Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) Media and Communications and Global Cultural Studies

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Media and Communications and Global Cultural Studies Programme codeUFA3CMMMLX02
Study mode(s)Part Time
Full Time
 Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA (Hons) Media & Communications and Modern Languages  programme is not available for direct application. Transfer to this programme is subject to agreement from the Director of Education and Student Experience for Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies (LCVS).

 

You can switch to Global Cultural Studies after completing one or two years of the Modern Languages course. If you switch into the programme for second year, you will take only optional cultural modules from across LCVS (no core language modules) in second year. If you pass 60 credits of language modules over years 1 and 2 and then switch to Global Cultural Studies for your third year, this will be recognised in your degree title (see Programme Specific Award Rules).

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

Please see the programme specifications for BA Communications and Modern Languages for full details. The difference between programmes is that you do not take core language modules once you change to BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies and so do not develop your language skills to the same extent.

4. Programme Structure

The BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies is a three-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme can also be studied part-time in up to six years. This programme is divided into three stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.

 

You begin on BA Media & Communications and Modern Languages and change to BA Global Cultural Studies  in the following cases:

You fail your core language at first or second year.

You are studying a beginners language and you do not do a year abroad, so transfer at the end of second year.

You decide you no longer want to study any core language modules after first or second year.

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Media & Communications modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=comms
Modern Languages modules https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=mod-lang


You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. You are expected to balance your credits in each stage of the programme, taking 60 credits from Media & Communications, and 60 credits from Modern Languages and Cultures.

Stage 1

60 credits of compulsory Communications modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 30 credits of optional Modern Languages modules

Compulsory Modules

Follow the guidelines for BA Media & Communications and Modern Languages. The only difference between programmes is that language modules are condonable, so if you fail a core language at first year, you can move onto the BA Communications and Global Cultural Studies as an exit programme.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CMM1001 Perspectives on Communications 30Yes
CMM1004 Communications Research Methods 30Yes
Modern Languages Stage 1 Compulsory Language Modules
MLF1001 French Language 30 No
MLF1052 French Language for Beginners 30 No
MLG1001 German Language 30 No
MLG1052 German Language for Beginners 30 No
MLI1001 Italian Language 30 No
MLI1052 Italian Language for Beginners 30 No
MLM1052 Beginners Chinese 30 No
MLP1052 Portuguese Language for Beginners 30 No
MLR1001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral 30 No
MLR1030 Russian Language for Beginners 30 No
MLS1001 Spanish Language 30 No
MLS1056 Spanish Language for Beginners 30 No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
MLM1014 Chinese Art and the Art of Living 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
French Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLF1017 The Making of Modern France 15 No
MLF1018 The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLF1103 The French Language, Present and Past 15 No
MLF1105 An Introduction to French Thought 15 No
MLF1121 French Visual History 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
German Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLG1020 Made in Germany: the History and Culture of a Global Brand 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLG1014 A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Italian Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLI1016 Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about Italy 15 No
MLI1121 A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century Italy 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Portuguese Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLP1002 Introduction to the Lusophone World 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Russian Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLR1006 An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLR1023 Russia: Empire and Identity 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Spanish Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLS1064 An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in Context 15 No
MLS1068 An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLS1066 The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture 15 No
MLS1164 A Journey of Discovery: Hispanic Global Culture 15 No

Stage 2

30 credits of core modules, 90 credits of options

If you move into BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies  for your second year, please follow the pattern below. Otherwise, please see BA Media & Communications and Modern Languages.

On BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies language modules are condonable, so if you fail a core language at second year, you can move onto the BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies as an exit programme.

Compulsory Modules

Select CMM2008 as a pre-requisite for taking either CMM3002 Communications Dissertation or CMM3003 Communications Practical Research Project in final year.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CMM2008 Communications Research Methods 30Yes

Optional Modules

Choose 30 credits of Communications options.

Select 60 credits of optional modules from across Modern Languages and Cultures, including SML and HUM options

