Institute of Communications Studies

Faculty oF PerFormance, Visual arts and communications

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

Welcome
The Institute of Communications Studies (ICS) is a world-leading department in the field of media scholarship and practice. It currently offers four undergraduate courses and has a large number of postgraduate students at MA/MSc and PhD levels.

CONTENTS
About the Institute of Communications Studies ...................3 BA Honours Broadcast Journalism ......................................5 BA Honours Cinema and Photography ................................9 BA Honours Communications and Media .........................13 BA Honours New Media ....................................................17 Study Abroad .....................................................................20 Industrial Placements ........................................................20 Leeds University and Media Opportunities.........................21 University Life.....................................................................22 Admissions and Funding ...................................................23
the information contained in this document was right at time of going to press. For current information on courses and entry requirements please visit our website at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate Legal notice Whilst the university endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the date of publication the university does not accept liability for any inaccuracies contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable control of the university, the university reserves the right to change or cancel parts of, or entire, programmes of study or services at any time without liability, even after students have registered at the university. circumstances outside of the universitys reasonable control include, industrial action, over or under demand from students, staff illness, lack of funding, severe weather, fire, civil disorder, political unrest, government restrictions and concern with regard to the transmission of serious illness. the universitys contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of the contract (rights of third Parties) act 1999.

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

About the Institute of Communications Studies

We are a highly regarded multidisciplinary research department, with particular strengths in the analysis of international communication, media industries and political communication. ICS researchers have written many key books and articles on communications, media, film and culture. In September 2010, ICS moved into a specially refurbished building at the heart of the Leeds campus (Clothworkers Building North). Our excellent new facilities include a cinema, a new media lab and a television studio. The Institute has a strong history of graduates undertaking prestigious postgraduate work and starting careers in the television, journalism, film and web industries. Our alumni are credited across television, radio, print and online media,

We are an internationally renowned centre for teaching and research in communications, media and culture. Formed in 1988, ICS is now one of the largest departments of its kind in Europe, combining strengths in communications and media research with the teaching of communications history, theory and practical skills.
as well as fields outside media. The names below give an indication of the range covered: Timothy Glass Sky Sports; Owen Gibson Media Correspondent, The Guardian; Natascia Phillips Producer, Revolver Entertainment; Sara Tiefenbraun Director, The Culture Show; Tom Holland Producer-Director, ITV; Timothy Gallagher Deputy Executive Producer, Sky News; Nick Francis Director, Black Gold (Sundance Official Selection); Will Beardmore Digital Content Manager, EMI; Tom Cavill Lead Designer, top10.com; Faye Ellis eLearning & Young Audience manager, British Museum. We want to make sure that you choose the degree programme that is right for you and for your career aspirations.

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

ICS has a strong tradition of groundbreaking student achievement, including award winning student media such as Leeds Student Television

BA HONOURS BROADCAST JOURNALISM

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

BA Honours Broadcast Journalism

The BA in Broadcast Journalism is a challenging degree which investigates the multimedia world of news production. You will engage in intellectual debate about the communications industry as well as learning hands-on broadcasting skills. The degree offers an insiders look at the media industry, studying the key principles and issues of broadcast newsgathering. You will look at how news organizations research, report and produce their stories in the fast-changing world of international news and global programming. Media law will be taught alongside an examination of journalists ethical standards and responsibilities. You will look at the political and social climate in which journalists work, and how the industry is regulated. Under the guidance of professional broadcasters, youll be practising your journalism skills for 50% of the time. You will produce your own news output for radio, television and online outlets. You will be taught how to record for radio, film for TV, and how to edit your stories. By the third year, youll move towards examining current affairs output. You will research your own TV and radio documentaries, with the choice of the news subject up to you. It could for example tackle a more specialist area, such as sports or science journalism.

(course code PJ59)

Accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council

You will have the opportunity to undertake a three-week professional attachment in the broadcasting industry at either a public or independent broadcaster. Assessment methods include assessed essays, written examinations, practice-based coursework and a dissertation or major practice-based project in year three. By the end of your three years at Leeds, you will have the broadcasting skills and experience necessary to apply for jobs in the competitive multimedia industry. Our former students work in some of the top newsrooms and documentary production companies in the country, acting as news and current affairs reporters, producers, presenters and researchers. Whatever their career choice, this degree gives you the intellectual rigour, confidence and communication skills to tackle any job when you leave Leeds.

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Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure Year One

You will learn the principles of broadcast journalism through modules focusing on key debates in the study and practice of news and current affairs. Alongside key areas of scholarship in communications and media, you will learn the basics of British politics, media law, the history of broadcasting, and develop film and editing skills using industry standard equipment. Semester One Core Modules Introduction to Journalism The History of Communications Introduction to Communications Research Semester Two Core Modules Journalism News Skills Camera and Editing British Politics

Broadcast Journalism: Why Leeds?

