps these against module learning outcomes.

A variety of forms of assessment are used across the three levels of the degree programme to demonstrate the learning outcomes of component modules and of the course. On a range of modules, students can choose between different forms of assessment (GY531, LM219, LM245, GY652, LM315, LM333).

The table below maps the Learning Outcomes of the course to the assessment methods, modules and credits:

Course Learning Outcome

Assessment method Module Number of credits

Knowledge and theory

(LO1) Demonstrate and apply a critical understanding of the production, consumption and circulation of imagery, discourses, data and narratives

Essay, Campaign Video, Group presentation, Case study, Digital Annotation of Readings, Critical Reflection/Engagement, Short Film Portfolio, Portfolio Report, Photographic Portfolio, Research Blog, Textual Analysis, Blog Entries, Critical Review, Industry research report, Individual presentation, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Semiotic Analysis, Group Documentary, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Literature Review, Radio Show

LM115, LM116, LM166, LM290, LM278, LM244, LM215, LM216, LM276, LM218, LM219, LM246, LM279, LM285, LM288, LM315, LM321, LM322, LM341, LM343, LM344, LM385, LM333, LM340,

620

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LM372, LM316, LM375

(LO2) Understand global and local processes of environmental, economic, social and political change and approaches to managing them

Briefing note, Essay, Campaign Video, Group presentation, Case study, Portfolio, Exam, Media artefact, Online Engagement, Geographical Investigation, Evaluation, Project Plan or Project Presentation, Report, Test, Poster, Critical Evaluation, Report, Critical Reading Reactions, Essay or Illustrated Voice Recording

LM219, LM343, LM372, GY431, GY451, LM174, GY551, LM245, GY531, GY553, GY571, LM376, GY634, GY652, GY671, GY612, GY614, GY631, GY635, GY636, LM375

460

(LO3) Critically analyse the relationship between media, culture and society in an increasingly globalised world

Essay, Campaign Video, Group presentation, Case study, Digital Annotation of Readings, Critical Reflection/Engagement, Short Film Portfolio, Portfolio Report, Photographic Portfolio, Research Blog, Textual Analysis, Blog Entries, Critical Review, Portfolio and report, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Semiotic Analysis, Group Documentary, Individual Presentation, Practical Group Work, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Individual Presentation, Report, Case study, Media text and exegesis, Textual analysis, Media artefact, Evaluation, Project Plan or Project Presentation, Test, Research Proposal, Research proposal pitch, Literature Review, Radio Show

LM219, LM343, LM372, LM115, LM116, LM166, LM278, LM279, LM244, LM215, LM216, LM218, LM246, LM285, LM288, LM315, LM321, LM322, LM341, LM344, LM385, LM333, LM340, GY451, LM174, LM245, LM376, GY614, LM220, GY651

700

(LO4) Recognise how place, power, identity and inequality operate in different contexts and at different scales

Briefing Note, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Essay, Individual Presentation, Exam, Media artefact, Online Engagement, Critical Evaluation, Geographical Investigation, Critical Reading Reactions, llustrated Voice Recording, Test, Group presentation, Portfolio, Individual Presentation

LM278, LM279, LM288, LM321, GY451, LM174, LM376, GY651, GY551, GY553, GY652, GY653,

220

(LO5) Engage with the nature and demands of sustainable development as a local and global agenda

Briefing Note, Geographical Investigation, Essay, Group presentation, Portfolio, Exam, Report

GY551, LM343, GY431, GY531, GY634, GY612, GY631, GY635, GY636, LM375

180

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(LO6) Apply and evaluate a range of theoretical and methodological approaches found within media and communication studies as well as within environmental and human geography

Report, Exam, Individual Presentation, Media artefact, Online Engagement, Critical Evaluation, Critical Reading Reactions, Illustrated Voice Recording, Group presentation, Campaign Video, Case study, Digital Annotation of Readings, Critical Reflection/Engagement, Textual Analysis, Blog Entries, Critical Review, Portfolio and report, Semiotic Analysis, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, Blog entries, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative, Media Project and Evaluation, Test, Media text and exegesis, Evaluation, Project Plan or Project Presentation, Report, Research Proposal, Research proposal pitch, Literature Review, Essay, Individual Presentation

