Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Employment Experience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Employment Experience | Programme code | UFA4CMMCMM02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BA (Hons) Media & Communications with Employment Experience programme is studied over four years. The first two years and the final year are university-based, and the third year is spent gaining employment experience at a suitable location in the UK.
The BA (Hons) Media & Communications with Employment Experience programme allows you to develop deep knowledge and understanding of a variety of historical, theoretical, and methodological approaches to the study of media and communications technologies, and to explore key issues surrounding the production, dissemination, and reception of media texts. From early print media, through the broadcast era, to the current era of networked digital media, this degree will allow you to interrogate the ways that media and communications technologies mediate social realities in specific historical and cultural contexts. You will gain a critical understanding of the links between media, technology, and social change, and develop frameworks to make sense of how these relationships are central to everyday life in the era of digital media, algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence. You will learn about media policy, law and regulation, and learn to apply a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, including critical interpretative approaches, content analysis, (digital) ethnography, platform analysis, social network analysis, and mixed methods. Employability skills are embedded throughout the programme, and our dedicated Work Placement module will allow you to hone practical and professional skills that will prepare you for work across a range of careers in the media, communications, and creative industries.
Modules are taught by published experts in Media & Communications and the fields listed above, and students benefit from access to world-leading resources, such as the Digital Humanities Lab, the Foreign Language Centre, and the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum.
This Employment Experience variant of the programme is a great way to incorporate graduate-level work placement or placements undertaken in the United Kingdom directly into your programme of study, to reflect critically upon these experiences, and for them to count towards the assessment of your degree. There is no better way to gain valuable employment experience that can be rewarded and recognised clearly by future employers. With preparation, support and approval from the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences you can also demonstrate adaptability and resourcefulness by organising suitable placements in areas of employment related to your interests and potential future career.
You are required to find your own placement with suitable employers and organisations with preparation, support and approval from the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. You are required to take CMM2002 Communications in the Workplace at stage 2 and must participate in the pre-departure briefing sessions for the Employment Experience year.
Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal academic tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will offer you a structured framework of study in which you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, with sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow an individual pathway of learning. The programme further aims to:
- provide you with opportunities to acquire and develop deep knowledge and understanding of the historical development, character, and content of a wide variety of communication technologies
- to equip you with the ability to critically evaluate and to synthesize a range of theoretical approaches and practices related to the study of Communications in a range of texts and contexts
- to develop an appreciation of a range of methodological approaches to the academic study of Communications
- to develop the necessary communication skills necessary for a variety of careers across the cultural sector, including the media, cultural, and heritage industries
- to provide opportunities for you to reflect critically upon graduate career planning and strategies
- to foster critical and analytical skills, including graduate research skills
4. Programme Structure
The BA Media & Communications with Employment Experience is a four-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 seven years. This programme is divided into four stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic 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.
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=comms
Stage 1
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
*CMM1004 Communications Research Methods is a new module from 25/26 for students at Stage 1 of the programme. CMM2008 Communications Research Methods is only for students at Stage 2 of the programme in 25/26 and will be removed from the programme, replaced by CMM1004, after 25/26.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMM1001 | Perspectives on Communications | 30 | No |
| CMM1002 | Communications Challenges | 30 | No |
| HAS1905 | Employment Experience HASS | 0 | No |
| CMM1004 | Communications Research Methods | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media and Communications SH Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| CMM1005 | Social Media and Society | 30 | No |
| EAS1044 | Imagine This: Prompts for Creative Writing | 15 | No |
| HAS1001 | Enter the Matrix: Digital Perspectives on the Humanities | 15 | No |
| EAS1016 | Digital Cultures: Narrative, Creativity, Industry | 15 | No |
| DRA1016 | Performance Analysis | 30 | No |
Stage 2
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules for a total of 120 credits
Compulsory Modules
CMM2008 is a pre-requisite for taking either CMM3002 Communications Dissertation or CMM3003 Communications Practical Research Project in final year.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMM2002 | Communications in the Workplace | 30 | No |
| CMM2008 | Communications Research Methods | 30 | No |
| HAS2905 | Employment Experience HASS | 0 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media and Communications SH Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| CMM2010 | Professional Writing | 30 | No |
| CMM2016 | Economies of Engagement: Gamification and Platform Cultures | 30 | No |
| CMM2017 | Internet Foundations and Frontiers | 30 | No |
| CMM2012 | Communications and the Climate Crisis | 30 | No |
| CMM2014 | Design Thinking | 30 | No |
| CMM2018 | Media and the Law: Regulation, Governance, Ethics | 30 | No |
| EAF2502 | Shots in the Dark | 30 | No |
Stage 3
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUM3998 | Employment Experience UK | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
Subject to choosing 120 credits for the stage overall, you must:
a - You must select either CMM3002 or CMM3003 (you cannot choose more than one module from this group).
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMM3002 | Communications: Dissertation [See note a above] | 30 | No |
| CMM3003 | Communications: Practical Research Project [See note a above] | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media and Communications SH Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6 | |||
| CMM3005 | Gender, Sexuality and Media | 30 | No |
| CMM3009 | Selling the Self: Influencer Culture and Digital Capitalism | 30 | No |
| CMM3007 | Critical AI Studies | 30 | No |
| CMM3008 | Imagining Tech Futures for the Common Good | 30 | No |
| CMM3010 | Social Media and Migration | 30 | No |
| CMM3006 | Digital Inequalities | 30 | No |
| EAF3515 | Something to See: War and Visual Media | 30 | No |
| EAF3501 | American Independent Film | 30 | No |
| EAF3519 | Cinema in the Anthropocene | 30 | No |
| EAF3523 | Perspectives on Animation | 30 | No |
| EAF3522 | Film, Philosophy, and the Internet | 30 | No |
| DRA3102 | Audio Dramaturgy: Theatre of the Ear | 30 | No |
| EAS3128 | Writing the Short Film | 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. | ILOs 1-6 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 1-6. |
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: | |
7. Apply critical skills in the analysis of communication technologies and media texts. | ILOs 7-11 are developed throughout the programme in all modules, with the emphasis becoming more complex as students move from stage to stage. They are developed through lectures and seminars, written work, and oral work (both in presentation and seminar discussion). They will culminate in the substantial and independent research skills demonstrated within the dissertation or large-scale practical project. | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, annotated bibliographies, web-based assessments, written and/or audio-visual essays, exams, other written reports/projects, and a dissertation or large-scale practical project. |
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: | |
12. Apply advanced literacy and communication skills in appropriate contexts including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments. | 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 12-17 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 18 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 19-20 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
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 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 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.
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
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Employment Experience
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 480 |
ECTS credits | 240 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/01/2020 |
Date of last revision | 24/11/2025 |
|---|