ICS boasts 15 years of excellence in broadcasting education and training, and you will be taught by some of the countrys leading academics in this area; Leeds is the only Russell Group University to offer an industry accredited BA in Broadcast Journalism which means you benefit from training informed by research into the latest developments in media scholarship and practice; Theres no need to top up your BA with a postgraduate qualification saving you time and money that you can devote to building your career. In the summer before your final year at Leeds, you will follow an industry placement, for credit, enabling you to gain vital contacts in broadcasting.

BA Broadcast Journalism Course Structure

The degree is a challenging mix of theoretical study and hands-on multimedia training that produces graduates who are reflective practitioners, with the knowledge and skills required for a career in the demanding, multimedia broadcast industries. Our facilities include a television studio and designated newsroom, built to professional broadcast standards, and we are accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

Year Two
You will produce radio and television news stories and learn how to package these into multimedia news. You will examine the ethical decisions made by journalists and analyse the influences on the production of television news coverage. In addition you will choose two optional modules. Semester One Core Modules TV News Production Radio News Production TV News Journalism Semester Two Core Modules Broadcast Journalism Ethics Two Options from Communications Research Methods Multimedia Journalism The Reporting of Politics Working in New Media Digital Cultures (new module 2012)

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/ Industry Placement

Between years two and three you will gain more real world experience with a three-week work placement in a radio or television newsroom, a current affairs department or an independent production company specialising in factual programming. Our partnership with the BBC offers us placements in TV, Radio and Online newsrooms. You will also have the opportunity to join extra broadcast industry projects, as part of the BBCs drive to recruit new talent to Salford, their new network site in the North.

Broadcast Journalism: From our current students:

The course is second to none; both staff and facilities in the ICS are exceptional. The course allows you to experience both the vocational training required to become a journalist, alongside the academic work expected at a top University. Calum McKenzie I really enjoy the mix of academic and practical work on this course. My placement this summer proved to be an invaluable experience from which I have gained some solid contacts in the professional media industry. Florrie Critchley

Study Year Abroad

As part of the BA Broadcast Journalism you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year between the second and third years of your degree.

Broadcast Journalism: Careers and Alumni

Leeds broadcast journalists are employed by a broad range of broadcast companies and media outlets including: the BBC, Sky News and Sport, CNN, ITV, GMTV and Channel 4; commercial, regional and local radio and television; large and small independent production companies (some have founded their own!). Many graduates choose to work for public relations companies or in press offices for government, charities and NGOs. Many of our graduates work overseas from Channel 4s offices in Washington to The Japan Times. A graduate who became a Channel 4 trainee spent six months in China making a documentary about the first railway to cross China to Tibet. Others have made names for themselves in influential London PR firms. Some broadcast journalists prefer politics and the civil service. A number have worked in the BBCs political unit at Westminster, for parliamentary bodies or MPs. After graduating, I freelanced for a year before getting a job at a commercial station as news editor where I won a Sony award for journalism. I then moved on to my current job as BBC Somersets drive presenter and producer. The BA in Broadcast Journalism in Leeds has played a huge role in shaping my career. It gave me the vital tools I needed to have the confidence to both apply for jobs and perform in them. Ben McGrail Presenter/Producer at BBC Somerset Id wanted to go into a career in journalism from an early age and didnt really have a desire to study anything else at University. The course at Leeds University gave me a fantastic grounding in broadcast journalism. It covered all the key building blocks of journalism such as law and ethics as well as the practical side of actually translating basic journalistic skills into producing radio and television packages. I continue to draw on those very early lessons in my career now and will always be thankful to Judith Stamper whose guidance and advice through those early years set me in good stead. I regularly see mates from my year who are all now working for a variety of network broadcasters and randomly bump into other alumni who have attended the course and who have gone on to a career in the industry. Matt Williams News Editor, ITV News

Year Three
Alongside a compulsory module in Media Law, you will be supervised in the completion of either a dissertation, or a final year practical project on a topic of your choosing. You will also choose two optional modules. Semester One Core Modules Broadcast Journalism Placement Broadcast Journalism Project or Dissertation Media Law Semester Two Core Modules Broadcast Journalism Project or Dissertation Media Law One Option from Creative Work in the Cultural Industries International Communications TV Documentary Feature Production One Option from Advanced Multimedia News Production Citizen Media Communications & Conflict The Documentary & Reality Politics, Performance & Rhetoric

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

Our courses offer industry placements and study abroad opportunities

BA Honours CinemA And PHotogrAPHy

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

BA Honours Cinema and Photography

(course code W600)
This degree provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to play a significant role in the rapidly expanding digital media industries. The degree develops the skills necessary to produce high quality short films, screenplays and photographs, and embraces an understanding of critical and historical traditions in these areas.
Over the three years of this degree you will study a variety of production practices including digital filmmaking, screen writing and digital photography, as well as developing professionally focused research skills, archival and pre/post production techniques. You will also study the history of dominant communication forms and learn about theoretical approaches to understanding these media. You are encouraged to develop a critical and reflective approach to your own practice. This degree is highly distinctive in its combination of core production and postproduction skills with a broader reflective knowledge of the historical, cultural, business and managerial contexts of these key media. This degree is taught by a range of professionally active academics and enjoys close links with the National Media Museum.

