Global Studies and Media BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): LP93
- Start Date(s): September 2021
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This course offers a unique insight into significant global issues combined with developing an in-depth knowledge of the media industry, and its practical application across multiple platforms.
This degree enables you to shape your study according to your strengths, interests and career ambitions. Combining these two subjects gives your degree an international and industry perspective that will make you stand out in the graduate employment market.
Our course combinations are designed so that what you learn in one subject will complement and enhance what you learn in the other. In your final year you can choose either to split your time evenly between your two subjects, or to specialise in one.
By choosing Global Studies and Media you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to engage with the world and in your professional career as a global citizen, with an enriched understanding of global trends and tensions.
- This degree offers work placement opportunities.
- NTU is in the UK’s Top 30 for Communication and Media Studies (including Journalism) in the Complete University Guide 2021 (25th).
- This course is offered as full-time or part-time. See How to Apply section
What you’ll study
Global Studies
If you’re concerned about pressing global crises (such as food security, environmental change, conflict, inequality) and the everyday experiences of people living in globalised communities then this is the perfect course for you.
Throughout the course you’ll build a flexible personalised programme by selecting options taught by experts from across the Humanities.
In combination with Media, Global Studies provides you with an innovative opportunity to build contemporary world relevance into your degree.
Media
This popular degree combines theoretical approaches to media with opportunities to learn practical media skills. You’ll learn from industry professionals and explore all aspects of media cultures, from social networking sites and lifestyle magazines to anti-globalisation movements and computer gaming.
Core modules
Foundations in Global Studies
This module introduces principle themes and concepts in Global Studies and the various disciplinary perspectives useful for examining global processes, relationships and experiences. While the focus of the module is on 'the global' particular emphasis is placed on the significance of local histories and geographies shaping the contexts through which different understandings and experiences of the global are produced.
Issues in Intercultural Communication
The study of Intercultural Communication is an integral part of Global Studies. The module addresses issues directly associated with the process of communication in intercultural, inter-group, and interpersonal contexts. The general theme of the module is to engage you in a discussion of the inter-relationship between culture, communication and intercultural communication, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Understanding Media
This module explores representation and identity; media production and regulation; the way media forms are consumed; and what it's like to work in the media. Throughout this module, you'll investigate the place of media within culture and society more generally and be introduced to principle theories, concepts and approaches.
Screen and Sound Media: Culture and Practice
This module introduces you to a range of key academic texts that examine and theorise screen media (film, television, the computer etc.) and sound media (popular music etc.). You'll also produce a group project based on media culture or media practice.
- OR -
Introduction to Media Practice and Production
This module provides a foundation in the skills required for effective media project work. It explores the principal elements of creating media content through understanding narrative, still and moving image and sound, and the practical and theoretical relationship between those elements.
Some optional modules may be studied on the City campus.
Core modules
Researching Global Experience
In this module, you’ll learn a range of practical skills for carrying out research in a global context. The primary goal is to prepare you for your In-Country Study but the module also provides the skills needed for completing a dissertation in Global Studies.
Media, Theory and Society
Develop your knowledge of theoretical approaches to understanding the media and culture. This module will help you to understand some of the key theoretical approaches that are used in the study of media, communication and culture. You'll develop a familiarity of important theoretical approaches used in contemporary media and for the use of cultural analysis.
Humanities in the workplace
This module will give you a taste of live industry experience. You will complete a placement for a minimum of 37 hours, write a report around your experience and follow clear work-based learning objectives.
Global Studies optional modules
In-Country Study
In Country Study (ICS) is an innovative module that encourages you to engage with issues of social and cultural change in your study site, either abroad or in the UK. You’ll learn to reflect critically on the ways in which these issues are both local and global, gain experience in conducting socio-cultural research in a locality, and communicate clearly the results of your research.
