Partner Details
Unicaf
Awards
Target Award
Award Description:Master of Arts - MA
Alternative Exit
Alternative Exit
Programme Offerings
Part-Time
DL-UIC-APR
DL-UIC-AUG
DL-UIC-DEC
DL-UIC-FEB
DL-UIC-JAN
DL-UIC-JUL
DL-UIC-JUN
DL-UIC-MAR
DL-UIC-MAY
DL-UIC-NOV
DL-UIC-OCT
DL-UIC-SEP
Educational Aims of the Course
The programme will explore mass communications across a range of media forms including: entertainment media, broadcast and digital, public relations, advertising and journalism. The programme will address issues of policy, governance, professional practice, international communication flows, digitalisation, political economy, cultural practice and research methods. The programme aims to provide a progressive and challenging curriculum that is informed by contemporary research and responsive to the changing nature of the communication industries. The specific aims of the programme are to enable students to: Critique key theories and concepts that underpin the study of mass communications Undertake the evaluation of contemporary mass communications scholarship and professional practice Critically debate the political, legal and ethical aspects of media and communication processes, systems and participation Recognise and anticipate developments in the role played by media and communication in economic and political organisation at local, national, regional, international and global levels Carry out original and independent research through the development of a critical appreciation of research methodologies appropriate for the study of media and mass communications Meet the challenges of employment in a global society through the development of their intellectual, analytical and research skills related to the study of mass communication
Learning Outcomes
1.
Critically evaluate how mass communications are organised, operated and managed
2.
Develop substantive and detailed knowledge and understanding in one or more designated areas of the field
3.
Consider and critically evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner with reference to academic and/or professional issues, debates and conventions
4.
Critically appraise mass communication with appropriate reference to social context and diversity of media use and engagement
5.
Communicate key theories, methods and concepts for the purpose of mass communications analysis
6.
Design, carry out and present various forms of research involving sustained independent enquiry at an advanced level
7.
Propose, design and conduct research that will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of concepts, information and techniques at the forefront of the discipline
8.
Understand the limits of the major research methods associated with mass communications, and be able to apply this knowledge critically to their own work
9.
Apply critical debates in mass communications, including those concerned with ethics, policy and professionalism, to practical work.
10.
Appreciate how diverse audiences and communities engage with mass communications at local, regional, national, international and global levels.
11.
Work in a flexible and independent way, showing self-discipline and reflexivity
12.
Display a critical awareness of the roles that mass communications play in a range of cultural and social formations
13.
Plan and implement tasks in a professional manner.
14.
Communicate their findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
15.
Initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work within various forms of digital writing
16.
Retrieve and generate information, and critically evaluate sources, in carrying out independent research
17.
Communicate ideas at an advanced level, deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and adapting a problem-solving approach demonstrating professionalism
18.
Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as data analysis and word processing to more complex skills using web-based technology or multi-media, and develop as appropriate, specific proficiencies in utilising a range of media technologies.
19.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the varied contextual factors influencing mass communications industries and the role of these industries in contemporary political and social life
20.
Critically evaluate the limitations of research methodologies and using this judgement propose their own research design
21.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of current debates and research in mass communications
22.
Draw upon knowledge of the ways in which theories and concepts have developed in particular contexts in their assessment of contemporary issues and debates
23.
Appraise legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks which structure mass communication processes and practices
24.
Critically reflect upon their research and professional practice.
25.
Engage critically with theories and concepts in mass communications and put them to productive use
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The programme has an integrated teaching, learning and assessment strategy. The assessment strategy for the programme is underpinned by appropriate learning and teaching strategies which are relevant, provide a structured set of learning opportunities enabling achievement, of individual module, and programme level, learning outcomes. Critical awareness is achieved through interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and individual reading and research. A blended learning approach will be adopted on the programme with resources to support learning provided via Unicaf’s Virtual Learning Environment. Integration and synthesis across the programme lead to the programme's intended learning outcomes. These are assessed through a variety of formative and summative assessment including: essays, portfolio, research based exercises, critical review, research plan, student defined assessment and a dissertation. Specific details of these can be found in the module guides. Online interaction will act as a guide to the area of study and will focus on conceptual frameworks, areas or case studies. Formative tasks through discussion forums will expect students to work both collegiately and independently. The nature of these forums is intended to be interactive and group activities will be a significant part of student led and defined discussion. Students will be provided with opportunities to strengthen their presentation skills and communicate within an academic community in a professional manner. They will be supported throughout the programme to formulate ideas and responses to current debates and research so that they can develop an advanced understanding of the field and apply these ideas appropriately. The assessment strategy provides a structure of assessment through which students can meet the intended learning outcomes of the programme. Students' skills are assessed through the self-direction, innovation and judgement required to complete research essays and the dissertation. An element of the portfolio requires them to critically evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner. The relationship between formative and summative assessment enables tutors to provide feedback which will support students in their development and enable them to make the most of their academic potential. Students are required to consider different means of communicating their research findings, formulate their response to critical issues and contemporary debates and evaluate contemporary trends across a range of different types of assessment. Forums, independent study and research and the production of assessment all contribute to the development of professional practical skills. This area is the particular focus of the research design of the dissertation project and its management and critique in online study. Students will also have online discussion structured around the production of practical exercises and reflection upon their completion and professional practice. The extent to which students have developed these skills will be assessed through essays, research proposal, portfolio, critical reflection and the dissertation project. Students will be introduced to the VLE environment and encouraged to use it. Online interaction,. case studies and engagement with interactive forums will allow them to observe and discriminate between different perspectives, communication strategies and understand the responsibilities of academic research. These professional skills will be assessed through essays, the portfolio and the dissertation project.
Programme Structure
Programme Structure Description
Mass Communications is an MA programme which uses a core modular structure to investigate the diversity of media forms that have the potential to reach audiences on a broad international scale. It enables students to develop their advanced critical understanding of theory, concepts, debates, research methods, current research and professional … For more content click the Read More button below.
Structure
Level 7
Entry Requirements
Alternative qualifications considered
Other international requirements
HECoS Code(s)
(CAH24-01) media, journalism and communications