Cinema and Photography Why Leeds?

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The course successfully blends both cinema and photography through a distinctive balance between theory and practice, where one informs the other; The course reflects technological changes (such as those in the world of D-SLR technologies) and new business paradigms within the cinema and photography sectors; Flexible pathways through the course enable students to focus on cinema, photography, script writing or a more theory based route.

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Year One

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

Semester One Core Modules Thinking Photographically: Developing Approaches to Photography Short Film Production

Cinema and Photography Course Structure

The distinctiveness of the course is in the combination of core production and postproduction skills with a broader reflective knowledge of the historical, cultural, business and managerial contexts of these key media.

One Option from Film Noir to Asia Extreme: Questioning Genre in World Cinema Screen Fiction Visual Communications Technology in Communications and Media Interactive Narrative and Gaming

You begin to develop the necessary academic and practice based skills which will enable you to fully engage with the key elements of this degree. You will study a combination of practice, skills and academic based modules. At the end of this year you will be able to demonstrate considerable practical abilities, and have a strong sense of how digital media texts are historically, culturally and critically situated. Semester One Core Modules Introduction to Communications Research The History of Communications Photographic Practice Semester Two Core Modules Introduction to Cinema Camera and Editing Screen Narrative Semester Two Core Modules Cinematic Themes Professional Practice

One Option from Communications Research Methods Critical Theories of Media The Making of Screen Fact Motion Graphics Music as Communication Working in New Media Digital Cultures Introduction to Public Relations

Year Two
You will begin the in-depth development of your practical and academic skills. You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the development, production and commercial exploitation of digital media products. You will also be able to demonstrate a professional attitude, commitment and technical fluency. In semester 1 filmmaking and professional abilities are further developed through two dedicated modules in short film production and thinking photographically. Semester 2 enables you to strengthen your cinematic knowledge and develop a better understanding of professional practice. In addition to these core modules you will undertake a specialist module in each semester in for example; motion graphics, screen fiction, music as communication or communications research techniques to name a few.

Study Year Abroad

As part of the BA Hons Cinema and Photography you also have an opportunity to study abroad for a year between the second and third years of your degree.

Year Three
You will study a major project which runs throughout the year. You can choose from four areas. These include: making a short film drama or documentary (as part of a production team); producing a photographic portfolio, writing a screenplay, or undertake a written dissertation. You will also choose from a broad range of associated options which can include an industry placement or if you prefer a specialist elective. This major project is at the core of the work undertaken in the final year and will provide evidence of the skills and knowledge developed as well as acting as a significant portfolio for future employment. You are carefully guided through module choices to ensure you maximise your potential and leave university with the skills and potential to develop careers in the digital media industries or continue to advanced postgraduate study.

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

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Semester One Core Modules Group Project (Film) Individual Project (Photography) Individual Project (Script) Communications Dissertation

Two Options from Cinema & Society in Western Europe Cinema in the Digital Era Creative Work in the Cultural Industries International Communications Media Philosophy Placement

Semester Two Core Modules Group Project (Film) Individual Project (Photography) Individual Project (Script) Communications Dissertation

Two Options from The Documentary & Reality Film Theory & Aesthetics Placement Themes in Contemporary Photography

BA Cinema and Photography: From our current students:

The course is both challenging and enjoyable, and allows you to follow the path that you want. The teaching staff will go the extra mile to help you with anything you are struggling with, and the course requires lots of group work so you are always integrating with fellow students giving you essential experience of team work in preparation for working in industry. Johnny Marshall, current student I really enjoy the amount of creativity that I can express through practical projects that I have worked on. Its also really useful and fun to be able to work with and be taught by people who have experience of the industry. Jasmine Dempsey, current student Ive really enjoyed my time on the Cinema and Photography course. Its helped provide me with the knowledge and experience that has proved extremely advantageous in the outside world. David Horner, current student

