BA/BSc (Hons) Media Communications and Sociology

Program Overview

The BA/BSc (Hons) Media Communications and Sociology program at Bath Spa University is a three-year, full-time course providing a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment. It is structured to progressively build foundational knowledge in media studies and sociological theories in the first year, explore diverse media forms and key sociological concepts in the second, and culminate in specialized studies at the intersection of media and society, along with an interdisciplinary research project in the final year. Students benefit from practical workshops in media production, engaging seminars on sociological issues, and collaborative projects that integrate media analysis with sociological inquiry. A key element involves fostering a deep understanding of how media shapes and reflects social structures, identities, and behaviors, and how sociological perspectives can inform media production and consumption. The program encourages students to develop their critical thinking, analytical skills, research proficiency in both disciplines, and their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA/BSc (Hons) Media Communications and Sociology program is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the core areas of both disciplines. Core modules typically cover media theory, digital media production, strategic communication, media law and ethics, sociological theory, social inequalities, research methods in social sciences, and the sociology of media and culture. As students progress, they often have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as digital sociology, media and identity, global media and communication, social justice and media, and visual sociology through elective modules that bridge the two fields. The program emphasizes the development of practical media production skills, sociological research methodologies, critical analysis of media content and social structures, and the ability to synthesize sociological insights with media communication strategies. Students will engage in creating media content, conducting sociological research, analyzing media representations of social issues, and developing communication strategies informed by sociological understanding. The final year often includes a significant interdisciplinary research project and advanced seminars exploring current issues at the intersection of media and society.

Research Focus: The BA/BSc (Hons) Media Communications and Sociology program at Bath Spa University benefits from a research-informed learning environment within the School of Media and Culture and the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries. Faculty members in both disciplines are actively engaged in research related to areas such as digital media and society, media representation of marginalized groups, the social impact of new media technologies, cultural studies, and the sociology of communication. This research informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to current academic debates, theoretical advancements, and empirical findings in both media studies and sociology. Students are encouraged to develop their own research interests at the intersection of these fields through assignments and their final year interdisciplinary project, fostering independent learning and critical inquiry.

Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's BA/BSc (Hons) Media Communications and Sociology program fosters connections with a range of media organizations, market research companies, public relations agencies, and social research institutions. The program may facilitate guest lectures by media professionals, social researchers, and communication specialists, providing students with insights into potential career pathways. Students may have opportunities for internships or practical projects with organizations that require a blend of communication skills and sociological understanding. The curriculum emphasizes the development of transferable skills valued by employers in both sectors, such as communication, research, analysis, and critical thinking about social and media issues.

Global Perspective: The BA/BSc (Hons) Media Communications and Sociology program at Bath Spa University incorporates a global perspective by examining international media systems, cross-cultural communication practices, and the global flows of media and information, alongside sociological analyses of global inequalities, cultural globalization, and transnational social movements. The curriculum may include the study of global media ownership, the impact of digital technologies on global communication, and sociological perspectives on globalization and its effects on local cultures and identities. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a global learning environment, fostering discussions and collaborations across different cultural perspectives on media and society. Furthermore, the program prepares graduates to understand and engage with complex global issues at the intersection of media and society, recognizing the diverse social contexts in which media operates and is consumed worldwide.