Gender and Nation
This module analyses the nexus of gender and nation as it plays a role in an increasingly globalised world. Despite, or maybe because of, globalisation, nationalism is increasing in many parts of the world, and the role of gender in the construction of these nationalisms will be under investigation here
Culture and Discourse in a Global Society
Understand local and global socio-cultural and political events and issues in their relation to individual experiences, group-formation, intercultural communication, as well as broader discourses and narratives on culture, identification and belonging. You will learn how different forms of knowledge, narratives and discourses may contest each other – and how to study these dynamics in contexts ranging from local to global.
Changing Europe: People, Places & Politics
This module explores the persistence of place in contemporary Europe. You’ll learn key concepts and processes relevant to European society and politics, and be able to understand and analyse key debates such as the effects of globalization, left and right populism, responses to economic crisis and multiculturalism.
Media optional modules
The City and Popular Culture
This module will investigate the effect that urbanisation has on popular culture by exploring a selection of case studies such as: urban exploitation, street-corner society, suburban life and the night-time economy. You'll focus on using your analysis skills and develop research skills either individually or by working within a small group.
Analysing Popular Music
Analysing Popular Music has two major concerns: firstly, to develop a social understanding of transatlantic popular music, and secondly, to develop a cultural-historical perspective on its development over the past hundred years and more. This module introduces you to theoretical approaches to the study of popular music, allowing you to engage in independent critical analysis of popular music and popular musical cultures.
Creative Documentary
This module will encourage you to examine the key critical issues of documentary production such as authenticity and ethics. To prepare you for your dissertation in Year Three, you'll create a 5-10 minute documentary as a group (or individually) and be encouraged to creatively and critically engage with the given styles and genres of documentary.
Researching Media, Communication and Culture
This module introduces the key empirical methods and analytical approaches of Media and Cultural Studies. It enables you to produce original research, and to gain greater understanding of the methods you might use in your Media dissertation. It outlines a range of methods, and shows how these can be applied to particular media and cultural case studies.
Intermediate Media Practice and Production
During this module you'll undertake an in-depth media production project for and with a local external not-for profit, charitable or voluntary organisation. This module will focus on developing your skills in media production and you'll reflect on issues surrounding citizenship and media access.
Some optional modules may be studied on the City campus.
Core module
Dissertation
The final year dissertation module enables you to undertake a sustained, single piece of independently researched work on a topic of your choice, under expert supervision.
OR
Humanities Research Project
Explore your interests in a way that draws on both subject areas. Combine the knowledge and skills you have gained in each of your subjects to complete an interdisciplinary piece of research. You can deliver your project either as a written dissertation or through an alternative creative format such as a publication, film, podcast, website, or performance, supported by a shorter essay.
Global Studies optional modules
Global Citizenship
This module explores contemporary debates on citizenship as a central element in arguments about identity, globalisation, social justice, participation and inclusion/exclusion. You’ll engage critically with theories of citizenship and their intersections with gender, ethnicity and multiculturalism.
Development in the 21st Century
This module engages with debates about the causes and consequences of global inequality. We compare different explanations for persistent patterns of poverty, marginalisation and exclusion and evaluate what policy solutions different perspectives offer for resolving what continues to be a pressing global concern.
Global Environmental Challenges
How do ecological issues effect global poverty and inequality? How does access to water and other resources connect with dynamics of violence? What solutions are there for managing climate change? This module examines forms of global environmental change. With a focus on global challenges, you will explore the links between environmental issues and society to engage with the key environmental questions today's world governments are wrestling with.
Media optional modules
Lifestyle and Consumer Culture
Explore key approaches to understanding lifestyle and the culture of consumption. You'll be introduced to many important theoretical approaches to understand lifestyle and consumer culture and you'll use many case studies such as travel and tourism to evaluate these.
Cultural Policy
Explore a range of debates within the developing field of policy study which relate to the development of media. You'll examine some of the key institutions within which policies relating to film, television, the visual arts, heritage and other creative industries are determined. You'll explore questions such as: what is cultural value and how important are the cultural and creative industries?
The Body and Popular Culture
How is the body represented in popular culture? Examine key ideas such as how we might understand the various meanings surrounding the body across a range of media and cultural forms. By studying a selection of case studies, you'll explore the way that the body is addressed and located within popular culture, for example, from music to sport.