Reading Cinema and Photography at Leeds University primed me not only for life outside the education system, but also for one of the most difficult careers an undergraduate can aim for. The ICS department allowed students like myself a balance between taking ones own initiative and feeding a desire for independent learning, but also receiving much needed advice from our friendly and caring tutors. One of the things that Leeds offers and is respected for is the fact that the course is half academic and half practical. This gives you the freedom to learn in a way that suits you as you pick your modules, and provides your employers with the knowledge that you are capable of both. My experience at Leeds taught me a valuable lesson, that the obstacles you encounter that seem impossible rarely are and a confidence in ones own abilities is the greatest tool at our disposal. The most important thing that you can take away with you from your experience at University is simply learning exactly what you want to do with your life, but Leeds also taught me how to get there. I made some friends that I will keep for life and some films that I will always remember as they taught me my first and most important lessons about filmmaking. I now face the TV & Film industry in London with a clear confidence in my career and have found that most of the people I meet working in the top companies in the industry are Leeds graduates! Vivienne Errington-Barnes, Graduate, 2009 My time at Leeds Uni allowed me to transform my passion for filmmaking into a feasible career path. I now have technical skills in editing and visual effects which are much in demand. More importantly I understand the theoretical and artistic merit of my craft that courses at other universities simply dont teach. Before I came to the department, I knew I wanted to be involved in the visual arts but I had no idea in what capacity. I never thought of specialising in animation and motion graphics until in my final year. My tutors spent time with me developing my skills and more importantly my confidence. Because of the course content and enthusiastic experienced tutors I have a highly valued technical skill that allows me to work across the whole media spectrum TV, film, DVD or even on mobile phones. To succeed in the media you must have an exceptional mix of creativity and technical ability. While most visual arts courses teach you how to work the most up to date camera, or the latest video editing software, they often neglect to give students a sound understanding of the underpinning principles why you should do it as well as how. Thats where Leeds has the edge; I now understand why I should edit a scene in a specific way as well as how. Chris Urmston, Graduate

Cinema and Photography: Careers and Alumni

BA (Hons) Cinema and Photography opens up a wide range of potential career paths for graduates wishing to work in the media, equipping them with core skills in production, research, marketing and professional practice. Recent graduates have gone on to work in a variety of sectors including:
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Film and Television Production Marketing Advertising Casting Photography Research and Writing.

Many have also set up their own companies or gone on to teaching or postgraduate work.

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Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

The city of Leeds is a great place to study. The culture and nightlife is second to none, and it is a regional hub for creative, communication and media industries in the north of England

BA Honours CinemA And PHotogrAPHy

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

BA Honours Communications and Media

In the communications industries of the 21st century demand is high for graduates who are multi-skilled and who can work in changing circumstances. This is a challenging academic degree that will provide you with the analytical tools to study and understand the social, cultural and political role of the communications and media industries. It offers an exciting and contemporary approach to communications in one of the leading departments of its kind, known for its excellence in teaching and research. This degree offers a diverse range of modules, relating to all facets of the media, from political communication to audience studies, creative industries to Internet policy, popular music to world cinema. One of the degrees strengths is the high quality of teaching you will receive from research-active staff, many of whom are internationally renowned in their specialist fields, and authors of the books and articles you will read on the degree. As well as a solid grounding in communications and media theory you will be provided with an insight into current media policy debates and the very latest developments in media research.

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(course code P900)

The BA Communications and Media is for students who want to critically examine the role of the media in modern society and who are seeking a career in the media but do not yet want to specialise. It will help you to develop into a well rounded and skilled communications professional who will be able to move between different media and job roles.
Alongside an in-depth understanding of the media professions and creative work, you will gain the confidence and learn the analytical and critical skills that can be transferred to a range of careers, in the media and beyond. Many students on this degree complement their studies with participation in the universitys award-winning student media in television, radio and journalism.

Why Leeds?
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Uniting theory with empirical research and practice with critical reflection, this unique course enables you to develop your individual interests in the media and communications industries. It provides a solid skills grounding, and covers a range of subjects related to communications and media including communications theory, political communications and the work practices of communications professionals. You will be equipped with the analytical and transferable skills necessary to be highly employable in a wide variety of fields.

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Year One

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

Semester One Core Modules Visual Communications Media Policy

Communications and Media Course Structure

The degree offers students a critical, research-led and contemporary approach to media and communications.

One Option from Technology in Communications and Media Film Noir to Asia Extreme: Questioning Genre in World Cinema Introduction to Public Relations TV News Journalism

You will be introduced to the key areas of communications and media studies, addressing vital questions such as: How can we understand the role that media play in our society? What roles do media play in political processes? How do changes in the media relate to our understandings of gender, race, religion and sexuality? What are the factors that influence the work of communications professionals? Core Modules n Introduction to Communications Research
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Semester Two Core Modules Communications Research Methods

Two Options from Broadcast Journalism Ethics Cinematic Themes Critical Theories of Media Music as Communication The Reporting of Politics Working in New Media Digital Cultures

The History of Communications Power, Politics & the Media Introduction to Communications Theory Sociology of Media Practices Introduction to Cinema

Year Two
You will study specialist modules that will deepen your understanding of core themes introduced in the first year. You will study how media policy is formed, expand your knowledge of communications theory and learn about research methods that will help you conduct your own research into the media and communications industries. You will also have the opportunity to choose modules in areas of your choice (e.g. popular music, film, journalism).

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/ Study Year Abroad or industrial variant

As part of the BA Hons Communications and Media you also have an opportunity to study abroad or work in industry settings for a year between the second and third years of your degree.

