BA (Hons) War, Peace and Media Studies

Images of students and the surroundings at Bradford

UCAS codes: LP23 BA/WPMS
Start Date September
End Date May
Overview

**New for 2010/11**

This innovative degree combines a practical element in Media studies with an engagement with research in peace, conflict and international relations. By focusing on media rather than on a more traditional journalism route, this degree is truly future-looking and addresses the skill set needed for today’s and tomorrow’s media professionals.

Bradford is home to the National Media Museum and is UNESCO’s 2009 city of film, and provides an exciting, inspiring and dynamic learning environment for students, as well as direct contact to the world of media production. The National Media Museum works in partnership with the University of Bradford to deliver core television production modules and to offer students access to media industry-related events held at and organised by the Museum.

Entrance Requirements

Standard offer is 280 points plus
GCSE English Language grade C or above or an equivalent

For details of the UCAS points system, please see http://www.ucas.com/candq/tariff/
Course Duration 3 years
Places Available 65
Tuition Fees

Course Details

Syllabus

The following listed modules are core modules, and you will to choose from a selection of optional modules to complete 360 credits in total:

Level 1

  • Introduction to Peace Studies (Semester 1)
  • Introduction to International Relations (Semester 1)
  • Visual Literacy and Imaging (Semester 1)
  • Conflict and Co-Operation (Semester 2)
  • Media Institutions (Semester 2)
  • Conventions of Videography (Semester 2)

Level 2

  • Sounds and Visual Media (Semester 1)
  • Media Audiences (Semester 1)
  • Documentary Traditions (Semester 1)
  • Media, Culture, Peace and Conflict (Semester 2)
  • Understanding Violence (Semester 2)
  • International Media (Semester 2)

Level 3

  • War, Peace and Media Studies Project Preparation (40 credits, Semester 1)
  • War, Peace and Media Studies Project (60 credits, Semester 2)

How to Apply

The traditional route for entry onto the degree course is with A-levels, but applications are also welcomed from candidates with qualifications equivalent to or superior to A-levels. In any case, each candidate is considered on his/her merits and we offer all candidates the opportunity to visit the Department and campus and meet staff and students. Overall, students without A-levels account for one third of our intake each year.

The standard admission offer is 280 points overall to include a minimum of two full A-levels. The remaining points can be gained from any combination (and number) of tariff-based qualifications, including Key Skills and General Studies. A-levels in a social science or modern history might help to prepare you for the degree, but the Department does not stipulate any particular subjects. The Department offers an interview to any students who don't meet our standard requirements, and can therefore be more flexible about entry qualifications. The Department welcomes applications from students who have completed a BTEC National qualifications, or Scottish Framework Qualifications (280 points), or Irish Highers (A, B, B, B, B), or overseas examinations which show an equivalent level of attainment, (please enquire). Mature students, particularly those with Access courses are encouraged; those with experience and motivation should contact the Admissions Tutor for details of how prior learning and experience may be used during the admissions process.

The University requires all applicants to hold an English language qualification such as GCSE English Language grade C or above or an equivalent.

Apply From

October

Apply Until

UCAS first deadline, usually 15 January. However, applications after this date will still be considered.

Apply to

Applications should be submitted via UCAS, however if you are an International applicants you can also contact an overseas representative in your own country, who will help with the application procedure. A list of overseas representatives is available on the University website.

Support and Study

Contact Hours

Approximately 280 hours lectures/seminars per year plus 12 hours tutorials per year, and the option of extra curricular activities organised within Peace Studies and the Bradford Media School.

The Diploma in International Studies

We encourage you to consider an optional year of study abroad, taken between stage 1 and 2 or stage 2 and 3 of your degree at Bradford. You will be invited to various University events providing more information and will be formally introduced to opportunities in stage 1 in your 1st year Tutorial sessions.

You may take advantage of Study Abroad opportunities in three ways:

  • through studying at one of our partner institutions;
  • through studying at a University that does not have formal links with Bradford;
  • through developing your own work plan through work, internships or other means; or
  • through developing your own combination of work/study.

