Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Media and English, Level 4, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
Welcome to the BA (Hons) Media and English degree course. I hope that you enjoy your studies here in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Leeds Beckett University. This Course Handbook provides you with all the formal information about your course. Please read it carefully, bookmark it on your computer and let me know if you have any questions (my contact details are listed under 'Key Contacts'). Don't worry if any of the information in this Handbook seems difficult to understand at first. We will explain everything in classes and guidance material will be uploaded to our Virtual Learning Environment, MyBeckett. You can always ask for clarification in classes or in an individual meeting with one of your module tutors or your personal Academic Advisor. It is especially important that you attend all of your timetabled lectures and seminars and log on to MyBeckett and your university email account regularly to make sure that you are aware of what is expected of you in relation to your learning and assessment (see 'Attendance Statement').
You will be taught by a friendly, expert academic teaching team who are all here to help and guide you. In addition to your lecturers, our Subject Librarians, Study Skills Tutors and Course Administrator are always on hand to guide you in relation to all of the key skills and procedural matters that will help you through your course to graduation. If you ever find that you don't know who to contact to ask about something, please feel free to email me.
The next few years should be exciting, challenging and - most of all - an important learning experience that will change the way you think about media and literature. I am very pleased that you have chosen to study with us and wish you the best of luck with your degree course. Have an amazing time!
Best wishes,
Dr Katherine Harrison
Course Director - BA (Hons) Media and English
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Joan Fishley
For the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Hours please see Appendices section at the end of the Course Handbook.
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted on HSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences.
Level 4 Leaders:
Dr Bettina Bódi
Dr Steve Nash
steven.nash@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Level 5 Leader:
Dr Dan Laughey
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be done in a variety of ways: via an announcement via MyBeckett or an email to your student email address.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The course intends to produce a distinctive programme that appeals to applicants who have an interest in both Media and English. The programme has been put together in such a way that it enables students to benefit from the intellectual depth and creative opportunities of a joint honours programme. Whilst studying the course students will receive a firm grounding in both disciplines so that they can consider the complex and varied interrelationships between Media and English. Whilst the course does not offer an exhaustive study in either Media or English, it does develop students' knowledge of the fundamental concepts, theories and approaches of both disciplines.
Currently the course attracts students from a wide catchment area across the United Kingdom. The majority of students have just completed their school-based education, or arrive following taking a gap year. We envisage that school leavers will continue to be the primary target market for the course, though our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential and/or meet our entry requirements.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1 | Understand the differences and connections between the disciplines of Media and English Literature and how an interdisciplinary approach offers fresh critical insights into a range of cultural forms. |
2 | Develop a critical awareness of the social and historical dimensions to representing and interpreting the world through a range of literary and media texts. You will also be able to articulate this critical awareness by formulating arguments verbally and in writing. |
3 | Appreciate and evaluate a range of literary and media texts, forms and styles in relation to their local and global contexts. |
4 | Identify and use research methods and analytical skills that are appropriate to both disciplines. |
5 | Develop and use employability and enterprise skills such as: evaluation, initiative, creativity and independent thought, collaborative working and effective communication. |
Level | No. | Learning Outcome |
4 | 1 | You will be able to identify key concepts and debates from both disciplines. |
| 2 | You will be able to describe and analyse a range of literary and media texts across genres, modes and periods, providing a foundation for further study at Level 5 and Level 6. |
| 3 | You will develop the essential study skills that are required to make the transition to University such as developing their abilities to communicate idea and concepts using written, oral and visual media. |
5 | 1 | You will be able to compare and contrast the complex ways in which literary and media texts operate across genres, modes and periods. |
| 2 | You will apply their knowledge of the key theories and research methods relating to literary and media texts. |
| 3 | You will develop their personal and professional opportunities through work-related projects and personal reflection. This will enable them to demonstrate their ability to use a range of transferable skills through real-life projects and situations |
6 | 1 | You will be able to critically appraise and evaluate interdisciplinary theoretical debates surrounding literary and media genres, modes and periods. |
| 2 | You will be able to work autonomously to complete significant academic tasks, by setting, negotiating and meeting their own objectives. Students will also be able to think critically, prioritising and organising information from an extensive range of primary and secondary sources. |
| 3 | You will be able to apply knowledge, techniques and theoretical principles from both disciplines to provide a range of valid solutions to issues and problems and reflect upon their effectiveness. |
Assessment & Feedback
Level 4 is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some practical assessments.