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Communications and Media: Careers and Alumni

This degree will provide you with the analytical and team-work skills that are valued across a range of careers particularly in, but not limited to, the media and creative industries. Our graduates work in a variety of media sectors including television production, film, public relations, events organisation, magazine publishing, and media and cultural policy and research. Moreover, the degrees grounding in social science and humanities approaches and perspectives provides a foundation for careers beyond the media, in the public, private and third sectors. In fact, the rate of our students in full-time employment within six months of graduation is one of the highest in the university. I am a brand and communications assistant in an international research consultancy. Although mainly involved in PR and events I feel that my degree has given me a more rounded perspective of the media industry as well as developing skills that have helped me find employment. I not only learnt about the industry but developed skills while being able to focus on what I enjoyed doing most. Studying photography in the third year gave me a balance to the academic modules and another skill I can put in my CV. The professors and lecturers are definitely the best part of studying at Leeds; they are experts in their fields willing to help at every point. They are truly passionate about what they do and have taught me to look for that same passion in my chosen career. Daniele Phillips, BA Communications Studies graduate

Year Three
The final year is based largely on optional modules allowing you to specialise in a particular field or continue to cover a broad range of media and critical perspectives. Semester One Core Modules Communications Dissertation One Option from Understanding the audience Creative Work in the Cultural Industries Cinema & Society in Western Europe International Communications Internet Policy Media Philosophy Semester Two Core Modules Communications Dissertation Two Options from Citizen Media The Documentary & Reality Communications & Conflict Film Theory & Aesthetics New Communications Technologies & the Information Society Politics, Performance & Rhetoric Promotional Culture The Preservation of Communication

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Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

ICS is home to some of the worlds leading media and communications researchers, and excellent practitioners, who teach you throughout your degree

17 BA Honours New Media

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

(course code P390)

The BA Hons New Media offers a unique blend of new media theory and practice, teaching you all you need for a future in digital and interactive media. The degree covers practical new media design and production, from visual, web and interaction design to advanced database design and programming, as well as the important critical thinking skills that will help you to make sense of new media developments and their place in our social and political world.

BA HONOURS NEW MEDIA

You will be encouraged to apply critical thinking, creativity and imagination to all that you do, whether it is designing and developing new webbased products or essay writing and academic research. The diverse nature of the curriculum helps you to develop a flexible set of skills, not simply in technology but also in communications, providing you with a broad range of options for employment and further study when you graduate from Leeds. The Institute of Communications Studies is home to some of the worlds leading new media and communications researchers as well as excellent new media practitioners. You will benefit from interactions with undergraduates on other degrees in the department, sometimes working alongside cinema and photography students, communications students, and students of journalism on shared modules, as well as undertaking specialist new media modules. As the degree progresses, you will be able to focus on your specialist interests, whether these relate to creative or technical new media practice, or to a theoretical analysis of key developments in the new media industries. This degree provides a unique opportunity to develop your creative, thinking and practical technical abilities at one of the worlds leading universities. There are no other degrees offering this blend of new media theory and practice in the UKs top 20 Russell Group of universities. If you are interested in the opportunity to develop rich portfolios of work to a professional standard, to make sense of current trends in new media in their social and political context, and to develop

other important skills such as team working, presentation skills, project planning and research skills, then this is the degree for you.

Why Leeds?
n

Leeds has a dynamic new media sector, hosting a range of companies, from global branding and design companies like Elmwood, to local companies, some of which have been started up by our graduates, such as the award-winning Creode. We have fantastic relationships with them, which results in more work placement opportunities than we can find the students for, and exciting assessment briefs set by people at the cutting edge of new media practice; Our graduates have gone into new media jobs at some of the biggest and best companies around, including EMI, the British Museum, M&C Saatchi. New media and digital media jobs account for around half of all of The Guardians media jobs, an indication of the wide range of career opportunities opened up by studying new media; The ICS is equipped with excellent media facilities, including a new media lab dedicated solely to students on this degree.

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Year One

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure Study Year Abroad

You have an opportunity to study abroad for a year between the second and third years of the degree.

New Media Course Structure

The curriculum has been designed to offer a distinctive combination of new media theory and practice, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they will require for a future in digital and interactive media.

