BA(Hons) Culture, Media and Creative Industries *

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Year one

In year one you'll gain a grounding in cultural and media theory by considering the intersections of culture with power, class, and social differences, and exploring the roles of audiences in the construction and negotiation of cultural meaning. You'll develop the tools needed to critically analyse cultural forms and practices, preparing you for more advanced research methods in your second year.

You'll develop a foundation in the creative practices, using technical skills and conceptual frameworks to produce critical media projects using audio and visual media within a digital environment. You'll gain core skills in project management and group work, as well as training in how to use kit such as cameras, lighting and sound equipment, and key creative software.

You'll study public relations and social purpose campaigning and begin to develop an understanding of how communications can effect change in culture and society. You'll consider the role that public relations plays in shaping meaning and understanding of key issues such as gender and climate change.

Year two

In year two you'll gain the core building blocks of research theory and methodology in preparation for your major project in your final year.

You'll build on your media-making skills and understanding and learn media practice software and procedures to advance your technical competence from those gained in your first year. You'll explore the ways in which contemporary media production, participation and consumption are shaped by specific contexts.

You'll study campaigning and activist contexts and environments and continue to develop and reflect on the professional skills needed for a career in the media, arts and creative industries.

You'll consider the role of public relations in creating, maintaining and recovering reputation, and gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of crisis communications.

Year three

In your final year you'll be able to follow your interests and specialise according to your skillset by choosing between producing a written dissertation or a significant piece of research-led media-making, such as a film or interactive video installation.

All students will study the creative and cultural industries and undertake a work placement in Bristol’s thriving arts, cultural and media sector, as well as creating a professional industry-standard communications campaign strategy that addresses a live brief set by a real client.

Students will have the option to choose between two specialist modules, either focusing on sustainability, ecologies and ethics or events and festivals for the creative industries.

The year will culminate in students exhibiting their work at the UWE Bristol degree show.

This structure is for full-time students only. Part-time students study the same modules but the delivery pattern will be different.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Focusing on Bristol as a centre of arts and culture you'll test concepts, theories and ideas often using the city and its creative industries as a living brief. 

Teaching is research-informed, and you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, small group seminars, specialist and technical workshops, field trips, projects, placements, student-led research and live briefs.

Collaborate with research-active academic teaching staff, many of whom work closely with Bristol's media and creative organisations. Some are also involved in research through UWE Bristol's Digital Cultures Research Centre.

Take part in research events, guest lectures and conferences and student-led and public-facing projects. 

Gaining experience across various aspects of media communication and cultural theory in Year one you'll then shape your degree through your module choices.  

In your final year you'll produce a major practical project or dissertation to showcase your making or writing skills.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Study time

On average you'll attend class activities for 10-12 hours a week over 24 weeks with additional time allocated for technical production workshops and working on group projects.

Outside class time we expect you to prepare course readings and complete writing and research exercises, essays, production exercises and projects.

Assessment

Assessments are comprised of group and individual work, including written case study or research essays, presentations, media-making projects and client live briefs.

Industry-facing assessments include portfolios containing your own selection of documents like press releases, blog posts or campaign strategies. 

Media-making projects might include still and moving images, photo books, interactive video, digital design work and a practice-based portfolio containing a film, reflective workbook and verbal critique.

In your final year you’ll choose between a written dissertation or media-making project to play to your strengths, whether that’s academic writing, practical making or both. 

See our full glossary of assessment terms.