BA (Hons) Media Communications and Publishing

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Media Communications and Publishing program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a dynamic and collaborative learning environment that bridges the worlds of media and publishing. It is structured to progressively build foundational media and publishing knowledge and skills in the first year, explore diverse media production techniques and publishing roles in the second, and culminate in specialized projects that integrate both disciplines, industry placements, and a professional portfolio in the final year. Students benefit from practical workshops in digital media production, editorial processes, marketing and publicity, and strategic communication planning, alongside engaging seminars on media theory, ethics, and the business of publishing. A key element involves fostering a deep understanding of the creation, production, distribution, and consumption of content across various media and publishing platforms. The program encourages students to develop their writing, editing, digital media, strategic communication, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to thrive in the increasingly interconnected media and publishing industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Media Communications and Publishing program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of both fields. Core modules typically cover media theory, digital media production, strategic communication, media law and ethics, the history of media and publishing, editorial processes, marketing and publicity in publishing, and digital publishing strategies. As students progress, they often have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as digital content creation, magazine publishing, online journalism, public relations, and social media management through elective modules that bridge media and publishing. The program emphasizes the development of strong writing and editing skills, digital media production abilities (including audio, video, and web), strategic communication planning, critical thinking about media and publishing trends, and an understanding of the business models within both sectors. Students will engage in creating digital content, editing and proofreading materials, developing publishing proposals, planning communication campaigns, and analyzing media and publishing business strategies. The final year often includes a significant final project that integrates their media communication and publishing skills and a professional industry placement.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Media Communications and Publishing program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Media and Culture. Faculty members are actively engaged in research related to various aspects of media, communication, and publishing, including digital media studies, social media effects, media representation, communication theory, publishing innovation, and the impact of new technologies on content creation and dissemination. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, industry trends, and ethical considerations in both fields. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests through assignments and their final year project, fostering critical analysis of the converging media and publishing landscapes.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA (Hons) Media Communications and Publishing program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement across both sectors. The program has established links with numerous media organizations, publishing houses, digital media companies, and communication agencies, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, guest lectures by industry professionals from both media and publishing, and real-world project briefs that often bridge the two areas. Students often have the chance to work on live projects, gain practical experience in media production and publishing roles, and build professional networks across both industries. The curriculum includes modules focused on professional development, portfolio building, and career strategies within the evolving media and publishing sectors.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Media Communications and Publishing program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining international media systems, global publishing markets, cross-cultural communication practices, and the impact of globalization on content creation and dissemination. The curriculum may include the study of international media law and ethics, comparative publishing models, the translation and circulation of content across borders, and the challenges and opportunities of operating in a globalized media and publishing landscape. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on media and publishing. Furthermore, the program prepares graduates to navigate the increasingly interconnected global media and publishing industries, understanding the complexities of reaching diverse audiences and managing content in a global context.