GY634, GY612, GY635, GY636, LM321, GY451, LM174, LM376, GY651, GY553, GY652, GY653, LM219, LM279, LM372, LM166, LM244, LM218, LM285, LM315, LM322, LM341, LM385, LM333, LM340, LM245, GY614 , LM220, LM276, GY631,

660

Intellectual skills

(LO7) Develop and present a reasoned and critical argument through the integration and interpretation of primary and/or secondary materials, using appropriate methods

Briefing note, Report, Exam, Individual Presentation, Essay, Critical Reading Reactions, Illustrated Voice Recording, Group presentation, Individual Presentation, Case study, Digital Annotation of Readings, Critical Reflection/Engagement, Textual Analysis, Blog Entries, Critical Review, Portfolio and report, Semiotic Analysis, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Case study, Blog entries, Media text and exegesis, Textual analysis, Report, Research Proposal, Research proposal pitch, Geographical Investigation, Portfolio, Test, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Literature Review

GY634, GY612, GY635, GY636 , LM321, GY651, GY553, GY652, GY653, LM372, LM166, LM244, LM279, LM285, LM315, LM322, LM341, LM385, LM333, LM340, GY614 , LM220, GY551, LM343, GY431, GY531, LM288, LM246, LM344, GY631, LM375

660

(LO8) Contribute to and critically reflect on the development of media products, services and industries

Critical Review, Portfolio and report, Group Presentation, Essay, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Essay, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Report, Media artefact, Online Engagement, Critical Evaluation, Campaign Video, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, Evaluation, Project Plan or Project Presentation, Portfolio, Fieldwork case study, Short Film Portfolio, Portfolio Report, Photographic Portfolio, Research Blog, Group Documentary, Individual Presentation, Industry research report, Radio Show

LM315, LM288, LM279, LM246, LM344, LM174, LM376, LM219, LM218, LM245, LM276, LM278, LM115, LM116, LM215, LM216, LM290, LM316

420

Professional and practical skills

(LO9) Identify environmental or media studies problems or issues, to investigate them through an appropriately planned, designed and implemented research project, and to present the findings using

Briefing note, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Report, Exam, Individual Presentation, Essay, Group presentation, Case study, Blog entries, Media text and exegesis, Textual analysis, Research Proposal, Research proposal pitch, Test, Geographical Investigation

LM315, LM278, GY612, GY635, GY636 , LM321, GY651, GY653, LM372, LM322, LM341, LM385, LM333, LM340, LM220, GY551, LM343, GY531,

340

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reasoned argument to draw clear conclusions

(LO10) Work safely, ethically, effectively and in a professional manner within studio, laboratory, employment and field contexts

Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Report, Exam, Report, Media artefact, Online Engagement, Critical Evaluation, Essay, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, Evaluation, Project Plan or Project Presentation, Portfolio, Short Film Portfolio, Portfolio Report, Photographic Portfolio, Research Blog, Group Documentary, Individual Presentation, Industry research report, Test, Poster, Radio Show

LM315, LM278, GY612, GY635, GY636, GY651, GY531, LM174, LM376, LM218, LM245, LM276, LM115, LM116, LM215, LM216, , LM290, GY634, GY553, GY571, GY631, GY671, GY680, LM316

500

(LO11) Contextualise theory with practice and have a deeper understanding of the relevance of their study to environment and media industries

Report, Industry research report, Individual presentation, Porfolio

GY680, LM290, LM279

40

Transferable skills

(LO12) Think critically and imaginatively, to read widely and with understanding and to communicate clearly in spoken and written English

Report, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Exam, Essay, Online Engagement, Critical Evaluation, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, , Individual Presentation, Case study, Group Presentation, Blog entries, Media text and exegesis, Textual analysis, Research Proposal, Research proposal pitch, Critical Review, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Campaign Video, Critical Reading Reactions, Illustrated Voice Recording, Test, Digital Annotation of Readings, Critical Reflection/Engagement, Semiotic Analysis, Literature Review, Radio Show

GY680, LM315, GY61, GY635, GY636, GY651, GY531, LM376, LM218, LM276, GY634, GY553, LM321, GY653, LM372, LM322, LM341, LM385, LM333, LM340, LM220, LM343, LM288, LM246, LM344, LM219, GY652, , LM166, LM244, LM285, GY614, GY431, GY451, LM375, LM279

780

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(LO13) Collect, record, analyse and present media, information and data of various forms using appropriate techniques

