Course Content
The degree combines theory and practice and provides students with strong communication and analytical skills that are highly valued in today’s employment market. These skills are reinforced by optional work placements. An impressive 90% of our graduates are in work or study 6 months after graduating. The course is particularly suited to anyone with an interest in specialist journalism – such as film, music, fashion and sport journalism. Graduates from the course have pursued careers in a variety of industries, including:
• Media
• Journalism
• Publishing
• Education
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Heritage
• Postgraduate study at both Master’s and PhD level
Set in one of the most beautiful parts of the city, the Cyncoed Campus has become a centre of excellence in the delivery of English, Creativity and Contemporary Media. This degree provides a programme perfectly balanced between theory and practice, delivered from the creative heart of Wales.
English:
The study of English engages with your enthusiasm for reading and literature, and introduces you to advanced critical thinking in the form of theoretical practice. You will analyse a wide range of texts (including film and digital narratives) to explore the cutting edge of English as well as the historical narratives that have helped form the canon. A mixture of thematic and chronological modules ensures a good grounding in genre, context and period. You will challenge assumptions about the production of narratives and their relationship to questions of authority and identity. The degree has a strong contemporary focus and provides highly valued employability skills.
Modules are taught by the research active team (including Dr Carmen Casaliggi, Dr Katharine Cox, Dr Dimitra Fimi and Dr Jeff Wallace) who have research interests in literature and place, J. R. R. Tolkien, legend, myth, and folklore, the relationship between art and literature, Romanticism, feminist literature, contemporary literature, the city, posthumanism and DH Lawrence.
Contemporary Media:
This part of the degree combines theoretical analysis of contemporary media, such as film, TV and digital media with practical skills in digital media, media writing and journalism. Particular focus is given to 'specialist journalism', such as film, music, fashion and sport journalism. You will be taught by academic staff who are current practitioners and researchers. Teaching staff includes: Robert Taffurelli former Editor of Film and TV Production Review and Managing Editor of one of London's largest publishing houses, and current film and media freelance journalist and Consultant Editor of IBE magazine. In addition, Carole Burns (http://www.caroleburns.com/) is author of Off the Page: Writers Talk About Beginnings, Endings, and Everything in Between (2008). Her nonfiction has been published in the Washington Post and the New York Times and her awards include: Artist Fellowship from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Mary Roberts Rinehart National Award.
Year One:
Introductory modules like those offered in Literature, Contemporary Media and Journalism provide you with a taster of content, form and genre; while our attention to your academic skills will provide you with a theoretical 'toolbox' which you'll be able to call upon later during your degree.
Typical modules include:
Year Two:
The second year introduces the subjects in more depth with specific modules targeting journalism, creative media, the legacies of Romanticism, and genre fiction , while our attention to research methods will prepare you for your dissertation. You can also decide to undertake a student work placement (option) or participate in our Erasmus Exchange Programme (option).
Typical modules include:
- Romantic and Victorian Legacies
- Monsters, Cyborgs and Imaginary Worlds
- Research Methods
- Culture, Media and Sport Journalism
- Television Studies*
- Media Industries
- Work Placement (for example: journalism, creative industries, media, PR, marketing, education/school settings, theatre or museums and galleries)*
- Children's Literature: Theory and Practice*
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages: Initial Training (TESOL)*
- Erasmus Exchange*
We also encourage our students to participate in our Erasmus exchange programme which enables you to undertake several months of exciting study in a European university (through the medium of English).
Year Three:
By year three you'll have a keen sense of your own academic path, as well as a study agreed with your dissertation supervisor into an area of your own choosing. This is an opportunity for you to specialise in one area of specific interest.
Typical modules include:
- Modern and Contemporary Literature
- Narratives, Identities and Place Dissertation: may specialise in either area of the degree
- Radical Cinema
- Digital Cultures and New Media
*option modules that will enable you to tailor your degree and follow your areas of interest.
Extra-Curricula:
Throughout the years, you will be invited to attend theatre trips, films and other cultural events held in Cardiff. The Department also regularly invites external speakers to give presentations and readings.
Key Facts
Campus: Cyncoed
UCAS Code(s): QP33
School: Cardiff School of Education
Course Length: Three years full-time.
Flexinle part-time routes are available.
Assessment:
We’re committed to innovative assessment practices that match identified learning outcomes for your module and degree. This means assessment, wherever possible, is linked to enhancing not only your subject knowledge but skills vital in developing your employment opportunities. Examples of assessment include research portfolios, group work, creative writing portfolios, critical and reflective practice, reviews, poster presentations, annotated bibliographies and so on.
How you’ll be taught: We utilise a range of teaching environments to best fit your learning needs. Delivery includes workshops, seminars, research seminars, lectures, virtual learning environments, away days, field trips and visits. Wherever possible, the emphasis is placed upon small group work and individual learning needs identified through your Personal and Professional Development plan. You’ll be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout each year.
The degree is enhanced by the use of the university's e-learning system.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at http://www.ucas.com/
For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply
International Applicants:
Before making an application, international students (those outside of the EU), should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international.
Selection Procedure:
Selection is usually on the basis of a completed UCAS application and interview.
Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.
Bursaries & Scholarships:
The university also offers a bursary and scholarship scheme to help students whilst at university. To see if you are eligible, visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships.