Media and Politics

Description

In contemporary politics, it can sometimes seem that spin doctors and celebrities are more important than prime ministers and presidents. Politics, critics complain, is now all presentation and no policy.

It certainly appears that the mass media are important to the way modern politics is communicated. Politicians have started to use social networking sites and appear on chat shows to connect with voters. Celebrities use rock concerts and television shows to advocate their social and political causes. Citizens are starting to take control of political communication by writing blogs and posting videos online. For some this is a worrying trend towards infotainment, for others this is evidence of a new and possibly more democratic way of doing politics.

Studying Media and Politics allows you to look in detail at the ways in which modern media are changing the nature of politics. You will be able to study the political, social and economic forces that shape the media industries and the ways in which they are used and may be abused for political gain.

Why study Media and Politics at UEA?

The School of Political, Social and International Studies is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to the study of media and politics. You will be taught by experts in political science and media studies and will be able to choose from a range of modules that explore key debates in both subject areas.

Among the modules that can be combined are Politics and Mass Media; Media Regulation; The Media and Identity; Parties, Elections and Political Competition; Politics of the USA; European Media and the EU; Political Communication; Democratic Theory; Media Culture, Media Power; New Media and Society; Power and Society; News and Documentary; Television Genre and many more.

You will have the opportunity to do a parliamentary research placement, and also to learn some practical media production skills. Our Broadcast Journalism module is taught by professional journalists who will introduce you to production skills including camera work, sound and editing.

This degree is likely to be attractive to students who wish to work in the media (and UEA has an excellent, award-winning student newspaper, Concrete), but Media and Politics is also intended to prepare students for a variety of different careers.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14400 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Students: £9,000. International Students: £12,300

• English

Course Content

Year 1

You will be introduced to key debates in media studies and political science. You will take compulsory modules that include Understanding Media Cultures; Media, Society and Power; Social and Political Theory; Introduction to Contemporary Politics and Analysing Film and Television.

Year 2

You will be introduced to more advanced debates in political science and media studies and you will be able to start specialising in a strand of academic debate, should you wish to do so. You will explore the political role of the media and key concepts in political science in our three compulsory modules Politics and Mass Media, Methods of Social Research and Building Blocks of Political Science. You will then be free to choose from a range of modules which includes New Media and Society; The Media and Identity; Introduction to Middle East Politics; Global Political Economy; and Power and Society.

You also have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad. See page 3 for more information.

Year 3

The combination of modules in politics and media continues and you can choose to take such modules as Political Communication; Politics and Popular Culture; Multiculturalism; Policy Making in Britain; Public Affairs and Politics; Capitalism and its Critics; and Ideology, Culture and Revolution in the Politics of the Middle East. There is an opportunity to learn key skills in media production and to complete a large piece of independent research.

We offer a limited number of work placements and internships. Our students get hands-on experience of what it means to work in the EU, but also local and national government. Students on this course have carried out research projects for think tanks and members of parliament. There are also opportunities for work shadowing and short placements in the media industry.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level:

ABB

• International Baccalaureate:

32

• Scottish Advanced Highers:

ABB

• Irish Leaving Certificate:

AABBBB

• Access Course:

Please contact the university for further information.

• HND:

Please contact the university for further information.

• European Baccalaureate:

75%

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in Reading and Writing with no less than 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 20 in Reading and Speaking components, 19 in Writing component and 17 in Listening components.
• PTE: 62 overall (minimum 55 in Reading and Writing components with no less than 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above, then please contact university directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language at Grade C or above.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference.

We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating to your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.