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Media & Communications Stage 2 CH Option Modules 2025-6
CMM2010 Professional Writing 30 No
CMM2012 Communications and the Climate Crisis 30 No
CMM2014 Design Thinking 30 No
CMM2016 Economies of Engagement: Gamification and Platform Cultures 30 No
CMM2017 Internet Foundations and Frontiers 30 No
CMM2018 Media and the Law: Regulation, Governance, Ethics 30 No
EAF2502 Shots in the Dark 30 No
Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules if viable
MLF2001 French Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLF2152 Intermediate French 30 No
MLG2001 German Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLG2052 Intermediate German 30 No
MLI2001 Italian Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLI2051 Italian Language 30 No
MLM2052 Intermediate Chinese (One) 30 No
MLP2052 Intermediate Portuguese 30 No
MLR2001 Contemporary Russian Written and Oral I 30 No
MLR2030 Intermediate Russian 30 No
MLS2001 Spanish Language, Written and Oral 30 No
MLS2156 Spanish Language (ex-beginners) 30 No
Chinese Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
MLM1014 Chinese Art and the Art of Living 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
French Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLF1017 The Making of Modern France 15 No
MLF1018 The Devil is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLF1103 The French Language, Present and Past 15 No
MLF1105 An Introduction to French Thought 15 No
MLF1121 French Visual History 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
German Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLG1020 Made in Germany: the History and Culture of a Global Brand 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLG1014 A Nation Remembers: Issues in German Cultural Memory 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Italian Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLI1016 Italy Inside Out: Popular Visual Narratives about Italy 15 No
MLI1121 A Thousand Faces: Cultures and History in 19th-Century Italy 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Portuguese Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLP1002 Introduction to the Lusophone World 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Russian Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLR1006 An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLR1023 Russia: Empire and Identity 15 No
SML1208 Language, Culture, International Relations 15 No
Spanish Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
MLS1064 An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in Context 15 No
MLS1068 An Introduction to the Literature and Film of Spain 15 No
SML1207 Introduction to Film 15 No
MLS1066 The Making of Modern Latin America: History Through Literature and Culture 15 No
MLS1164 A Journey of Discovery: Hispanic Global Culture 15 No

Stage 3

30 credits of compulsory dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules. 


Compulsory Modules

Select a Dissertation in either Communications CMM3002 or CMM3003 (you cannot choose more than one module from this group).

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CMM3002 Communications: Dissertation 30Yes
CMM3003 Communications: Practical Research Project 30Yes

Optional Modules

Select 30 credits of Communications options.

Select 60 credits of optional cultural modules from across Modern Languages and Cultures, including SML modules or HUM modules

 

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ML and MC Final Stage Media and Communications Module Options 25-26
CMM3005 Gender, Sexuality and Media 30 No
CMM3006 Digital Inequalities 30 No
CMM3007 Critical AI Studies 30 No
CMM3008 Imagining Tech Futures for the Common Good 30 No
CMM3009 Selling the Self: Influencer Culture and Digital Capitalism 30 No
CMM3010 Social Media and Migration 30 No
EAF3515 Something to See: War and Visual Media 30 No
EAF3518 Queering British Film and Television 30 No
EAF3519 Cinema in the Anthropocene 30 No
EAS3128 Writing the Short Film 30 No
Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
MLM3009 China through the Lens: Cultural Translation and Self-Presentation 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3052 The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Europe and Asia 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
MLM3008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
French Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
MLF3006 The Invention of Modern Love 15 No
MLF3007 Multilingualism, Audiovisual Translation and Power in Cinema-monde 15 No
MLF3075 First-Person Outsiders in Modern French Literature 15 No
MLF3079 Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
MLF3078 Philosophers, Prophets and Mystics in French Culture 15 No
MLF3080 Les Miserables from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
German Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
MLG3037 Coping with Catastrophe: German Culture, Literature and Politics in the Interwar Years 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
MLG3036 Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Italian Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
AHV3002 Understanding Space in Renaissance Italy 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
MLI3033 Multicultural Italy 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Portuguese Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Russian Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
MLR3026 The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
MLR3121 Understanding Russia 15 No
MLR3125 Imperfect Murder: Reading Crime and Punishment 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Spanish Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
MLS3071 The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate 15 No
MLS3037 Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain 15 No
MLS3057 Cross Currents: Memory, Myth and Modernity in Latin America 15 No
MLS3112 Spanish Modernists: Narratives of Identity, Gender and Nation 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
MLS3072 Unlawful Sex: Sexualities on Trial in Medieval Spain 15 No
MLS3114 Sustainability in the Hispanic World 15 No
SML3031 Advanced Translation Skills 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the historical development of a range of communication technologies.
2. Identify, evaluate, and appreciate a variety of methodological approaches and critical traditions within communication studies.
3. Apply a range of critical theories to the study of communication technologies and media texts.
4. Interrogate and analyse media texts within their particular contexts of production, dissemination, and reception.
5. Position debates about communications within a wider context of cultural and intellectual history.
6. Apply critical terminology and, where appropriate, methodological, linguistic, stylistic, and/or formal terminology to an understanding of communication technologies and media texts; utilise appropriate bibliographical style.
7. Show detailed knowledge of aspects of history and culture in the parts of the world where your chosen language is spoken, and evaluate them critically, using appropriate methodologies.
8. Analyse and interpret texts (including non-literary texts and other media, e.g. film) in relation to their cultural, historical and generic contexts, and articulate your understanding orally and in writing.

