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Programme Specification for Cultural Studies BA

Final award

BA

Intermediate awards available

Undergraduate Associate Certificate, University Certificate, Cert HE, Dip HE

UCAS code

L610 - Level 1 Entry (3 year full time route)
L611 - Level 0 Entry (Extended 4 year full time route)

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Media, Cultural & Communication Studies, Film Studies

Date specification last up-dated

March 2012

Profile

The summary - UCAS programme profile

BANNER BOX:

Cultural Studies at UEL sets the standard for innovation in programme content and teaching. Our programme addresses up to the minute issues in contemporary popular culture and politics in a theoretical context through the use of exciting workshop and production based teaching backed up by the research excellence of our teaching team. It's simply the best programme of its kind in the country.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.

Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level one may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 100 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.

We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.

If you have the potential, commitment and enthusiasm to study for a degree but are unable to meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree programme you can apply for the Extended Degree programme route.  An Extended Degree includes a Level 0 year, making the period of study 4 years or 5 years if the Extended Degree programme is taken on a part-time basis.  The programme provides a supportive learning space for students to experience academic studies at university and helps develop confidence and academic skills in preparation for Levels 1-3.  The programme is also highly rated by students who successfully complete the programme.   Successful completion of the programme guarantees entry to a range of Single Honours programmes or a Combined Programme of study within the School of Arts and Digital Industries.

More details of the Extended Degree programme can be found here

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

What is Cultural Studies?

Culture is both our everyday rituals and beliefs, and the artefacts that define who we are. Culture is why we work longer hours, and are becoming less skilled. Culture is why we don’t make eye contact with people on the tube, and why we think “freedom” and “democracy” should be imposed by force on the rest of the world. And culture is Bob the Builder, Pete Doherty and Mozart. Culture is the Gherkin, Tate Modern, and the 2012 Olympics in London. In Cultural Studies we think about the meaning of culture and how it is changing, and why.

Cultural Studies is about power: who has it, who doesn't, and the various forms it takes in a complex society. From the power of the media to shape our sense of self to the power of voters to alter government policy; from the power of individuals to re-invent themselves through art and fashion to the power of corporations to transform our world, we are concerned with the question of who runs things and how they do it. We are concerned with the many ways in which the world is changing - from the sexual revolution to the impact of the internet - and with the question of why it is changing, and in whose interests.

Cultural Studies has arguably been the most important thing to happen to the humanities and social sciences in decades. Every branch of these disciplines has borrowed from it and is still borrowing from it. But Cultural Studies is also an important discipline in its own right, concerned primarily with the central question of how people make sense of the world around them and what forces shape their perceptions in the process. In Cultural Studies we use philosophy, economics, politics, literary theory and sociology to understand the meaning of anti-capitalist demos, reality TV, hip-hop, modern art, genetic engineering, Viagra, democracy and tourism.

Cultural Studies at UEL

  • Cultural Studies at UEL is recognised by the government as being 'Excellent' in its standard of teaching and programme innovation. And the research activity of our teaching team is recognised as being of the highest standard, so you'll be taught by people at the cutting edge of their discipline.
  • Cultural Studies at UEL is a dynamic programme that focuses on key contemporary issues.
  • Cultural Studies at UEL is taught in a workshop-based context for maximum interactivity between students and the programme team.
  • At UEL you'll get the chance to make culture as well as study it, in our state of the art Multimedia Production Centre.
  • At UEL the programme team is small, committed and passionately committed to Cultural Studies.

Programme structure

3 Years full-time or may be studied for up to 6 years part-time towards the completion of BA (Hons). Upon a foundation of relevant media theory, history and practice, students of Media Studies at UEL choose from a wide prospectus of subjects and approaches, including media production and work-based learning. In level 3, Media Studies students will complete an independent research project.

Learning environment

Workshop-based lectures for whole modules; seminars for smaller groups and focussed discussion; individual tutorials for discussing assessments; production space; external visits

Assessment

We use a broad range of assessment forms, including essays, projects, research exercises, portfolios, an exam, a dissertation and presentations. There is continuous assessment of modules through a variety of forms of coursework. To pass a module a student is required to achieve the pass level of 40%. Students must complete 12 modules in total in levels 2 and 3, including at least 5 in level 3.

Work experience/placement opportunities

All students on Cultural Studies programmes have the opportunity at level two of taking critical placement modules that enable work-based learning in the culture industries.

Project work

Students will have the opportunity to develop their own ideas and interests in project work on production modules and on non-production modules. Production projects will normally be based on collaborative small group work.

Added value

Students have benefited from work placements that have been extended over the summer vacation of year 2 - these extensions have been mutually agreed with industry partners.

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in...