Year Three
In your final year, you will cover new media legislation, policy and regulation and work with a supervisor on either a final-year practical project or an academic dissertation. You can also develop your specific interests in new media and communications by selecting three modules from a wide range of options on offer, both theoretical and practice-based. This includes an industry placement module that allows you to build up real-world experience of work in the media industries. Core Modules New Media Project OR Dissertation Internet Policy Optional modules (you choose 3 of the following) Creative Work in the Cultural Industries Datamining Techniques Information Design International Communications Media Philosophy Placement Understanding the Audience Citizen Media Communications & Conflict The Documentary & Reality New Communications Technologies & the Information Society Politics, Performance & Rhetoric Promotional Culture

The first year provides you with a solid foundation for the rest of your degree, covering key skills in new media design and production and introducing you to new media and communications theory. You also select one optional module in either new media or communications. Core Modules Whats New About New Media & Digital Communications? Design for New Media Introduction to Communications Research Interface Design Introduction to Communications Theory Optional modules (you choose 1 of the following) Animation & Interactivity Camera & Editing Screen Narrative Sociology of Media Practices

Year Two
By the end of your second year, you will be equipped with advanced skills in web/database coding, interactive design, visual communication and analysis, group work, project planning and communications research skills. You will also choose two options from a wide range of modules in new media, communications and design. Core Modules Visual Communications Dynamic Web Development Working in New Media Communications Research Methods Optional modules (you choose 2 of the following) Technology in Communications and Media Media Policy Motion Graphics Colour Art & Science Critical Theories of Media Eco-Design Music as Communication The Reporting of Politics Interactive Narrative & Gaming Digital Cultures

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/ From our current students

The BA New Media is giving me the opportunity to study my interests, and to really learn more about myself. Whilst broadening my skill set, I am able to specialise in my main interest, that is, interface design. I feel like a better designer and coder, and more importantly a better thinker. I have really enjoyed the lectures, as well as the extra-curricular talks, by the likes of Bruce Lawson and Patrick Lauke from the Opera team. And with help from Leeds Spark and the Enterprise Society, I have stretched my career prospects further than I ever imagined. I am constantly overwhelmed with the opportunities available here, which are just fantastic. Oliver Ash, 2nd year BA Hons New Media This New Media degree has opened my eyes to the impact the Internet has on our lives and the importance of understanding it. It is an integral part of life now, thus studying New Media has enabled me to fully engage with the future. I am excited to graduate from this course knowing that I understand where the world is going and how to embrace that. Being the student rep for the New Media degree has set me up for roles of responsibility and a voice for people. This degree has allowed me to exceed my own expectations of what I thought I would learn and achieve at university. As a student ambassador on open days, I love meeting new people who are to embark on the same academic journey that I have been on. The prospective students are always great to talk to because there are common interests. Voicing my own experiences of this degree has made me realise how much I have enjoyed this course. Sarah Keeble, 3rd year BA Hons New Media

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New Media: Careers and Alumni

We have excellent links with new media industries and many of our award-winning graduates are offered jobs before they even graduate. Our graduates have careers in web design, online marketing, project management, web management, e-commerce and advertising. Many have gone on to work at national media organisations. More generally, new media and digital communications play a vital role in almost every organisation and therefore career opportunities for our graduates are especially rich and varied. We also have excellent links with leading new media researchers internationally, and so can support our students into further study and academic and research careers. I am involved with everything from designing and building websites through to brainstorming and animating flash games. Were a small team with a lot of work turnover so I often have to play varied roles from project to project. Our clients include Nickelodeon, Franz Ferdinand, Disney, Channel 4 Ideas Factory, The Box and Yorkshire Forward. Theres a lot of opportunity to express yourself in the New Media course, especially in the final year project and it launched me into a career Im really enjoying. Ben Smith, Designer Ralph http://www.ralphandco.com Digital media is an incredibly broad field, and studying New Media gave me a great grounding in design and communications not only the theory, but also in the technical and practical aspects. A really unique mix. It allowed me to develop some of the essentials skills of the industry but also to specialise in what I wanted, and in the way I wanted to. After studying interface design and some human-computer interaction modules on my study abroad year in Australia, my interest in user research and interaction design was really sparked. So, after my degree, I went on to study a Masters in Human-Computer Interaction in the hope of becoming a user experience consultant. One of the things that stood out for me at Leeds was the abundance and variety of social opportunities, both on and off campus. It has a really great music scene and the Leeds Uni Snowriders Society is the biggest and best snow society in the country. Bella Slade, ICS graduate and currently doing a Masters in Human-Computer Interaction at UCL

20 Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a great opportunity for you to discover a new culture, develop your knowledge and skills, learn or improve a language, and make yourself stand out from your peers in the job market and elsewhere. Students can choose from nearly 200 institutions in Europe and worldwide. See http://studyabroad. leeds.ac.uk/outgoing. Students at the Institute of Communications Studies have studied all over Europe, Australia and the USA. This is agreed on an individual basis with students who are eligible and who have clear plans and proposals. Students who successfully complete a year abroad are awarded an international degree.

