UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing Informatics and Media
Bradford Media School
Programme/course title: BA (Honours) Media Studies with Web
Design
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award:
BA (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level H]
Programme title:
Media Studies with Web Design
Duration:
3 years full time; 4 years full time with Diploma of
International Studies; 4-6 years part time
UCAS code:
P3W2 BA/MSWD
Subject benchmark
statement:
Communication, Media, Film & Cultural Studies
Date produced
February 2005;
Last updated :
July 2011
Introduction
The University of Bradford has a long track record in offering courses in new media
technologies, media production and media studies. This programme has been
developed by the Bradford Media School, part of University’s School of Computing,
Informatics and Media, in collaboration with the School of Lifelong Learning,
Education and Development and the School of Social and International Studies. The
city of Bradford is the home of the National Media Museum, and the BA Media
Studies with Web Design course makes use of its extensive resources. Bradford
Media School has strong links with the BBC and is part of the Yorkshire and Humber
Skillset Media Academy. Bradford is also the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. Our
partnerships and collaborations provide you with the opportunity to experience
interdisciplinary, shared learning within a vibrant, creative environment.
The Media Studies with Web Design programme takes a mixture of traditional and
new approaches. Focusing partly on media institutions, histories, audiences, and
tools for the analysis of media products, the course also takes advantage of the
School’s up-to-date expertise in new media content creation and production
technology – in areas such as television, web design, digital media and photography.
Bradford graduates go on to exciting jobs in the new media industries and many
have won national and international awards for their work.
The BA Media Studies with Web Design course is designed for students who wish to
develop a critical understanding of the development and current status of the media
industries, the products they make, and their audiences. On this course you will also
study the major media production forms. Some of the teaching on the course is done
by practising media professionals and research academics, and the production
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resources, both at the University and the National Media Museum, are of high
professional standard.
The School aims to provide Honours degree programmes which enable you to
develop an integrated range of knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of
media studies through critical engagement with media theory alongside content
design and production practice. In addition the programmes aim actively to
encourage students to develop a portfolio of appropriate transferable skills and
attributes.
Even if you don’t wish to work in the media, a media studies degree provides you
with the critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills that are required in so many of
today’s commercial environments. What’s more, a degree in media helps you make
better sense of what’s going on in the world around you – an enormous amount of
what we know comes to our attention through the media – a Bradford Media Studies
with Web Design degree will give you an invaluable insight into the ways in which
our media work.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1.
Enable you to develop a contextual knowledge of the development and
current status of the media industries and institutions, the products they make,
and their audiences.
A2.
Enable you to develop an integrated range of knowledge, understanding and
skills in the field of media studies through critical engagement with media
theory.
A3.
Enable you to develop your professional knowledge and skills in creative
content design and production practice.
A4.
Enable you to develop a portfolio of appropriate transferable skills and
attributes.
A5.
Enable you to develop lifelong independent learning skills.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
LO1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the major
contemporary issues and of the historical development of media forms,
languages, ethics and institutions and their relationships to their audiences
and to commerce, state and government.
LO2. Apply your knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical tools and
critical analytical skills in the interpretation of media texts.
LO3. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the social, political, cultural,
technical, and economic conditions of media production, distribution, and
reception in national and international contexts.
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LO4. Apply your knowledge of and competence in key technologies and practices
of media and web production.
LO5. Demonstrate discipline-specific skills in media and web content creation,
specification, design, production, and evaluation.
LO6. Demonstrate the ability to produce project work to high technical and
aesthetic standards with the ability to make informed judgements in the
context of rapidly developing and converging media and web industries.
LO7. Apply appropriate personal and transferable skills in data management and
presentation; interpretation and transformation of information; creative and
systematic problem solving; and communication.
LO8. Demonstrate the application of effective skills in teamwork and leadership,
project management and personal management.
Curriculum
Stage 1
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
EM0141D
Professional and Personal
Development
C
20
1
1
EM0227M
Principles of Design for Media
C
10
1
1
EM0134D
Media Histories
C
20
1
1
EM0102M
Technical Fundamentals
C
10
1
1
EM0135D
Media Institutions
C
20
1
2
EM0103D
Issues in Web Development and
Technology
C
20
1
2
EM0240D
Multimedia Application
Development
C
20
2
2
Stage 2
Module
Code
Module Title
Hons
Ord
Credits
Level
Study
period
EM0239D
Media Audiences
C
C
20
2
1
EM0106D
C
C
20
1
1
C
20
2
1
EM0258D
Visual Literacy
'Do the Right Thing': Media Ethics,
Compliance & Sustainability
EM0222D
Imaging and Design
C
20
2
2
EM0238D
International Media
C
C
20
2
2
EM0212D
Film and Media Contexts
C
C
20
2
2
Hons
Ord
Credits
Level
Study
period
O
O
20
3
1
Stage 3
Module
Code
LED6522D*
Module Title
Research Methods &
Methodologies
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EM0369D*
Creative Media Enterprise
O
O
20
3
1
EM0347D
Dissertation - Preparation
C
C
20
3
1
Individual Project – Film and
Media
O
20
3
1
EM0349D**
EM0353D**
Digital Videography
O
20
3
1
Dissertation – 8000 Word Writeup
C
40
3
2
EM0364Q
EM0215D
Photography for Digital Media
O
20
2
2
EM0352D
Computers and Music
O
20
3
2
C
* Students can choose EITHER Research Methods & Methodologies OR Creative
Media Enterprise but not BOTH.