If you're stimulated by any of the following questions then this is the programme for you:

  • What is the meaning of celebrity culture?
  • Do identity categories matter any more? Is your credit rating more important than your ethnicity, nationality or sexuality?
  • Has corporate branding become more important than the products companies manufacture?
  • Do national governments or global corporations rule the world?
  • Does the internet offer information democracy, and a 'digital commons' or the possibility of a total information awareness of all its citizens on the part of state agencies?
  • How has pop music brought about social change?

If you enjoy...

  • New ideas.
  • Thinking about things in new ways.
  • Challenging yourself.
  • Following debates and topics in the media.
  • Getting into a row down the pub with your friends about what the most important record of the decade is.

If you want...

  • a programme that will still be interesting at 3am in the morning when you've fallen asleep over your books
  • a chance to think about your life and experiences in new ways
  • to read some books that will make your brain feel bigger
  • to find a way of expressing YOUR perspective; in discussions, in writing and in digital publication, video, or sound design

Your future career

A degree in Cultural Studies will show a prospective employer that you have well developed critical skills, that you are flexible and thoughtful, and that you have practical skills in researching, writing, presenting and organising ideas. In this way, it will give you the same opportunities that any other arts or social sciences qualification would give you. Previous students have gone into a range of careers in the arts, culture industries and media, including PR, journalism, research, production and so on. Graduates of Cultural Studies have also gone on to work in the caring professions, including teaching, as well as local and national government, and the professions.

How we support you

As a small, enthusiastic team, we develop a strong relationship with our students. We have an excellent personal tutor system, and offer specialised support with assessments and any issues you may have through both the personal tutor system and in the context of each specific module. The School's Student Support Office provides a full-time drop-in service for students in matters of programme management, administration and progression.

Bonus factors

  • Opportunities for overseas exchange programmes of study
  • Close proximity to London 's media and creative industries
  • To be among socially rich and culturally dynamic student population

Outcomes

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

  • Acquire and develop a critical understanding of cultural change in a contemporary context, within a highly interactive and innovative teaching and learning environment.
  • Develop an awareness of the highly conflicted, and fascinating, nature of contemporary Anglo-American culture in a global context.
  • Develop new skills in critical thinking and the ability to express yourself in writing, presenting and media production.
  • Change the way you think about yourself and the world around you.

What will you learn?

Knowledge

  • Of key debates in history, philosophy, art history, film studies, sociology, literature and politics that have shaped our contemporary cultural context.
  • Of 'real world' culture and how the theory above does, and does not, help us to understand it.
  • Of relevant technologies and techniques of audio-visual production.

Thinking skills

  • How to think conceptually; how to synthesize theory with practice.
  • How to undertake critical and constructive analysis of texts, artefacts, spaces, events, debates, policies and ways of being.
  • How to organise investigation and research

Subject-Based Practical skills

  • Competence in a range of technical skills: IT databases and word-processing, research organisation, execution of analytical writing and presenting.
  • Competence in a range of media technologies, including skills in analogue and digital media formats.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

  • How to express yourself in an informed and authoritative way - in your writing, in your speech, in your professional confidence.
  • How to independently organise and manage a workload effectively.
  • How to locate, select and synthesise sources of information for written work/research.
  • How to work collaboratively as well as independently.

Structure

The programme structure

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

  • 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
  • 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.

Typical duration

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time or five years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year begins in September (or February for semester B entrants) and ends in June. A typical full-time student will study the equivalent of 120 credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study for one day and one evening per week and will complete 60-80 credits.

What you will study when

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

  • Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
  • Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
  • Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
  • Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

  • Core - Must be taken
  • Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
  • University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major routes for this programme

Extended Route (Level 0 entry)

LEVELTITLECREDITSSTATUS SINGLE

0

Studying in Higher Education

40

Core

0

Understanding the Media and Cultural Industries

20

Core

0

Creative Production

20

Option

0

Writing Practices

20

Option

0

Introduction to New Media

20

Option

0

Introduction to Film and Video Studies

20

Option

0

Understanding Cities and Communities

20

Option

0

Understanding the iPod Generation

20

Option

0

Globalisation and Social Movements

20

Option

0

Reading and Writing for Academic Studies

20

Option

0

Multimedia Advocacy

20

Option

120 credits from Level 0 Modules (including all cores) must be passed in order to progress to level 1.