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

At Leeds we recognise how important it is for our graduates to be able to live and work in an increasingly global environment. In response the University of Leeds offers one of the widest ranges of opportunities for students to study abroad of any UK university, with more than 40 worldwide partners including 17 in the world top 50 universities and 150 European exchange partners (although these are limited by subject area).
Theres no doubt about it, the world of media is fiercely competitive and for an employer to even read your CV it will definitely need to contain something above and beyond the now ever-common quality degree. Thats why I decided to take a study abroad year as part of my New Media degree. Its an amazing chance to meet new people, spread your wings in a new country and add a new, dynamic level to your course by taking modules that are not available at Leeds. Its also a great talking point at a job interview and demonstrates that youre capable, adventurous and slightly more interesting than competing candidates! Holly Cufflin, New Media (International) graduate

Industrial Placements
Potential employers consider work experience to be a very valuable asset when applying for jobs, whether in the media or elsewhere.
An optional industrial placement year is available for students on the BA Hons Communications and Media programme. Other programmes have placements built into the degrees. Working with the Universitys Careers Centre, we assist you in identifying and applying for placements. Students taking a placement year normally do so between the second and third year, and have with Industrial Placement added to their final degree certificate. The advantage gained by taking a years placement will far outweigh the extra year it will take to get it. Students do not apply directly for the industrial placement scheme, but are given the opportunity to transfer during the second year at Leeds. Industrial placement years are agreed on an individual basis with students who have clear plans and proposals. This option may not be available to all students.

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/

Leeds University and Media Opportunities

Leeds Student Television
Leeds Student Television is the award-winning student-run television station broadcasting to Leeds University Union and online. Every week they broadcast a new 2-hour long programme around the Student Union, including news, entertainment and comedy, all presented from the studio in the Students Union. Like any society, any registered student is allowed to join, and they hold regular meetings to discuss how things are going. Ls:tv has its own room in the Union that functions as an office, editing suite and live studio. All their members are allowed to use the facilities in the office to produce, shoot and edit video. The studio is equipped with a purpose-built gallery from which they can send broadcasts around our distribution network, as well as produce live programmes. Leeds Student Television is also a proud member of the National Student Television Association (NaSTA). They have won numerous national awards, including the Best Student Broadcaster Trophy for the last three years running. For more information check out http://lstv.co.uk/aboutawards.php.

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The University of Leeds is a great place to study media-related subjects and offers you extra-curricular activities for you to develop additional professional skills.
Leeds Student Radio
LSRfm is the premier student radio station in the country. A big winner at the Radio One Student Radio Awards over the past five years, LSRfm specialises in playing music ignored by mainstream radio. LSRfm is also home to a myriad of speech-based radio, including their Radio One award-winning current affairs show Newslink. For more information check out http://lsrfm.com/info/.

Leeds Student Newspaper

Leeds Student is the newspaper for students at the University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University College and Leeds College of Art and Design. The print edition comes out on Fridays in term time and the web edition uploads later that day. The 24-page LS1 includes campus news, features, comments and sport, and their new 32-page LS2 supplement will reflect everything thats Leeds leisure and lifestyle for students, with reviews and previews of music, clubs, arts and books, as well as a 7-day TV guide. In addition you can join other related societies at the University of Leeds such as Film-Making, Photography or Game Development.

22 University Life
Recognised worldwide for the quality of teaching and research, the University has invested heavily to provide students with first-class facilities, including modern, well-equipped lecture theatres and laboratories, an internationally acclaimed university library, firstrate computing resources, a well resourced language centre and one of the biggest and most active students unions in the country. At Leeds we provide students with a fulfilling education and an active social life all underpinned by a network of people and organisations offering help, advice and support. A city within the city, the campus has everything you would expect from a traditional redbrick university, lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, students union, computing facilities and accommodation, as well as a large supermarket, hairdressers, bookshop, gift shop and nightclubs. This means that at Leeds you will experience the best of both worlds; a friendly, campus community and a vibrant city only a ten-minute walk away. At Leeds you can pursue your sporting interests whether thats competing at club level or simply playing for fun, or to keep fit. The Sports Centre, on the campus, is well equipped and the University has extensive playing fields at Weetwood, close to the halls of residence. Top-class performers who represent the University can apply for a Sports Bursary Award, a number of which are awarded annually.

Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

The University of Leeds is one of the UKs top civic universities, in the heart of one of the UKs most vibrant and student friendly cities. Established in 1904, Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK and one of the giants of the higher education system. The Sunday Times University Guide
The city also offers an extensive choice of places to eat and drink whatever your budget. All culinary tastes are catered for and many restaurants have early bird menus ideal for a student budget. There are lots of cafs in and around the city that provide an ideal venue for spending time with friends. Nightlife in and around the city is known for its diversity and popularity. The clubs in Leeds offer a sophisticated and relaxed clubbing experience with a great range of music to suit all tastes. In the last few years the bar scene in Leeds has grown dramatically and the developed waterfront is now a wellestablished dining quarter. Musically, Leeds offers a huge variety which is hard to beat, ranging from brass to bhangra, Afro-Caribbean to Andalusian. There are loads of live music venues in the city, including the Refectory at the University, which has played host to the top bands of the last forty years from the Rolling Stones to Groove Armada. Leeds also offers a unique selection of commercial and independent cinemas and hosts an international film festival every year. The city of Leeds has a proud sporting tradition and is home to famous teams such as the Yorkshire Cricket Club, the Leeds Rhinos and the Leeds Tykes. Located throughout the city are numerous gyms and health clubs for those who want to keep fit or unwind and there are lots of opportunities to participate in sports at all levels both within the University and city. Leeds is also famous for being one of the greenest cities in Britain and has more parkland than any other European city. From the romantic ruins of the 12th century Kirkstall Abbey to the Palladian splendour of Harewood House, there are many areas of natural beauty and interest in or close to Leeds which form the ideal backdrop for a great day out. Leeds is also within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Lake District and historic towns such as York, Harrogate and Ripon.