Whichever choice you make, you should plan to be abroad for 1 academic year.

The Department has formal links with universities in Europe and North America, as well as several exchange agreements that are currently being negotiated. Through the European Union Erasmus Scheme you can choose to study at partner institutions which offer classes in English and the local language as well as language classes.

Upon successful completion of your Study/Work Abroad year and successful submission of a reflective essay on your learning and development you will be awarded the Diploma in International Studies in recognition of your achievements.

Special Features

  • Peace Studies at Bradford is amongst the best in the country in terms of teaching quality, with experienced professionals and modern, well-equipped facilities.
  • The Guardian University Guide 2009 ranked it in the top 20 for Politics in the country
  • Peace Studies at Bradford has a strong international reputation and is at the forefront of research and debate in both academic and policy arenas. Many of the staff have a global profile, and undertake regular media interviews, as well as advising governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations around the world on their area of expertise
  • Our courses are extremely flexible with the five Peace Studies degrees and the Politics degree sharing a common first year, at the end of which you choose your area of specialisation.
  • With an intake of around 80 undergraduate students per year, you can be sure of a close-knit group and an atmosphere conducive to serious but enjoyable study. The Department gives academic and pastoral support to all students via a personal tutor and small tutor groups, something now rare in large politics or international relations departments. Our very own Student Liaison Officer organises lots of social events, seminars, debates, study tours and training events

Within this undergraduate programme, we have two available options for students to either study abroad or to gain experience on a placement:

The Diploma of Professional Experience

The Diploma of Professional Experience is designed to

  • provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained on your course in a professional setting;
  • to help you develop autonomy and initiative, and work effectively as a member of a professional team;
  • to help you gain experience of the working environment and assess career opportunities available on graduation; and
  • to encourage critical reflection on your personal and skills development.

Placement opportunities are identified by the student, with support from the University and agreed by the Programme Director. The duration must be between 38 and 52 weeks. Your placement work is directed by the supervisor appointed by the provider, but you will be appointed an academic tutor who will remain in contact to check that integration into the workplace is proceeding and that the work being required of you is appropriate and at a later stage to assist and advise both you and your employer as to the requirements of the assessment process.

The Diploma of International Studies

We also encourage students to consider an optional year of study abroad, taken between stage 1 and 2 or stage 2 and 3 of your degree at Bradford. You will be invited to various University events providing more information and will be formally introduced to opportunities in stage 1 in your 1st year Tutorial sessions.  You may take advantage of Study Abroad opportunities in three ways:  through studying at one of our partner institutions; through studying at a University that does not have formal links with Bradford; or through developing your own combination of work/study.  Whichever choice you make, you should plan to be abroad for 1 academic year.

This optional Diploma of International Studies aims to enable you to:

  • benefit from studying and living abroad
  • develop intercultural awareness and competence through reflection on the experience;
  • enhance your personal development allowing you the scope to transfer the skills acquired to both academic work and future vocational work;
  • widen your knowledge and understanding, and embrace different academic approaches in one or more of your degree subject areas by studying appropriate modules;
  • where appropriate, enhance your language skills and develop strategies for more effective language learning.

The Division of Peace Studies has formal links with universities in Europe and North America as listed below, as well as several exchange agreements that are currently being negotiated.  Through the European Union Erasmus Scheme you can choose to study at partner institutions which offer classes in English and the local language as well as language classes.

Current Exchange Agreements:

 Erasmus

  • Institut d’Etudes Politique de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
  • Ludvig-Maximillians Universitaet Munchen,
  • Munich, Germany
  • Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
  • Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
  • Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
  • Metropolitan University Prague, Czech Republic

Worldwide 

  • California State University, USA (22 campuses in total)
  • Clarkson University, Podstam, New York, USA
  • Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
  • Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
  • Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania, USA
  • ISEP – any relevant ISEP Institution

Contact Details

For more information about this course, please contact Catherine and Karen in our Admissions Team by email ssisugadmissions@bradford.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0) 1274 23 3981

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