ILOs 1-8 are acquired through lectures, seminars, workshops, study groups, tutorials and other learning activities throughout the programme. The degree of specialisation of subject knowledge increases during the programme, culminating in the dissertation. Modules at stage 3 are most closely related to the research specialism of the staff teaching the module. The precise method of teaching varies according to each module. On team-taught modules you will normally engage in both lectures and seminar groups. In smaller options you will normally spend most of your contact time in seminar groups and workshops.

 

Your learning is further developed through engagement with assessments, following guidance from tutors and lecturers and through feedback on work submitted.

The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, annotated bibliographies, web-based assessments, audio-visual and written essays, exams, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation or large-scale practical project. Essays, exams, and presentations are especially significant within the programme because they assess each of the skills in ILOs 1-8

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

9. Apply critical skills in the analysis of communication technologies and media texts.
10. Articulate knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts and theories relating to communication and media.
11. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data in order to frame questions and answer questions relevant to academic study and the graduate workplace.
12. Demonstrate the ability to sustain fluent arguments and analysis in writing and in presenting ideas to others.
13. Apply bibliographic skills appropriate to the discipline, including accurate citation of sources and consistent use of conventions in the presentation of scholarly work.
14. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts.
15. Examine critically any form of discourse arising from the close reading and analysis of texts.
16. Show understanding of the variety of approaches to research in the field of global cultural studies, and of the reasons why such approaches may change.
17. Demonstrate receptiveness to foreign cultures and ability to see the relativity of one's own cultural perspective.

These skills are developed throughout the programme in all modules, with the emphasis becoming more complex as you move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both in presentation and seminar discussion), and reinforced through the range of modules across all three stages. They will culminate in the substantial and independent research skills demonstrated within the dissertation and special subject modules.

The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, log-books, web-based assessments, essays, oral and written exams, other written reports/projects, and (if chosen) a dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

18. Apply advanced literacy and communication skills in appropriate contexts including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments.
19. Analyse and critically examine diverse forms of material, both textual and visual.
20. Acquire and interrelate substantial quantities of complex information of diverse kinds, in a structured and systematic way, and involving the use of the distinctive methodological and interpretative skills of the subject areas.
21. Apply research skills for the retrieval of historical material, and develop the ability to gather, sift and organise this material independently and critically, evaluating its significance.
22. Interrogate and apply a variety of theoretical positions, and weigh the importance of alternative perspectives in a critical and self-reflective manner.
23. Exercise independent thought and judgment.
24. Engage with others through the presentation of ideas and information in groups, and work towards the collective negotiation of solutions.
25. Plan and execute written and other forms of project-work over both short and long timescales.
26. Complete tasks under time-constrained conditions and effectively manage deadlines and targets

Personal and key skills are delivered through all modules, and developed in lectures, workshops, study groups, tutorials, work experience and other learning activities throughout the programme.

The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, annotated bibliographies, web-based assessments, essays, exams, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation or large-scale practical project.

 

ILOs 18-23 are also strongly developed over the course of the portfolio of assessed essays and other audio-visual and/or written work produced through the programme. These assessments work on the principle of offering formative feedback to support the development of your work within as well as between modules. Feedback on one assignment is intended to inform the next piece of work you undertake on the module; the next piece of work on the programme, or the future learning of graduates.

 

ILO 24 is associated especially with the range of group presentations taking place in modules during the programme. Group presentation assessment brings into focus an important range of skills for students, including sharing workloads, responsibility for tasks, team working, collaborative and communicative skills. Individual contributions to group work are also assessed individually, most often in the form of a reflective presentation report.

 

ILOs 25-26 are also accomplished during the course of ‘real-time’ formal assessments such as presentations and end of module exams, which occur through the programme.

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Award Rules

Your degree classification will be calculated from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.

 

Your degree title will be ‘BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies’. If you have passed at least 60 credits of a language in stages 1 and 2, you will get ‘with proficiency in [language]’. If you have passed at least 60 credits of a language at advanced level (MLx1001, MLx2001 or Language Centre equivalents), you will get ‘with proficiency in advanced [language]’.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

All students within Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies have a personal tutor for their entire programme of study and who are available for at least three hours a week at advertised ‘office hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate students at the start of their programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

Not applicable to this programme.

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Media and Communications and Global Cultural Studies

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

 ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

Level 1

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/01/2020

 Date of last revision

17/04/2025