Level 5 is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some practical assessments.
Level 6 is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some practical assessments.
Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You are required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within 20 working days of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
The 20 working day marking period is used to provide personalised, constructive feedback on your work to help you to improve in future assignments. During this timeframe, a sample of work from the assessment will be moderated by another member of the academic staff in order to ensure that marking is fair, consistent and accurate. The 20 working day marking period is necessary to ensure high standards of supportive feedback on your work and accurate marks that properly reflect your achievements.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
The course is delivered through weekly lectures, seminars, screenings and tutorials, although there is considerable variation in how these activities are developed within individual modules.
Lectures are typically 50-80 minutes long and are structured around key concepts and topics such as critical approaches, historical contexts or theoretical models. Lectures introduce students to various ways of interpreting texts, framing issues and contributing to debates. Lecturers use PowerPoint slides, images and other audio/visual material in these sessions. Lectures are also supported by handouts and slides posted to the virtual learning environment, MyBeckett.
Seminars last between one and two hours and can involve close reading, small group discussion of literary and media texts, plenary sessions where small groups feedback to the group as a whole, short presentation papers where students present their work, or set the agenda, or the production of a piece of writing or a media artefact.
Where academic content and good educational practice make it appropriate, student learning may be facilitated through a range of digital technologies.
Tutorials are also offered to support student needs. The Course Team offers at least two consultation hours per week to students so they can see them on an individual basis.
Students gain experience of independent learning through, for example, the close reading of primary and secondary sources which are suggested by the module tutor, conducting research using books, journals, web-sites and electronic databases, completing seminar preparation tasks, keeping a reflective learning journal and collaborative work with other students on prepared topics (for both assessed and informal presentations).
Students are supported in their learning throughout their course by Academic Advisors and module tutors. As part of this guidance, students are encouraged and supported in becoming more self-reliant and confident about their own abilities.
In addition, there is an opportunity at Level 6 to choose an option module based upon a minimum of 80 hours placement activity or work-related learning, which is combined with online distance learning to help students map future career paths based upon the discipline knowledge and graduate skills they bring to potential employers.
This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Part-time students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable.
Level 4 (2023/24 for FT students and 2023/24 and 2024/25 for standard PT students) | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Contemporary Literary Studies (English) (20 credits) | Y | Poetry (English) (20 credits) | Y |
Understanding Social Media (Media) (20 credits) | Y | Cinematic Identities (Media) (20 credits) | Y |
Media Interactions (Media) (20 credits) | Y | The Novel (English) (20 credits) | Y |
Level 5 (2024/25 for FT students and 2025/26 and 2026/27 for standard PT students) | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Theory, Text, Performance (Interdisciplinary) (20 credits) | Y | Researching Media and Culture (Media) (20 credits) | Y |
Students choose two of: The Eighteenth Century: Revolutions in Writing (English) or The Twentieth Century: Alienation and Dystopia (English) or Black British Culture (English) (all of the above are 20 credits) | N/N | Students choose either: Media Professionals' Workshop (Media) or Applied Humanities: Live Brief Learning (Interdisciplinary) (both of the above are 20 credits) | N |
|
| Students choose either: Nineteenth Century Contexts (English) or Postcolonial Literature (English) (both of the above are 20 credits) | N |
Level 6 (2025/26 for FT students and 2027/28 and 2028/29 for standard PT students) | |||
Semester 1 | Core (Y/N) | Semester 2 | Core (Y/N) |
Media and English Dissertation (Interdisciplinary) - delivered across Semesters 1 and 2 (40 credits) | Y | Media and English Dissertation (continued) | Y |
A Media or English or Interdisciplinary Option Module* (Interdisciplinary) (20 credits) | N | A Media or English Option Module* (20 credits) | N |
A Media or English or Interdisciplinary Option Module* (20 credits) | N | A Media or English Option Module* (20 credits) | N |
* Students must choose two Media and two English modules to maintain the balance of content for the BA (Hons) Media and English programme. One Media or English module may be substituted with an interdisciplinary module where applicable.
Indicative Option Modules
The following option modules are indicative of a typical year. There may be some variance in the availability of option modules.
