Media, Culture and Technology

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This exciting and innovative course was successfully launched as part of our initiative to develop research on new media and convergence. It blends a wide range of intellectual traditions with an investigation into the major developments and current debates in media theory as they relate to media devices including internet, video games, film, television and mobile computing. This investigation invokes both theoretical and practical learning.

The course offers opportunities to study a selection of disciplines relating to media, culture and technology. You will explore many of the latest developments in communications technologies, creating an impressive portfolio of work to highlight your knowledge. You will also pursue a specialist subject through an extended piece of written or practical work. Through this project you will demonstrate your skills, ideas and learning related to your choice of subject, which could include digital aesthetics, computer game cultures, cyber culture, the impacts of mobile omputing on society and web design, or any others that capture your interest.

This course is conducted near the University's Research Institute for Media, Art and Design, which is the editorial base for Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies. The institute also plays host to the annual Under the Mask: Perspective on the Gamer conference, in addition to other regular seminars, screenings and reports. As such, there will be opportunities for you to network, make career contacts and even publish your work in an internationally recognised publication.

Assessment
The core units contain both formative and summative assessments, and it is during these units that students should learn the range of competences and knowledges necessary to succeed on the courses. For their project work students can undertake a traditional dissertation, a piece of practical work, a portfolio of diverse practical work, or some combination of these. The courses utilize essays, special exercises, case studies, projects, dissertations, and practical work for assessment as appropriate to the topic.

Educational Aims
The MA Media, Culture & Technology has two main elements. One element examines the creative discourses of media technology with the emphasis on new technologies. The other element focuses on public policies and corporate economics and their relationship to the cultural system of production, distribution and reception. In other words it examines the relationship between the creative act, the economic environment and the cultural context of its enunciation. Overarching these is a pedagogic strategy, which sees theoretical analysis and practical exploration as interdependent elements. The curriculum ensures that students are encouraged to develop skills in research, and have the ability to operate as independent learners.

Student support
The Media MA courses are managed by the Field Chair with administrative support. Each unit has a unit tutor. Students can get general academic advice from the Field Chair and unit specific support from the relevant unit tutor. For the two projects which together constitute 50% of the course, students have their own individual tutor who they will see regularly. Students with specific study or general problems will be referred to Student Services.

Team working
You will develop your abilities to work with others on group tasks and projects, becoming more adept at listening to others, expressing your own views and helping a group to devise plans and strategies.

A lower second class first degree or postgraduate qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Media Studies or the equivalentSpecial Entry RequirementsAll applicants must have the ability to study and complete all assessments with a suitably high standard of English, which in the case of overseas students will be assessed in accordance with University policy. English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C)