**Students can choose EITHER Individual Project:Film and Media OR Digital
Videography but not BOTH.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
Diploma of International Studies
You have the option of studying or working abroad for a year between stages 2 and
3; this option is strongly encouraged. The university’s International Office provides a
wide range of opportunities and support for students to gain international experience.
Successful completion of the international year qualifies you for the award of the
Diploma of International Studies in addition to your degree. This option provides
the opportunity to gain valuable experience, and is viewed favourably by prospective
employers.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
You will experience a wide range of teaching and learning environments. Concepts,
principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practised in
associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated in laboratory classes. Practical
skills are developed in laboratory, workshop, and studio sessions. Professional and
personal skills are developed through discussion and small-scale project work which
involves problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by working in small
groups supported by members of academic staff. Project work is used to bring
various aspects of your course together. A particular strength of this course is the
contribution made to the teaching programme by successful practising media
professionals. Working with students and staff from other academic programmes,
you will have the opportunity to experience collaborative learning, drawing on the
extensive and up-to-date subject knowledge of research active staff.
Each 10-credit module on the course requires you to commit 100 hours of study.
Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars,
tutorials and workshops – and others will involve you in carrying out private study.
The balance between these forms of study changes as you pass through the three
years of the course. There are a lot of “contact hours” (time spent with tutors) in the
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earlier stages of the course; the final year is mostly project based, and at this stage
you will be expected to manage your own learning, under the general guidance of
your tutors.
Basic principles and concepts are addressed in the first year (Stage One) of your
studies. In the second year (Stage Two) a more analytical approach is taken, and in
the final year (Stage Three) you will have the opportunity to synthesise and critically
review the knowledge, understanding, and skills you have gained throughout the
course.
Methods of assessment are similarly varied and your progress will be assessed
using a mix of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports,
laboratory tests, essays, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate
method is chosen so that you may demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of
each module.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which
are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 240
points. However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21
years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who,
lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion
of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have
the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford
experience” with current students.
Learning Resources
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The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School
of Health and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and
electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want
to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss
work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training
sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your
assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline
available.
Bradford Media School is equipped with several computer suites running Windows 7
or the latest Intel based Apple Macs. Software includes Creative Suite 5 and Final
Cut Studio. Students have free access to the latest high definition video cameras,
shooting broadcast quality formats onto solid state media. These are provided with a
range of accessories including lighting, microphones, audio recording equipment and
tripods / grip. A selection of digital SLR cameras and accessories are available for
photography work including full frame (35mm) equipment. A wide range of tripods,
filter kits, lenses, additional batteries and memory are also available for these kits.
Dedicated studio spaces are available for audio recording, photography,
video/chromakey and television production. http://ts.inf.brad.ac.uk/
The National Media Museum provides both a unique learning environment and a
large body of resources relating to media, photography, film and television, as well
as a huge and growing archive of rare artefacts, photographs, television
programmes and over 9000 books and other publications. Some of the teaching on
the course takes place at the Museum utilising its broadcast television production
facilities and the expertise of Museum staff. As a student you will also enjoy access
to unique screenings and events, and to all of the festivals held at the Museum.
Student Support and Guidance
Course Team
Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the
University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is
someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
The Hub, Student Support Centre
The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can
receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life
at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.
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The teams located within The Hub:

Accommodation
 Admissions
o Education Liaison
o Enquiries
 Student Administration and Support
o Bursaries and Financial Support
o Finance and Credit Control Group
o Payzone
o Records and Tuition Fees
 International Office
 Customer Service Team
www.brad.ac.uk/hub
+44 1274 232233
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
(based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Careers and Employability
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability
and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available
throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part
time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.
Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the
extensive resources on the web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring
options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input
by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged
workshops. These may take place as early as year 1, or may be achieved through a
customised Career and Personal Development module in year 2 or 3 which is
developed in close cooperation with the academic department. An annual First
Destination Survey leads to compilation of a report on the outcomes of all
programmes and to the development of an annually updated Traffic Light Analysis of
Employability which is used as a performance indicator.
