University of Brighton
Print

Media Studies and Sociology
BA(Hons)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 3-6 years

    UCAS code PL33 (campus code U)

    About the course

    This degree explores the relationship between contemporary media, and sociology - the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society.

    Media studies examines the increasingly central role of the cultural and communications industries in contemporary societies. Through the study of a wide range of theories and approaches, you will engage with major thinkers and debates. Close analysis of media texts and contexts will help you develop skills of interpretation, evaluation and critical judgement.

    Sociology analyses social structures and social change from a theoretical and critical point of view. What makes you the person you are today? How does the world relate to you, and how do you relate to the world? These are some of the questions that sociology considers, looking at society as a whole, what defines and influences it.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    BBC. Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.

    ND/C (Level 3):
    DMM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    30 points.

    QAA-approved access course:
    acceptable.

    GCSE (minimum grade C):
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    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.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    The course is delivered through seminars, lectures, workshops and excursions. You will be assessed through coursework. In the second year, you will have the opportunity of carrying out a placement. Your tutor will help you find an appropriate work placement matching an area of personal interest.

    Areas of study

    In media studies, you will explore the ways in which media texts are produced and consumed, as well as practices of identity, discourse and representation. You will analyse film, television, advertising, the press and other forms of media, and learn practical skills in screenwriting and visual communication.

    In the sociology strand, you will learn about a range of concepts, theories and methods. These will be applied to understand social and cultural processes, social diversity and inequality, and the relationships between individuals, groups and institutions. You will gain critical awareness of these issues in both historical and contemporary contexts and develop research skills.

    The course is delivered through seminars and lectures. You?ll be assessed through both coursework and exams. In the second year, you will have the opportunity of carrying out a placement. Your tutor will help you find an appropriate work placement matching an area of personal interest.

    Syllabus

    Year 1
    Modules include:
    Media: a critical introduction
    Visual Communication
    Foundations of Sociology
    Sociology Imaginations
    Approaches to Learning
    Subject Approaches and Practices

    Year 2
    Modules include:
    Visual Methodologies
    Adaptation for the Screen
    Perspectives in Social Theory
    Sociology and the Life Course
    Community Participation and Development
    Research Practices
    Learning Throught Practice

    Year 3
    Modules include:
    Audio-visual Narratives
    Media Geographies
    Social Analysis: critical methodologies
    Sociological Analysis: concepts and theories
    Dissertation

    You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

    Programme Specification

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BA(Hons) Media Studies and Sociology  [U2EA003]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)10,500 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Hastings

    Our Hastings campus is in the city centre, just three minutes south of the station and about the same distance from the seafront and the shopping district. It is a small and friendly campus of about 700 students.

    Living in Hastings

    The historic town of Hastings has been described as the south coast’s best kept secret. The town combines natural beauty with an exciting cultural centre and close knit student community.

    Social scene

    The up-and-coming social scene has seen a rise in pubs and bars opening in the town centre. From the quaint taverns in the old town to the slick town centre bars, there is something to suit every taste.

    Arts

    Hastings has a long established thriving art community with a large number of small galleries and art groups. The Electric Palace cinema in the Old Town is a small, independent cinema that also runs the annual ’Shot by the Sea’ film festival.

    Sports

    Alongside the university-run sports clubs, Hastings offers local sports clubs you can join, including football, rugby and netball. Or make the most of the location and take part in rowing, sailing and wind-surfing.

  • Career opportunities

    Your career opportunities include research, publishing, and journalism in both the public sector and private sector, and roles in marketing, public relations, and the cultural industries.

    Visit the careers service website.

Application process
Book your open day place
Find out more

08456 020607
Email hastingsinfo@brighton.ac.uk

Visit the school that delivers this course