Level 1 Entry

LEVELTITLECREDITSSTATUS
SINGLE		STATUS
MAJOR		STATUS JOINTSTATUS MINORUni
Cert		Asc
Cert

1

Introduction to Visual Cultures & Narrative Form

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

1

 Culture, Technology & Power

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

N/A

1

Media Lab 1: Identity & Promotional Communication

20

Core

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Critical Approaches to Humanities

20

Core

Core

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

History of Music Genre: 20th - 21st Century

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

The International Order

 

Option

N/A

Option

 N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Early and Silent Cinema

 

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Film Analysis

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Identity, Difference, Race

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Media and Gender

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

 Approaches to Shakespeare

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Making the Modern Self

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Creative Imagination

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Patterns in Imperial History

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

1

Film Analysis

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 Understanding Culture & the Culture Industries

20

Core

Core

Option

Core

N/A

N/A

2

Realism, Fantasy and Utopias

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

N/A

N/A

2

 Culture, Power & Knowledge

20

Core

Core

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

Youth Cultures

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

Music, Writing, Criticism

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

Nation and Empire in a Global Age, 1780-1914

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

Race and Representation

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

MediaLab 2: Photography and Promotional Culture

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

The Television Audience

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

2

Reading Film

20

Option

N/A

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

 2

 Media, Culture & Society

 20

 Option

 Option

 Option

 N/A

 N/A

N/A 

 2

 Individual & Society

 20

 Option

 Option

 Option

 N/A

 N/A

 N/A

 2

 Social Theory, Modernity & The Industrial Age

 20

 Option

 Option

 Option

 N/A

 N/A

 N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Modern Times: Modernity and Postmodernity

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

N/A

N/A

3

Culture, Power and Resistance in the 21 st Century

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

N/A

N/A

3

Dissertation

40

Core

Core

Option

 N/A

 N/A

 N/A

3

Music, Sound and the Body

20

Option

N/A

Option

Option

 N/A

 N/A

3

Globalisation and the Media

20

Option

N/A

Option

Option

 N/A

 N/A

3

Public Relations and Promotion

20

Option

N/A

Option

Option

 N/A

 N/A

3

Memory & History

20

Option

N/A

Option

Option

 N/A

 N/A

3

Exploring Working Class Culture

20

Option

N/A

Option

Option

 N/A

 N/A

3

 World Cinema

20

Option

N/A

Option

Option

 N/A

 N/A

 3

 Conflict & Change in the Age of Extremes

 20

 Option

 N/A

 Option

 Option

 N/A

 N/A

 3

 Political Religion

 20

 Option

 N/A

 Option

 Option

 N/A

 N/A

Requirements for gaining an award

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain an Undergraduate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 40 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3

×

2/3

+

The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3

×

1/3

and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification

70% - 100%

First Class Honours

60% - 69%

Second Class Honours, First Division

50% - 59%

Second Class Honours, Second Division

40% - 49%

Third Class Honours

0% - 39%

Not passed

Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Knowledge is developed through

  • presentation of frameworks of information in lectures student centred seminar discussions
  • reading of specified texts on a weekly basis
  • Viewing of films and videos on a weekly basis

Thinking skills are developed through

  • close analysis of specified texts
  • individual and small group exercises in seminar sessions and workshops.

Practical skills are developed through

  • tutored introduction to media technologies
  • practical demonstration workshops
  • tutorial support
  • independent practical studies
  • project work

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

  • understanding of university and degree programme and structure
  • tutorials to discuss individual progress
  • group project work
  • Individual coursework assignments

Assessment

Knowledge is assessed by

  • coursework essays, case studies, reports, evaluations, presentations, production folders.

Thinking skills are assessed by

  • coursework essays, case studies, reports, evaluations, journals, presentations, production folders.

Practical skills are assessed by

  • tutor-observation
  • evidence of demonstrable understanding in completed project work
  • evidence of understanding of formal specificity of medium

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

  • involvement in and contribution to seminar/ workshop sessions
  • ability to understand and meet requirements of module specifications
  • attendance at regular tutorials
  • involvement in and contribution to group project work

Quality

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before the programme started, the following was checked:

  • there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
  • adequate resources would be in place;
  • the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
  • the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
  • the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
  • the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

  • external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
  • statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
  • student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

The role of the programme committee

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

  • To ensure the standard of the programme
  • To ensure that justice is done to individual students

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

  • Approving exam papers/assignments
  • Attending assessment boards
  • Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
  • Ensuring that regulations are followed
  • Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

  • Module evaluations
  • Student representation on programme committees
  • Informal feedback and discussions with tutors and students at the end of each module

Students are notified of the action taken through:

  • circulating the minutes of the programme committee
  • announcements in core lectures
  • providing details on the programme noticeboard

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

List the methods that you use e.g.

  • Questionnaires to former students
  • Visiting speakers
  • Networking events
  • Placements Officer

Further Information

Alternative locations for studying this programme

LocationWhich elements?Taught by UEL staffTaught by local staffMethod of Delivery

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-

-

-

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Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

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