We know from our own lives that media continuously influence how we live, make connections with others, and become informed about the world. But how much do we really know about the huge variety of messages, texts, images, and representations that we encounter? How are they produced and shared? How are they received? What competing ideas, opinions and values do they put forward? Who benefits and who loses out in the process?
Our Media and Cultural Studies degree focuses upon the key roles of media in shaping who we are, what we think, and what we value. Rather than just learning about media practices, we invite you to consider critically how such practices are situated within social, cultural, economic and political contexts.
As a student, you will be situated in a top Sociology Department, recognised for the quality and impact of its research and publications. Our staff are involved in research on everything from digital journalism and Trump to visual cultures, fan communities, and the role of stigmatisation, surveillance and class inequalities in celebrity representations and (reality) TV programmes. Our ‘research-led’ teaching approach means that you will have an opportunity to encounter and discuss this work in the classroom, drawing both inspiration and very relevant insights into the challenges and spaces for creativity in changing media industries. This excellent research is also one of the reasons that our degree is so highly ranked.
