(Full time) 2020 start
Cultural and Media Studies BA
Overview
This information is for our course starting in September 2020. If you have applied to study with us for 2019 entry, you can see full details here.
This interdisciplinary course allows you to explore cultural and media practices, institutions and histories across multiple subject areas, including literature, sociology, philosophy, film and media.
You'll learn to analyse images, texts, technologies and cultural practices in order to develop your understanding of a range of complex issues. You will be encouraged to develop a critical perspective on major challenges facing us in the globalising world today.
Through compulsory modules you'll be introduced to ways of analysing a range of different texts, including photographs, paintings, buildings, poems and advertisements. You will also choose from a wide range of optional modules which will give you the chance to examine issues such as: conflict and its cultural mediation, migration and multiculturalism; social activism and the possibility of utopian change; past and future technologies and their impact on our bodies and minds; ecology and our relation to other life forms; global communication networks and their impact on social relations.
Using the skills and methods developed through the course, you will become a flexible and engaged reader of a wide range of cultural materials and practices. You'll develop your cultural understanding of gender, race, class, sexuality and the postcolonial world.
You will work alongside staff and students who not only theorise about cultural artefacts but also make them.
Specialist resources
The University has a variety of resources to support your learning and research.
In addition to the wide range of museums and galleries in the city and beyond, the University campus features:
The University Library offers online books, journals and databases, and has a wealth of manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections. A range of different spaces for working either alone or in a group allow you to study in the way that best suits you.
Project Space, a multi-purpose space in the School designed for the development of curatorial practice and visiting exhibitions, sits at the core of the School’s building.
We work closely with many different museums, archives, and cultural organisations in the city and region.
Course content
Year 1
You'll gain the fundamental skills and knowledge for analysing and interpreting cultural and media practices.
Compulsory modules will introduce key theories and critical approaches, and examine some of the major factors that have shaped the contemporary world, such as technology, revolution, war, colonisation, and media. You'll also choose optional modules.
Year 2
A compulsory module deepens your understanding of key theoretical concepts in the study of culture, media and society.
A range of optional modules will give you the chance to focus on topics that particularly interest you, including visual culture in Asia, cinema and culture, the politics of utopia, and issues of the body, power, race and gender, as well as the challenges of studying media and communication.
Year 3
You’ll apply your research and critical skills to an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice. You will complement and support this research with a compulsory module and optional modules. You can choose to extend your dissertation to go into even greater depth; if you do this, you’ll take fewer optional modules.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Cultural Analysis 1 20 credits
- Introduction to Cultural Analysis II 20 credits
- Studying Media 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You may take 40-60 credits from the following optional modules.
- Cultural History 20 credits
- Cinema and Media History 20 credits
- The History of Communication 20 credits
- Introduction to Media and Communication Theory 20 credits
Discovery modules
You may take up to 20 credits of Discovery modules.
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Keywords 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will be required to study either 'Visual Communication' or 'Communication Research Methods'. You will be required to take 60-20 credits from options including those listed below. See the programme catalogue link above for a full list.
- Cinema and Culture 20 credits
- Seeing in Asia 20 credits
- State of the Art: Contemporary Perspectives in Art, Science and Technology 20 credits
- African Art I: Context Representation Signification 20 credits
- Careers Preparation for Arts and Culture 20 credits
- Visual Communication 20 credits
- Communication Research Methods 20 credits
Discovery modules
You may choose to study Discovery modules.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
You will choose one of the Dissertation options listed. If taking the 60 credit dissertation you will not be able to study any discovery modules. You will also be required to study one of the five modules listed below.
- Dissertation 40 credits
- Dissertation 60 credits
- Deconstruction Reading Politics 20 credits
- From Trauma to Cultural Memory: The Unfinished Business of Representation and the Holocaust 20 credits
- Reading Sexual Difference 20 credits
- Humanity, Animality and Globality 20 credits
- Movies, Migrants and Diasporas 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Deconstruction Reading Politics 20 credits
- From Trauma to Cultural Memory: The Unfinished Business of Representation and the Holocaust 20 credits
- Cultural Diversity in Museum and Material Culture - Case Study 20 credits
- Reading Sexual Difference 20 credits
- Humanity, Animality and Globality 20 credits
- Movies, Migrants and Diasporas 20 credits
- Feminism, Identity and Media 20 credits
- War and Media 20 credits
- Creative Work in the Cultural Industries 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
We use a range of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from the expertise of your tutors. These will include lectures, seminars, screenings, tutorials, workshops and field visits. You’ll also be able to attend talks by visiting artists and speakers, as well as workshops, conferences, exhibitions both on and off campus.
Independent study is also crucial to the degree, allowing you to develop important critical and research skills and to form your own ideas.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, allowing you to build different skills. Usually these will include essays, exams and module presentations, as well as small-scale research projects and your dissertation.
The University Library offers training sessions and resources on topics such as exam technique, public speaking, research and structuring essays throughout your degree.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB-ABB
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall including 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 must be at Merit level.
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BTEC
Extended Diploma: DDD-DDM.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M1 – D3, M1, M1 in three principle subjects.
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International Baccalaureate
34-35 overall (with at least 4 in English Language).
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
AAAABB-AAABBB.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AABBB (AB at advanced level) OR AAABB (A at advanced level). For applicants just undertaking the higher level, grades of AAAABB will be required.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 77-80% overall and at least 60% in English.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies Undergraduate Admissions Team.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Next steps
Qualified applicants are invited to an interview afternoon. You will have the opportunity to meet students, explore the School and attend a group ‘seminar style’ interview. This will give you the opportunity to find out more about the course and discuss with staff your interests in Cultural and Media Studies.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £19,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for 2019 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
This Cultural and Media Studies degree will equip you with important skills in communication, analysis, presentations and research as well as critical, visual and cultural awareness.
All of these qualities are valuable in diverse careers across a wide range of industries and roles such as the media, journalism, cultural and creative industries, education, politics, NGOs and the public sector.
You may also decide on postgraduate study at Leeds or another institution.
The School is committed to helping you achieve your career ambitions - you'll be able to work closely with staff in the School to source opportunities throughout your degree to gain experience, develop your skills and build networks.
The optional study abroad or work placement year offer opportunities to gain transferable skills, develop your experience and build your networks.
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures offers a number of paid internships every year too.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Taking a work placement year will extend your degree to four years and is a great way to gain valuable experience before you graduate.
Some recent examples include placements at Harewood House, the Cultural Institute, Urban Outfitters, Tigerprint, Leeds Museums and Galleries, Pyramid of Arts and Hang-Up Gallery.