Media Option Modules
Challenging Gaming Culture
Digital Media and Culture
Human Obsolescence
Lifestyle, Media, Identity
Media Celebrity and Film Stardom
Mediating Modernities: Visual Culture and Urban Space c.1850-1989
Music and The Digital
'Race', Culture, Media
Space Media
Sports Media
Storytelling for Social Impact
Surveillance Cultures
English Option Modules
Cultural Crossings
Life Writing
Masculinity in the Long 18th Century
Modern American Drama
Postcolonial Cities
The Gothic
Twentieth-Century Women Novelists: Genre and Gender
Wild Justice: Power, Violence and Identity in Revenge Tragedy
Writing in a Time of Violence: Literature and Politics in Northern Ireland
Interdisciplinary Option Module
Career Cartographies: Work-Integrated Learning in Humanities
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study.
Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Applicable to Levels 4 and 5 2022/23
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 216 hours | 216 hours | 157 hours |
Independent Study | 984 hours | 984 hours | 1043 hours |
Placement | - | - | 80 hours (on Career Cartographies option only)
|
Applicable to Level 6 2023/24
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 220 hours | 216 hours | 157 hours |
Independent Study | 980 hours | 985 hours | 1043 hours |
Placement | - | - | 80 hours (on Career Cartographies option only)
|
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
'In Year' Work Placement Information
Level 6: 80 hours optional work placement.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
The mix of theory and practice in your degree helps you to develop skills in the following areas:
- Critical analysis
- Research
- Commercial and cultural awareness of the media and creative industries
- Teamwork
- Initiation and development of creative work in writing, audio-visual or other electronic media
- A flexible, creative and independent approach to tasks
- The ability to work to a brief and meet deadlines
- Independent working
- Time management and organisation
- Planning and researching written work
- Articulating knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories
- Leading and participating in discussions
- Negotiation and teamworking to present ideas and information
- Effectively conveying arguments and opinions and thinking creatively
- Using your judgement to weigh up alternative perspectives
- Critical reasoning and analysis
- Using IT.
This course focuses on the communication of information across different mediums and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively is an essential skill all employers look for.
(Sources: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/english
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/media-studies)
In addition to the employability skills you gain as a result of completing the Media and English course, you also have access to careers and employability support from professional services, which supports students and graduates with all aspects of career planning and decision making, along with helping you to recognise and develop your employability skills.
The School has dedicated careers and employability support that enables us to build tailored career development learning into our programme at all levels of study. This dedicated careers and employability support includes input to the programme from Level 4 onwards, often as part of taught modules. This allows us to support you with expert career development learning and employability from trained professionals who can help you make well-informed decisions about student and graduate employment or postgraduate study throughout your undergraduate career.
This is in addition to online careers and employability support via MyHub which includes a live jobs board where you have access to jobs and opportunities ranging from volunteering, Placements and part-time work to graduate vacancies. Careers and employability events and workshops are accessible via MyHub, including regular careers and jobs fairs (including the annual Graduate and Placements Fair), employers on campus and employer-led initiatives, for example Women in Leadership (WIL) and Digital LEAP. Practical help and resources are also available to assist you in exploring and researching career options (including self-employment, freelance and business start-up), job hunting and presenting yourself professionally in CVs, applications, online (LinkedIn) and interviews. One-to-one careers guidance appointments with our dedicated School careers and employability professionals also enable you to access tailored careers information, advice and guidance for the Media and English subject area.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
There are three Graduate Attributes for Leeds Beckett University and these are tailored to suit your course. The three attributes you should achieve by the end of the course are for you to be digitally literate, have a global outlook and for you to be enterprising. Learning about these attributes and being assessed on them as part of your modules will provide you with capabilities which are essential for your future career and wider life as you move on from your studies here. You will be formally assessed on all the attributes in some of your modules at each academic level in each year of your course. For more information on graduate attributes please visit https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/academic-skills-and-advice/graduate-attributes/. Information on your assessment is included in your Module Handbooks.
The Graduate Attributes and how they are related to each of the modules on the course are listed in Module Handbooks, which you can access via each MyBeckett module page. If you would like further information on how the Graduate Attributes map on to any of your modules, please contact the relevant Module Leader.
One of our key aims is to provide added value by making the relevance and value of the degree for employment explicit to students. In order to achieve this, we:
- Embed personal career planning and personal development planning through the programme from Level 4 to 6.