Briefing note, Report, Critical Research Design, Written Dissertation or Creative Media Project and Evaluation, Exam, Test, Essay, Report, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, Case study, Group Presentation, Blog entries, Textual analysis, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Semiotic Analysis, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Evaluation, Project Plan or Project Presentation, Short Film Portfolio, Portfolio Report, Photographic Portfolio, Research Blog, Group Documentary, Individual Presentation, Poster, Geographical Investigation, Radio Show

GY680, LM315, GY612, GY635, GY636, GY651, GY531, LM218, LM372, LM341, LM385, LM340, LM343, LM288, LM246, LM344, LM166, LM244, LM278, LM245, LM115, LM116, LM215, LM216, GY571, GY631, GY671, GY551, LM316

580

(LO14) Work and communicate effectively as part of a team

Report, Test, Essay, Portfolio, Practical Group Work, Group Presentation, Campaign analysis, Group Pitch, Fieldwork case study, Online Engagement, Short Film Portfolio, Portfolio Report, Group Documentary, Critical Evaluation, media text and exegesis, Industry research report, Media artefact, Radio Show

GY680, GY651, LM218, LM341, LM343, LM246, LM344, LM278, LM115, LM215, LM376, GY653, LM333, LM290, LM174, LM375

4000

SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Institutional/ University All students benefit from:

University induction week

The University of Brighton Student Contract: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/student-contract.aspx

Extensive library facilities, which include:

Extended opening hours (until 2am each day in term time and 24 hours during exam revision periods

Help Desk - enquiries, IT support

Information Adviser and Assistant Information Adviser who support the School

The Online Library web portal providing access to thousands of full text electronic journals and e-books which are accessible 24/7

Resource discovery tools - OneSearch, library catalogue

Individual study spaces, equipped with network points for personal laptops, and bookable group study rooms

Wireless access throughout the whole library Open access PCs, loanable laptops, printing, scanning and photocopying facilities Computer pool rooms (including workstations and network points for personal PCs in the Aldrich library). All are linked to the University network and SuperJANET services and have daily user support help desk. Email, file storage, Studentcentral (virtual learning environment), UniCard and free access to Microsoft Office 365 for the duration of studies Student Services, which includes

Chaplaincy

Childcare facilities

Counselling service

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Student Advice Service (finance, immigration, international student support)

Student Support and Guidance Tutor

A service that provides confidential and non-judgmental support and advice to students across a range of academic, personal, financial and other issues. Provides direct support through informal drop in sessions and one-to-one meetings and guidance on accessing further help

University Disability Service

Students with disabilities and dyslexia are supported through the University's Disability Service, by means of individual support, and through liaising with other university departments, in relation to their access to buildings, teaching and assessments.

Course-specific

In addition, students on this course benefit from:

Course Leader who monitors academic and personal progress of students

on the course

All students are allocated Personal Tutors for personal and academic

support

School administrative support such as for module registration

Technical Support

Library based Information Advisor who works with staff and students to

enable access to paper-based and electronic resources

BA (Hons) Media and Environmental Communication Course Handbook

Course and module areas on Studentcentral containing key information regarding module content and assessment requirements, and learning materials.

In the final year students have one-to-one tutorial support and guidance from a dissertation supervisor.

Work-based learning through the 4 week mandatory Media Placement module (LM290) in Level 5 and the optional Sandwich Year Placement (GY680) between levels 5 and 6

Further and continuing support: The mandatory placement module, which is supported by a dedicated placements office, offers opportunities to build and utilise professional networks and pursue further, voluntary placements, training and employment. This is communicated through a cross-platform strategy using platforms such as a dedicated Placements Facebook group, Twitter, Email and LinkedIn.

Specialist Facilities

School of Environment and Technology Computer Suites

School of Environment and Technology laboratories including in public

health and soils/water/air quality analysis depending on module option

choices

Digital Media Editing Stations

Adobe Creative Suite for image editing and website production

Digital SLR cameras and associated tripods, lights and flashguns

Photographic Studio

TV studio

Digital Video Cameras

Digital Sound kits with microphones and boom poles

Lighting kit

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PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

COURSE STRUCTURE

This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.