City Life
A sophisticated commercial centre with more law and accountancy firms than anywhere outside London. The city itself is friendly and lively, and the cost of living is generally low. The Times Good University Guide 2007 The rise of Leeds as a clubbing mecca to rival Manchester has added to the attractions of a university which has long been one of the giants of the higher education system. The Times Good University Guide 2007 Rich in history, with a diverse economy, thriving cultural scene and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Leeds is a city of regional, national and international importance. So whether youre a cinema buff, a fan of opera, a lover of the concert hall or a theatre enthusiast, Leeds has something to suit you. Or if you prefer retail relaxation, Leeds has over two miles of trafficfree shopping, beautiful Victorian and Edwardian arcades and more than a thousand shops.

23 Admissions and Funding

http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/
All applications should be made via UCAS. Non-standard applicants whose applications are considered strong may be asked for an interview and/or written test. However, all applicants must hold a recognised English qualification with a good grade. Because of the nature of our courses international applicants should have excellent spoken and written English. Applicants shortlisted for an offer of a place may be asked to complete a written test. If offered a place, students will be invited to Leeds for an open day.

BA Broadcast Journalism Entry Requirements

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Financial Support
Information for new UK and EU undergraduate students

A level grades of at least ABB are normally required or equivalent for Scottish, international or other qualifications. Students offering the International Baccalaureate should have at least 34 points with a high score in English. We usually include General Studies. A total of 40 places are available each year.

Government Support
Eligible UK or EU students, whether full-time or part-time, will be able to apply for financial support from the government to help with tuition fees. Eligible UK full-time students will also be able to apply for help with living costs. Find out more about the financial support available from http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/30504/ government_support If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the support package from the government, and details of how to apply for it, may be slightly different; see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/30504/ government_support/420/how_to_apply_for_government_support

BA Cinema and Photography Entry Requirements

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A level grades of at least BBB are normally required or equivalent for Scottish, international or other qualifications. Students offering the International Baccalaureate should have at least 32 points with a high score in English. We usually include General Studies. A total of 40 places are available each year.

University Support
At Leeds we are committed to encouraging students from all backgrounds, and we want to make it easy for everyone to learn without worrying about financial difficulties. We offer comprehensive financial support to help you with the costs of studying. Support from us does not have to be repaid. Find out more about the financial support available from http:// www.leeds.ac.uk/info/30503/financial_support

BA Communications and Media Entry Requirements

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A level grades of at least ABB are normally required or equivalent for Scottish, international or other qualifications. Students offering the International Baccalaureate should have at least 34 points with a high score in English. We usually include General Studies. A total of 40 places are available each year.

Accommodation
All first year undergraduates at the University of Leeds applying before July 1st in their year of entry are guaranteed a place in our accommodation. Once you have accepted a firm or insurance offer at Leeds, you can apply online at www.leeds. ac.uk/accommodation or by telephone on 0113 343 7777. You will find lots of useful information about our different types of accommodation on our website and details of accommodation viewing days.

BA New Media Entry Requirements

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A Level grades of at least BBB are normally required or equivalent for Scottish, international or other qualifications. Students offering the International Baccalaureate should have at least 32 points with a high score in English. We usually include General Studies. A total of 40 places are available each year.

Access to Leeds
Access to Leeds is the University of Leeds alternative entry scheme and guarantees special consideration for applicants whose personal circumstances may affect their ability to demonstrate their full potential through grades alone. Successful applicants receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. Applications are welcomed from students who meet the eligibility criteria and have the potential to study at the University of Leeds. For more information please go to www.leeds.ac.uk/ace/access/ leeds or contact accesstoleeds@leeds.ac.uk.

Contact Us
Undergraduate Admissions Administrator Institute of Communications Studies University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT Telephone: 0113 343 5809 Email: ics-ug-admissions@leeds.ac.uk Web: http://ics.leeds.ac.uk

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Institute of Communications Studies Undergraduate Brochure

Institute of Communications Studies

The University of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT Tel: +44 (0)113 343 8859 Email: ics-ug-admissions@leeds.ac.uk http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/ University of Leeds Leeds, United Kingdom LS2 9JT Tel: +44 (0)113 243 1751 www.leeds.ac.uk