Students are encouraged and supported to engage with work based learning either
in a one year placement (normally between stages two and three) or in short term or
part time work experience. This enables students to engage with an appropriate
industry-environment prior to graduation. Undergraduates are also encouraged to
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use the SCIM Alumni website (http://graduates.scim.brad.ac.uk/) to facilitate this
process, and to find opportunities to become involved in project work outside of the
University environment, as well as to find paid employment. Students also have
access to the Informatics Innovation Unit which supports students who wish to start
their own companies.
Through our partnership with the BBC students have opportunities to engage with
practicing media professionals and make contacts within the industry.
Learner Development Unit (LDU)
The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths,
numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is
delivered during both semesters which complements individual support available
from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials available from the
LDU website.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone.
The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get
the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any
concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate
to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability
Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Recruitment and Marketing Office
The University of Bradford
School of Computing, Informatics and Media
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© University of Bradford
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Horton Building
UK
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 235963
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
ugadmissions@scim.brad.ac.uk
http://scim.brad.ac.uk/courses/ug/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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© University of Bradford
Appendices to Programme Specifications
1. Curriculum map
This table shows in which modules the main learning outcomes are developed
and/or assessed:
Programme Learning Outcomes
Stage
Module
LO1
LO2
LO3
1
EM-0134D
A
A
A
LO4
LO5
LO6
A
EM-0227M
EM-0102M
A
EM-0103D
A
A
A
EM-0106D
A
A
A
A
A
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
EM-0239D
A
A
A
A
EM-0258D
A
A
A
A
A
A
EM-0222D
3
A
A
EM-0240D
2
LO8
A
EM-0141D
EM-0135D
LO7
A
A
A
EM-0212D
A
A
A
A
EM-0238D
A
A
A
A
EM-0353D
S
EM0369D
EM-0347D
A
EM-0349D
A
S
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
LED6522D
EM-0364Q
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
EM-0215D
A
A
A
EM-0352D
A
A
A
A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not
formally assessed
LO1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the major
contemporary issues and of the historical development of media forms,
languages, ethics and institutions and their relationships to their audiences
and to commerce, state and government.
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© University of Bradford
LO2. Apply your knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical tools and
critical analytical skills in the interpretation of media texts.
LO3. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the social, political, cultural,
technical, and economic conditions of media production, distribution, and
reception in national and international contexts.
LO4. Apply your knowledge of and competence in key technologies and practices
of media and web production.
LO5. Demonstrate discipline-specific skills in media and web content creation,
specification, design, production, and evaluation.
LO6. Demonstrate the ability to produce project work to high technical and
aesthetic standards with the ability to make informed judgements in the
context of rapidly developing and converging media and web industries.
LO7. Apply appropriate personal and transferable skills in data management and
presentation; interpretation and transformation of information; creative and
systematic problem solving; and communication.
LO8. Demonstrate the application of effective skills in teamwork and leadership,
project management and personal management.
2. Assessment map
This table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and
modules:
Methods of assessment
Stage
Module
1
2
1
EM-0134D
Presentation
Essay
EM-0141D
Essay
Essay
EM-0227M
Report
Project
EM-0102M
MCQ Exam
EM-0103D
MCQ Exam
Project
EM-0135D
Presentation
Essay
EM-0240D
Game
Report
EM-0106D
Journal
Project
EM-0239D
Presentation
Essay
EM-0258D
Project
MCQ Exam
EM-0222D
Project
Project
EM-0212D
Group
Proposal
Group
Presentation
EM-0238D
Presentation
Essay
EM-0353D
Project
Presentation
2
3
3
4
Exam
Essay
Report
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EM0369D
Coursework
Coursework
Coursework
EM-0347D
Proposal
Presentation
Outline
EM-0349D
Presentation
Project
Report
LED6522D
Essay
Report
EM-0364Q
Dissertation
EM-0215D
Visual Diary
Photo Story
EM-0352D
Piece of music
Portfolio
Essay
3. Teaching map
This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and
stages:
Teaching methods
Stage
Module
1
2
1
EM-0134D
Lectures
Tutorials
EM-0141D
Lectures
Tutorials
EM-0227M
Lectures
Labs
EM-0102M
Lectures
Tutorials
EM-0103D
Lectures
Tutorials
Labs
EM-0135D
Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
EM-0240D
Lectures
Tutorials
Labs
EM-0106D
Lectures
Seminars
Workshops
EM-0239D
Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
EM-0258D
Lectures
Tutorials
Screenings
EM-0222D
Lectures
Seminars
Labs
EM-0212D
Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
EM-0238D
Lectures
Tutorials
EM-0353D
Lectures
Tutorials
Seminars
EM-0369D
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
EM-0347D
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
EM-0349D
Seminars
Tutorials
LED6522D
Seminars
Tutorials
EM-0364Q
Lectures
Tutorials
EM-0215D
Lectures
Workshops
Labs
EM-0352D
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
2
3
3
4
Screenings
Practical
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