Client-Led Media Practice and Production
During this module you'll be able to focus on the development of skills in media production by completing a media project that will be set to a 'real brief'. This is an opportunity for you to enhance your employability options by participating in live projects with a real purpose. This module will encourage you to make connections between theory and practice.
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
Each year you’ll choose a range of core and optional modules from the lists above. The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects but at the end of Year One, you’ll have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway, depending on your interests.
Teaching principally takes place through a combination of lectures, where tutors introduce the key ideas, and seminars, where smaller groups discuss those ideas.
Contact hours
If you’re struggling with a topic or require additional support or guidance, you can arrange to see your tutors in small groups or one-to-one, to discuss essay plans or to seek some specific academic guidance.
It is the nature of the subjects offered in the School of Arts and Humanities, however, that much of your time will be spent engaged in independent study. We recognise that this marks a change of culture from school or college, and we have in place a system of study support to help you adapt to this.
International exchange
You’ll also have the option to take part in an international exchange at a partner university. These options will enable you to gain impressive international experience, and broaden your perspective and career ambitions.
You’ll experience other cultures, travel the globe and open your eyes to a world of opportunities. Our exchange partnership with a number of international universities enables you to live and study in another country in your second year. Find out more.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%), independent study (75%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (22%), independent study (76%) and placements (2%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (20%), independent study (80%)
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 coursework (87%) and written (13%)
- Year 2 coursework (100%)
- Year 3 coursework (100%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
Because you’ll develop such a wide range of skills and knowledge, your career options are really broad. In addition to the course content, you’ll develop key transferable skills including written and oral communication, critical analysis and a variety of IT skills. Plus you’ll become more self-motivated, be able to work independently and in teams, and develop excellent time management skills.
Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
Entry requirements
- 104 UCAS tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent); or
- BTEC Extended Diploma - DMM.
- GCSEs - English and Maths grade C / 4.
Other qualifications and experience
We consider equivalent qualifications and combinations, please see UCAS course search for details and use our calculator to help you work out how many UCAS points your qualifications relate to.
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Personal statements
For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You will need the equivalent to:
- 104 UCAS tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent); or
- BTEC Extended Diploma - DMM.
- GCSEs - English and Maths grade C / 4.
We accept qualifications from schools, colleges and universities all over the world for entry onto our courses. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Foundation courses
If you need to do a foundation course to meet our course requirements please visit Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC). If you’re already studying in the UK at a school or college and would like to know if we can accept your qualification please visit our foundation courses page.
English language entry requirements
If English is not your first language you need to show us that your language skills are strong enough for intensive academic study. We usually ask for an IELTS test and we accept some alternative English language tests.
- For a list of our language requirements please visit our English language page.
- If you need to do a pre-sessional English language course to meet the English requirements please visit our pre-sessional English course page.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process
Personal statements
For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Help and support
There is lots of advice and guidance about how to apply, fees and scholarships, qualifications, and student life on our dedicated International students website.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Please see our fees page for more information.
We offer prestigious scholarships to new international students holding offers to study at the University.
- For more information on these and other opportunities for funding please visit our international scholarships page.
- For information on how to pay your fees to the University please visit our international fee payment page.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Help and support
There is lots of advice and guidance about how to apply, fees and scholarships, qualifications, and student life on our dedicated International students website.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can.
For the full-time route just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide.
If you're applying for the part-time route please apply online using the NTU Applicant Portal.
Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You've got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you've applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Need help with your application?
For admissions related enquiries please contact us:
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4200
You can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year. If you are applying to more than one UK university you must apply through UCAS.
Apply as early as you can so that you have time to prepare for your studies. If you need a visa to study here you need to plan this into your application.
- For a step-by-step guide on making an application to the University please visit our how to apply page.
- For advice on applying for a visa please visit our visa information page.
- For advice on how to write a good personal statement please visit our personal statement page.
Keeping up-to-date
After you've applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Good luck with your application!
Help and support
There is lots of advice and guidance about how to apply, fees and scholarships, qualifications, and student life on our dedicated International students website.