BA (Hons) Society, Culture and Media
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- LP33
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
On this degree you will gain a deep understanding of how we as humans interact with culture and media. Whether you’re interested in social media, heritage, film, museums, or emerging tech, we invite you to join us in the study of Society, Culture & Media at UEA. On this degree you will develop skills to analyse how media and culture shape, influence and even control the way people behave and the way societies are organised.
On this course, you’ll examine the ways in which media and culture shape our societies and the people in them.
The BA in Society, Culture and Media is a flexible programme with a great deal of choice for you to specialise in what interests you most. In your core modules, you’ll explore media power and the history of social and political thought. You’ll also develop social research skills and learn how to analyse media content. As you progress, you’ll build on that core foundation of skills and knowledge with optional modules. You’ll choose from a wide variety of areas such as gender and power, digital media and society, animation, journalism, media and cultural policy, American music, promotional culture, public opinion, digital politics, magazines, Japanese film, and much more. You could even choose to study a foreign language, or spend a semester studying abroad, as well as research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing.
Each year, you’ll be able to select the areas and topics that you’re most interested in. You’ll be able to look at how media and culture construct people’s individual and collective identities. Or you can consider how globalisation both affects, and is affected by, media and culture. You can explore the ways music, television and film connect to citizens’ everyday lives. Alternatively, you can study the impact of digital media on social and political processes.
During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements. You’ll also have the option of a semester abroad in your second year at one of UEA’s partner universities. For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
UEA has a strong reputation for its teaching and research on media and culture. We have specialists in media and cultural studies, the law and economics of media, media and cultural policy, and the politics and sociology of media and culture.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements. You’ll also have the option of a semester abroad in your second year at one of UEA’s partner universities. For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll establish the foundations of the course. You’ll study media power, how to analyse television, and the history of social and political thought. At the same time, you’ll be able to choose from a range of optional modules which may include a foreign language or other aspects of media and culture.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
We combine teaching methods such as lectures, which will provide you with an overview of the topic, and small-group seminars, where you’ll debate the work you’ve been reading that week. Our teaching is focused, interactive, and up to date with current events. You’ll learn crucial skills, such as how to summarise and analyse information, how to develop and critique arguments, and how to speak in public.
You’ll discuss key debates and issues about various media formats including television and the foundations of social and cultural ideas.
Independent Learning
You’ll prepare for your weekly teaching with guided tasks, such as preparing answers to seminar questions or completing small weekly writing tasks which will help you to develop study skills. You will also complete longer assessments like essays, presentations and projects.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 25%
Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
Our assessments are predominantly at the individual level, with some group assessment. These include essays and other written assessment including mini-essays and critical summaries of around 500 words, literature reviews or reading logs.
Structure
You’ll take a module which will equip you with techniques to carry out your own social research and to see the strengths and weaknesses of the methods used by others. Beyond that, study in your second year will be guided by your personal interests. You’ll be able to choose from topics such as gender and power, digital media and society, animation, journalism, American music and promotional culture.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional G Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll explore different areas of media, and their impact on culture and society. You will begin specialisation by selecting from a wide range of modules with a variety of topics and theoretical approaches.
Independent Learning
You’ll write longer pieces and start to develop your research skills and areas of interest. You will have the opportunity to take modules with a range of different assessments including writing reflective essays, literature reviews and presentations.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 25%
Independent Learning: 75%
Assessment
As you progress through your degree, you can choose from a wide range of modules with a range of assessment formats. Most of our assessment is at the individual level and is written coursework. Students could also take modules involving assessment by presentation, group projects, including group presentations, and a range of new types of writing tasks.
Structure
In your final year, you get to choose from a range of more specialised modules, the topics of which may include public opinion, digital politics, magazines, Japanese film, activism, politics and popular culture, and much else besides. You may also opt to write a dissertation, drawing on your own interests and questions.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year is about specialisation: focusing on the topics that you want to explore. If you choose to write a dissertation, you’ll select your topic and methodology, guided by one of our experts. You could also develop other skills relevant to the media field and market.
Independent Learning
By year 3, you’ll be able to develop, research and present your ideas on media culture and society. This could include writing a dissertation under the supervision of an academic expert.
How you'll spend your time:
Teaching: 20%
Independent Learning: 80%
Assessment
You’ll have the opportunity to write a dissertation of 8-9000 words. You will select the topic, research question and methodology, under the guidance of an academic expert.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- BTEC
- DDM Excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture
International Foundation in Humanities and Law
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a wide array of careers, directly related to your areas of study and well beyond. These might include jobs in publishing, international organisations, parliaments, political parties or the civil service. Alternatively, you might choose to enter media, marketing or advertising industries, or in a non-governmental organisation, a think-tank, or other research organisation.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers you could enter include:
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Teaching
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Voluntary sector organisations
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Social media and digital marketing
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Public relations
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Civil service
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Non-government organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.