Study is undertaken at Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the national qualifications framework is divided into modules and takes place over two semesters in each academic year. A 20 credit module is defined as equivalent to 200 hours of learning with full-time students studying for 120 credits each year. The programme structure uses the study of 20 credit modules through each level of the course. Level 6 also includes the core 40 credit dissertation. A student must obtain 120 credits at each level before progressing to the subsequent level. An optional Sandwich year (a minimum of 32 weeks of study) may be undertaken between Levels 5 and 6 (Years 2 and 3 for full time study). Part-time students follow the same progression pattern in being required to complete each level before proceeding to the next. Part-time students may study a maximum of sixty credits in a semester and are advised to maintain a minimum rate of twenty in each semester in order to maintain a satisfactory rate of study. Each level of the course combines core and optional modules with elements defined as compulsory (core) and mandatory, declining in number with progression through the course. At level 6, students of this programme maintain a balance of options drawn from the media and environment areas. Figure 1 shows the structure of the programme. At level 4, 100 credits of study are core, designed to provide students with a sound understanding of key concepts in Media Studies and Environmental Studies and to develop the skills required for successful progression to Level 5. Options at Level 4 enable students to develop practical skills such as in various media production modules. At level 5, a third of the programme comprises optional modules that enable students to start to choose the particular areas of study that they wish to focus on according to their individual aspirations. Core modules develop the skills and understanding that are identified as key outcomes for the programme; particularly in research, in putting theory into practice, in engaging with the concept and practices of sustainable development and in interrogating the linkages between environment and media studies. L5 also includes the mandatory module LM290 Placement. The Course Leader and Personal Tutors will advise students on appropriate module choices at Level 5 and how these link to the progressive development of knowledge and skills and option choices for level 6. Students are introduced to the optional placement year within the mandatory module LM290. Students can also draw on the substantial experience and networks of the Placements Officers in both the School of Media and in the School of Environment and Technology for detailed guidance. At level 6, the mandatory requirement of the programme is the 40-credit dissertation. For this, students can to choose to carry out a written dissertation or a creative media project plus evaluation (LM315. All dissertations require students to engage in a significant research project and demonstrate critical understanding of relevant literature. The dissertation provides space for students to select a research project from across the breadth of environment and media studies according to their interests and progression through the course (and with guidance of a tutor). At level 6, students are also able to choose 80 credits worth of optional modules (i.e. 4 modules) according to their developing area of interest from a range of available environment and media studies options (subject to pre-requisites). At least 40 credits must be drawn from both the media and environment area.

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The following diagram shows the structure of the course:

Compulsory/Core module

Option/Elective module

Mandatory Module

Semester 1 Semester 2

L4 GY431 Global Environmental Issues

GY451 Human Geography

LM179 Critical Approaches to Media 1 LM180 Critical Approaches to Media 2

LM115 Video Production 1 LM174 Community Media for Social Action

LM116 Photographic Practice 1

LM118 Producing and Consuming Social Media

LM166 Film Language and History

GY412 Past Landscapes and People

L5 GY551 Sustainable Development LM220 Research Methods and Methodology

LM290 Media Placement GY531 Environmental pollution

LM224 Community Radio GY553 Social and Cultural Geography

LM244 Visual Media Cultures GY571 GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

LM245 Media Project Management LM215 Video Production 2

LM215 Video Production 2 LM216 Photographic Practice 2

LM216 Photographic Practice 2 LM218 Social Media: Applications in Activism, Business and Life

LM276 Journalism LM288 Mobile Media Cultures

LM279 Critical Perspectives on Media Work

LM246 Media and Public Relations

LM219 Media and Political Engagement in the Post-Truth Era

LM285 Film Studies

Optional: GY680 Sandwich Year Placement

L6

LM315 Dissertation

GY634 Water, Sanitation and Health GY612 Aquatic Environments

GY651 Gender, Space and the Body GY614 Geographies of Heritage

GY652 Political Ecology: Contested Environments

GY631 Environmental Impact Assessment

GY671 Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

GY365 Atmospheric Environment

LM316 Audiovisual Professional Practice

GY653 Territory, Power and Security

LM321 National and Global Media Studies

GY636 Waste Management and the circular economy

LM322 Media Policy LM333 Mediating Science and Technology

LM341 Celebrity Media LM340 Critical Approaches to the Video Game

LM343 Sustainability & Innovation in Digital Culture

LM372 Critical Issues in Political Communication

LM344 Digital Media Marketing and Innovation

LM375 Communication for International Development

LM376 Community Project

LM385 Genre and Film

Figure 1: Diagram of the course structure

Modules

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Status:

M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)

C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)

O = Optional (optional modules)*

* Optional modules listed are indicative only and may be subject to change, depending on timetabling and staff availability

Level

Module code

Status Module title Credit

4 GY431 C Global Environmental Issues 20

4 GY451 C Human Geography 20

4 GY412 O Past Landscapes and People 20

4 LM115 O Video Production 1 20

4 LM116 O Photographic Practice 1 20

4 LM118 O Producing and Consuming Social Media 20

4 LM166 O Film Language and History 20

4 LM174 C Community Media for Social Action 20

4 LM179 C Critical Approaches to Media 1 20

4 LM180 C Critical Approaches to Media 2 20

5 GY531 O Environmental pollution 20

5 GY551 C Sustainable Development 20

5 GY553 O Social and Cultural Geography 20

5 GY571 O GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice 20

5 LM215 O Video Production 2 20

5 LM216 O Photographic Practice 2 20

5 LM218 O Social Media Applications in Activism, Business and Life 20

5 LM219 O Media and Political Engagement in the Post-Truth Era 20

5 LM220 C Research Methods and Methodology 20

5 LM224 O Community Radio 20

5 LM244 O Visual Media Cultures 20

5 LM245 O Media Project Management 20

5 LM246 O Media and Public Relations 20

5 LM276 O Journalism 20

5 LM279 O Critical Perspectives on Media Work 20

5 LM285 O Film Studies 20

5 LM288 O Mobile Media Cultures 20

5 LM290 M Media Placement 20

6 GY612 O Aquatic Environments 20

6 GY614 O Geographies of Heritage 20

6 GY631 O Environmental Impact Assessment 20

6 GY634 O Water, Sanitation and Health 20

6 GY635 O Atmospheric Environment 20

6 GY636 O Waste Management and the circular economy 20

6 GY651 O Gender, Space and the Body 20

6 GY652 O Political Ecology: Contested Environments 20

6 GY653 O Territory, Power and Security 20

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6 GY671 O Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing 20

6 GY680 O Sandwich Year Placement 20

6 LM315 C Dissertation 40

6 LM316 O Audiovisual Professional Practice 20

6 LM321 O National and Global Media Studies 20

6 LM322 O Media Policy 20

6 LM333 O Mediating Science and Technology 20

6 LM340 O Critical Approaches to the Video Game 20

6 LM341 O Celebrity Media 20

6 LM343 O Sustainability & Innovation in Digital Culture 20

6 LM344 O Digital Media Marketing and Innovation 20

6 LM372 O Critical Issues in Political Communication 20

6 LM375 O Communication for International Development 20

6 LM376 O Community Project 20

6 LM385 O Genre and Film 20

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AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION

Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award

Total credits4 Minimum credits5 Ratio of marks6: Class of award

Final BA

(Hons)

Media and Environmental Communication

6 Total credit 360 Minimum credit at level of award 90

Level 6 and level 5 marks in ratio 75:25

Honours degree

Intermediate BA Media and Environmental Communication

6 Total credit 300 Minimum credit at level of award 60

Level 6 marks degree

Intermediate DipHE Media and Environmental Communication

5 Total credit 240 Minimum credit at level of award 90

Level 5 marks Not applicable

Intermediate CertHE Media and Environmental Communication

4 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award 90

Level 4 marks Not applicable

*Foundation degrees only

Progression routes from award:

Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate7 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS)

70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction

60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit

50% - 59.99% Pass

Lower second (2:2) Pass

40% - 49.99% Third (3)

4 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 5 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 6 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 7 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.

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EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.

The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).

Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course

The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General Examination and Assessment Regulations (available from the school office or the Registry).

There is a course specific regulation that refers to progression. Students are required to register for 120 credits shown as compulsory modules to their programme. Where students achieve additional credits, for example in studying in Sandwich mode, these may be substituted up to a maximum of 20 credits for the purposes of progression.

The Degree classification for Awards in the Sandwich mode students is calculated using the following algorithm:

The credits from the placement module (GY680) and the appropriate level 6 dissertation module (LM315) MUST be counted, making 60 credits at level 6. The best 60 of the remaining credits studied at level 6 will also be included, to make a total of 120 credits. The credit-weighted average mark for this combination of modules will contribute 75% of the marks towards the degree classification.

The credit-weighted average mark of the best 120 credits studied at level 5 will contribute the remaining 25% of the marks towards the degree classification.

Exceptions required by PSRB

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