Study information

Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year

BA (Hons) Media and Communications and Global Cultural Studies (3 years)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Media and Communications and Global Cultural Studies (3 years) Programme codeUFA3CMMSML02
Study mode(s)Part Time
Full Time
 Academic year2024/5
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA (Hons) Media & Communications and Modern Languages (3-year) 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 (3 year) 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 (3 year) and so do not develop your language skills to the same extent.

4. Programme Structure

The BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies (3-year) 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 (three year) 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 Media & Communications modules, 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language, 30 credits of optional Modern Languages 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 Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies (3 year) as an exit programme.

Compulsory Modules

As per BA Media & Communications and Modern Languages.

Stage 2

30 credits of core modules, 90 credits of options

If you move into BA Media & Communications and Global Cultural Studies (3 year) 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 (3 year) 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 (3 year) as an exit programme.

Compulsory Modules

Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:

Select CMM2008 as a pre-requisite for taking either CMM3002 Communications Dissertation or CMM3003 Communications Practical Research Project in final year. In addition you also choose 30 credits of Communications options.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
CMM2008 Communications Research Methods Pre-requisite for Communications Dissertatio or Research Project30Yes

Optional Modules

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

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Media and Communications Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
CMM2010 Professional Writing 30 No
CMM2011 History of Communications 30 No
CMM2012 Communications and the Climate Crisis 30 No
CMM2013 Introduction to Games Studies 30 No
EAF2505 Spectacular Attractions: Cinema and Sensation 30 No
EAF2511 Television: Times, Trends and Technologies 30 No
HUM2000 Humanities in the Workplace 30 No
Modern Languages Stage 2 Compulsory Language Modules Core language modules taken 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 2 Option Modules 2024-5
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
MLM2003 Chinoiserie and Europeenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe 15 No
MLM2008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
French Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
MLF2012 Evolution of the French Language 15 No
MLF2069 East is East? Cross-Cultural Encounters in Medieval French Literature 15 No
MLF2076 Subversive Texts: Baudelaire and Rachilde 15 No
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
HIH2208A Medieval Paris 30 No
MLF2070 Violence and Virtue: Early Modern French Theatre 15 No
MLF2029 Varieties of French 15 No
MLF2006 French-language Road Movies: Space, Place and Identity 15 No
HIH2591 Philip Augustus and the Making of France, 1180-1223 30 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
German Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
MLG2003 Youth and Age: Generations in German Fiction and Film 15 No
MLG2018 Berlin - Culture, History and Politics 15 No
MLG2019 Gender, Race and Migration in 20th and 21st-century German Literature 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Italian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
MLI2019 Italian(s) in the World 15 No
HUM2005 Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence 15 No
MLI2004 From Page to Screen: The Italian Female Detective in Literature, Film and Television 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Portuguese Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Russian Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
MLR2023 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15 No
MLR2026 The Deceptive City: the Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
MLR2021 Understanding Russia 15 No
MLR2025 Imperfect Murder: Reading Crime and Punishment 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 15 No
Spanish Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5
MLS2044 How to be a Knight: Political Lessons from 14th-Century Spain 15 No
MLS2072 Place and Identity in Contemporary Venezuelan Culture 15 No
SML2004 Contemporary Latin American Cinema 15 No
HIH2145A Spain from Absolutism to Democracy 30 No
MLS2045 Federico Garcia Lorca: Theatre and Poetry 15 No
MLS2061 The Latin American Short Story 15 No
MLS2073 Literary Non-Fiction in Argentina: When Writing Meets the Real 15 No
MLS2158 "What is Love? And Do I Need It?" An Introduction to Spanish Renaissance Love Poetry 15 No
SML2246 Intercultural Communication 15 No
SML2244 Multilingualism in Society 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?
Media and Communications Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
CMM3004 Social Media and Society 30 No
EAF3515 Something to See: War and Visual Media 30 No
EAS3128 Writing the Short Film 30 No
CMM3006 Digital Inequalities 30 No
EAF3519 Cinema in the Anthropocene 30 No
HUM3003A Hacking the Humanities: How to Plan and Run Successful Digital Projects 15 No
CMM3005 Gender, Sexuality and Media 30 No
EAF3106 Female Screens: Representation, Agency and Authorship 30 No
EAF3521 Film Audiences 30 No
Chinese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
HUM3015 The Place of Meaning: Gardens in Britain and China 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLM3008 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
French Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLF3034 Sociolinguistics of French 15 No
MLF3079 Sex, Subversion and Censorship: Libertine Literature in Seventeenth-Century France 15 No
MLF3007 Multilingualism, Audiovisual Translation and Power in Cinema-monde 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
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
German Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
MLG3040 Sex, Sciences and the Arts 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3034 Contemporary French Visual Culture 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLG3036 Dictatorships on Display: History Exhibitions in Germany and Austria 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Italian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
MLI3199 Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLI3033 Multicultural Italy 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Portuguese Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Russian Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
MLR3026 The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature 15 No
MLR3123 A Russian Carnival of the Animals 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLR3021 Women Writers in Twentieth - century Russian Literure 30 No
MLR3025 Apocalypse/Utopia: The Russian Roots of Revolution 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 15 No
SML3030 Extended Dissertation 30 No
Spanish Final Stage Option Modules 2024-5
MLS3037 Women and Feminism in 20th Century Spain 15 No
MLS3057 Cross Currents: Memory, Myth and Modernity in Latin America 15 No
MLS3071 The Chilean Road to Socialism (1970-1973): What Happened and Why? Elements for a Debate 15 No
SML3015 Dissertation 15 No
SML3013 Through the Language Lens: the Relationship between Language, Culture and the Mind 15 No
SML3043 Migration and Multilingualism 15 No
SML3041 Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures 15 No
MLS3072 Unlawful Sex: Sexualities on Trial in Medieval Spain 15 No
SML3031 Advanced Translation Skills 15 No
SML3009 Intercultural Communication in a Global World 15 No
SML3014 Socialist Thought and Practice in Latin America and Africa 15 No
SML3042 Transcultural Devon: Creating, Analysing and Subtitling Interviews in the Context of Migration 15 No
SML3044 Migration in World Cinema 15 No
HUM3002 Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature 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:

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

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 (3 year)’. 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

ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland)

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 (3 years)

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

23/04/2024