Feminist Media Studies

Feminist Media Studies at Cardiff University offers an innovative and comprehensive exploration of gender, power, and representation within media industries and cultural practices. This programme is designed to equip students with critical, theoretical, and practical skills necessary to analyze the ways in which media shapes and reflects societal understandings of gender and sexuality. Throughout the course, students will examine a diverse range of media forms, including television, film, digital media, and advertising, with a focus on issues such as gender identity, inequality, and activism. The programme integrates contemporary feminist theory with media analysis, encouraging students to develop a nuanced understanding of how media influence social attitudes and cultural norms. Students will engage with key concepts such as intersectionality, media literacy, and the politics of representation, enabling them to critically evaluate media content and production processes. The programme also emphasizes practical experience through workshops, projects, and opportunities for work placements, fostering skills in media production, research, and analysis. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in media, journalism, academia, advocacy, and related fields where a critical understanding of gender dynamics in media is essential. Additionally, the programme supports students interested in pursuing postgraduate study or research opportunities in gender studies, media studies, or related disciplines. By combining theoretical coursework with practical application, Feminist Media Studies at Cardiff University aims to develop informed, critically aware individuals who can contribute meaningfully to discussions on gender and media in contemporary society.

Feminist Media Studies at Cardiff University offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersections between gender, media, and society. This innovative programme examines how media shapes perceptions of gender identities, roles, and relations across diverse cultural contexts. Students will critically analyze a wide range of media texts, including television, film, news, social media, and advertising, to uncover underlying gender biases and representations. The curriculum emphasizes understanding the historical development of feminist media theories and their application to contemporary media landscapes. Through engaging modules such as Gender and Media, Representation and Identity, and Media Activism, students will investigate the power dynamics embedded within media narratives and the role of media in perpetuating or challenging gender inequalities. The programme also encourages active participation in research projects, fostering skills in media analysis, critical thinking, and academic writing. Additionally, students have opportunities to explore topics like digital feminism, queer media, race and media, and global perspectives on gender and media. Cardiff University's vibrant academic environment supports collaborative learning and critical debate, enabling students to develop nuanced perspectives and prepare for careers in media, journalism, communication, and advocacy. By the end of the programme, graduates will possess a sophisticated understanding of how media influences gender relations and will be equipped to contribute thoughtfully to debates on gender equality and media representation in society.

Entry requirements typically include a minimum grade profile from secondary education, often equivalent to BBB at A-level or 120 UCAS tariff points. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an interest in media studies, gender issues, and social sciences. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers, typically an IELTS score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component. Evidence of prior academic coursework in media, gender studies, cultural studies, or related disciplines is advantageous.

The programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of feminist theories as applied to media texts and practices. Students are encouraged to engage with a variety of media forms, including television, film, digital media, and print to examine representation, power dynamics, and social inequalities. Assignments may include essays, presentations, and media analysis projects, requiring students to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical analytical skills. Participation in seminars, group discussions, and research activities is essential to foster a collaborative learning environment.

Applicants with relevant work experience or prior learning in related fields may be considered through widening access schemes or accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The university values diversity and encourages applications from students with different backgrounds and experiences, supporting an inclusive academic community. Throughout the programme, students are expected to adhere to academic integrity policies and participate actively in coursework, which includes independent research and engagement with contemporary feminist debates within media contexts. The curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to current developments in feminist media studies, and students are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research projects and extracurricular activities related to gender and media. Overall, the requirements aim to ensure entrants are well-prepared for critical analysis and engaged participation in discussions about gender, media, and society.

The Feminist Media Studies program at Cardiff University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for UK students are typically set annually and may vary slightly each year; as of the most recent academic cycle, the fee is approximately £9,250 per year. International students are generally required to pay higher tuition fees, often around £18,000 to £20,000 annually, though exact figures can differ depending on the specific course and year of entry. To assist students with these costs, Cardiff University provides various funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries, and grants.

The university offers merit-based scholarships for both domestic and international students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. Additionally, students may be eligible for government funding schemes, such as the student loan system, which allows UK students to borrow tuition fee loans and maintenance loans to cover living expenses. For international students, funding options include external scholarships and sponsorship opportunities, which can be competitive but provide substantial financial support.

In terms of part-time work, Cardiff University’s campus provides opportunities for students to engage in on-campus employment or internships, enabling them to earn supplementary income while studying. Work-study programs are designed to help ease financial pressures and facilitate practical experience relevant to media and gender studies. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including international scholarships, charity grants, and private sponsorships which are sometimes available through partner organizations and foundations dedicated to supporting students in higher education.

The university also offers financial guidance and advice services to help students navigate their funding options effectively. These services include information on budgeting, applying for student loans, and accessing emergency financial support if necessary. Overall, the Feminist Media Studies program is supported by a comprehensive financial aid framework intended to make higher education accessible to deserving students from diverse backgrounds.

Feminist Media Studies at Cardiff University is an interdisciplinary program that explores the representation, production, and consumption of gender in media contexts. This program aims to critically examine how media shapes societal perceptions of gender, sexuality, and power, and how feminist theories can be applied to analyze media texts and practices. Students are introduced to a range of theoretical approaches, including feminist theory, media analysis, cultural studies, and activism, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of gender issues within media industries. The curriculum typically covers topics such as the history of feminist media, gender representation in television, film, advertising, digital media, and social media platforms, as well as the role of media in social change and political activism.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and quantitative and qualitative analysis, preparing graduates for careers in media, communications, journalism, advocacy, and academia. It encourages students to engage with contemporary debates about gender equality, diversity, and social justice, fostering an environment suited for innovative research and creative expression. Cardiff University's strong links with industry and academic institutions offer opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and conferences, enriching the educational experience.

Students studying Feminist Media Studies benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty members with extensive research backgrounds, and a vibrant academic community committed to gender equality and social critique. The program is typically flexible, offering options for both undergraduate and postgraduate study, with pathways designed to deepen students’ understanding of feminist theories and their application in media analysis. Graduates of this program often go on to work in fields such as media production, policy advocacy, nonprofit organizations, academia, and media consultancy, contributing to the ongoing conversation about gender and media. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to critically analyze media content, question dominant narratives, and develop their own projects that advocate for social change, making Feminist Media Studies at Cardiff University a dynamic and impactful educational choice for those interested in gender and media issues.