Curriculum Information

• Develop a substantial body of knowledge about the history, nature and importance of media, culture and journalism nationally, internationally, and in relation to the creative industries sector in Cardiff and Wales
• Develop the ability of students to understand and deploy theoretical approaches to the study of media, culture and journalism;
• Develop the ability of students to study and research independently, and to express their ideas in a coherent and clear manner, using a variety of forms, including critical comments, essays, presentations, reports, creative projects, portfolios and a dissertation
• Develop the students’ ability to deploy their critical, research, analytical and practical communication skills in the workplace

Fieldwork Fieldwork is a central aspect of research-led studies. As such, both Level 5 and Level 6 modules revolve around the notion of our students carrying out research ‘in the field’. This is particularly evident within the final-year Dissertation module.

Fieldtrips As well as local, module-focused visits to cultural centres, museums, governmental sites, etc., our students are offered the opportunity of taking part – alongside other Journalism-focused students – in one UK and one International field trip every year.

Work Placements These are an option in year two via GC2S02 work experience (optional module) and can (and historically often do) form part of the specified portfolio of industry-focussed work in BJ3S15 Creative Industries Practice.

Work-based Learning As mentioned above (see ‘The range of learning and teaching strategies’) the course is partly delivered in alignment with that of many other theory/practice-orientated courses. As such any work-based element is (currently) an optional element of the placement in Year 2.

Project Supervision Project supervision is an integral element of a number of modules across all three under-graduate years.

Practical Classes and Workshops The course is partly delivered in alignment with that of many other theory/practice-orientated courses. As such, practical classes and workshops are an integral element of a number of modules across all three under-graduate years.

Fieldwork Fieldwork involves an engagement with variety of themes and tasks relative to the delivery of the BJ-element of our first-year curriculum.

Directed Study (including Online Learning) Directed study refers to set exercises or tasks to be undertaken either independently by students or as part of small teams. Usually students will complete the set task or exercise for the following session where the outcomes will be reviewed by staff and their peers.

Independent Study Students are expected to undertake self-directed learning in the form of Independent study, this includes practical work, research, or other forms of activity. This may contribute directly towards an assignment or serve to broaden their contextual knowledge within the subject area.

Placement Students are supported in Year 2 (currently, and in the future) to find work placements to form part of their ‘work experience’ module.

Formative assessment-scheduled This particular element of learning and teaching methods and strategies is an integral element of the first-year module, CK1S06.