- Encourage students to undertake the Careers Readiness Survey (CRS), where you will be asked about careers and employability support and your sector interests. A tailored list of careers resources will then be presented to you on screen and sent to your email, giving you direct access to information and support that you have told us is relevant to you.
- Encourage students to undertake the co-curricular online careers module where you will undertake career development learning, learn how to make effective career decisions and enhance your employability (100% of students would recommend it to other students).
- Provide a key employability module at Level 5 (Media Professionals' Workshop) - the heart of the student mid-term experience.
- Provide optional employability modules at Level 5 (Applied Humanities, a live-brief learning module where you will gain first-hand experience of planning, delivery and evaluating a professional working brief set by an industry partner organisation) and Level 6 (Career Cartographies, an online career development and work-integrated learning module designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and non-linear career options through work-based learning).
- Develop forms of assessment which are 'practical in orientation', enhance students' creativity and what we term 'media-making'. With their emphasis on simulating production conditions in the media and cultural industries, they encourage skills of creative enterprise which strengthens employability.
Opportunities will be highlighted and advertised to students throughout the degree. For example, all students will be invited to attend the annual 'Get Involved, Get Hired' careers, employer and alumni networking event, providing insights into career opportunities linked to your degree outcomes and for you to undertake immediate opportunities of work experience and volunteering to enhance your employability skills.
The skills you gain through studying this degree are marketable in most job sectors and many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Here are some options for where you could use your degree:
- Digital copywriter
- Editorial assistant
- English as a foreign language teacher
- Lexicographer
- Magazine journalist
- Newspaper journalist
- Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
- Secondary school teacher
- Web content manager
- Writer
- Academic librarian
- Advertising copywriter
- Arts administrator
- Education consultant
- Information officer
- Learning mentor
- Marketing executive
- Media researcher
- PPC specialist
- Primary school teacher
- Private tutor
- Public relations officer
- Records manager
- Social media manager
- Media planner
- Multimedia specialist
- Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video
- Runner, broadcasting/film/video
- Television/film/video producer
- Web content manager
- Advertising account executive
- Broadcast journalist
- Editorial assistant
- Event manager
- Film director
- Information officer
- Market researcher
- UX designer
Media and English graduates typically find opportunities with many different employers including public and private sector organisations such as the National Health Service (NHS), educational institutions, local and national government, financial and legal firms, voluntary and charitable organisations, and media, cultural and creative industries. Areas of work include television and radio, film and video, digital media, computer games, journalism, writing and publishing, PR and media practice. Employers include:
- Communications agencies
- The Civil Service
- Further and higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities
- Local government
- Marketing organisations
- Media companies
- The newspaper industry
- PR Consultancies
- Publishing companies
- TV and radio companies
- Administration
- Arts management
- Events management
- Finance
- General management
- Teaching
- Research
(Sources: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/english and https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/media-studies)
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
Online resources for your course will be made available via MyBeckett (including reading lists for specific modules as well as Module Handbooks and other learning materials) and the University library's extensive online catalogue and databases. Each module tutor will advise you about appropriate resources for the particular topics you are studying and the tasks you are asked to complete. If you are ever unsure about what resources are available or how to access them, please contact the relevant module tutor, the Course Director or the Subject Librarians.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Leeds Beckett University
PT students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. PT delivery is usually at half the intensity of the FT equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set but the modules offered within each level are consistent. Please note that the work placement option is not generally available to PT students.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiners for this course are as follows:
Media External Examiners
Dr Rachel Wood (Chief External Examiner and with specific UG modules assigned)
Senior Lecturer in Sociology
Keele University
Dr Alice Butler-Warke (Specific UG modules assigned)
Lecturer in Sociology
Robert Gordon University
Dr Steve Jones (Specific UG modules assigned 01-Jan-23 to 01-Jan-24)
Principal Lecturer in Media
Nottingham Trent University
English External Examiners
Dr Sarah Illot (Specific UG modules assigned)
Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Film
Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Sondeep Kandola (Specific UG modules assigned)
Senior Lecturer in English and Cultural History
Liverpool John Moores University
History External Examiner
Professor Neil Fleming (Level 6 option module - Mediating Modernities)
Professor of Modern History
University of Worcester
Appendices
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