We have put together the most frequently asked questions from our recent School of Media online Q&A.
I’m confused which media course I should do
In that case Media Studies might be for you. The course is designed in such a way as to enable students to more or less design their degree through an electives roster of over 50 elective modules.
The course enables you to move into a variety of careers depending on what aspect of media and communication you develop an interest in during your studies. The wide variety of knowledge and critical skills you will develop will equip you for a number of careers within and across media and cultural industries. Students go into journalism, marketing, media companies. public relations, the charity sector etc. You can also continue with your studies after your degree and do postgraduate studies.
How many students are on the course?
It varies from year to year. Media Studies tends to also work closely with Media, Industry and Innovation and Media and Environmental Communication but again this changes depending on which module you are studying There are between 80-100 students across the three course. So class sizes vary between around 20 for a seminar to 100 for a core lecture.
How will my course in Music Business and Media help me in my career path?
Your tutors will work with you in terms of using modules and the placement in your second year to support you in taking up opportunities which will give you a foundation in whatever direction you want to take. The placement in your second year is four weeks long and will give you experience and a flavour of the industry you want to enter. In your final year you have a semester long module which is called the Live Project which you plan, run and analyse and where you put your skills into practice with an industry partner or your own starter set up. It’s devised entirely by you with practical support from lecturers and our dedicated placement team.
How many students are there on Media and Environmental Communication?
The course is small typically around 10 students in each year group. But many modules are shared with the other media-related courses so you’ll share classes and have regular contact with around 120 people in our year group. In addition some of your modules are hosted within the school of Geography so you’ll spend class time with the students there too. There are also overseas opportunities – either within the four week placement as part of the second year or as a sandwich year. In the past students on MEC have taken sandwich years to work with NGOs that they are passionate about. For example students have worked with the Green Party or with an NGO in Nepal. These aren’t field trips and are something that students are expected to find themselves with the help and support of your lecturers and dedicated placement team.
General questions
Are there any jobs available on campus?
There are many job roles which provide useful income to support to the costs of university such as working in the uni shop, becoming a student helper, cafe work or applying to become a student ambassador for open days, applicant days and online events. In addition, there are part-time roles through the Student Union. There are also local jobs such as working at the Amex football stadium next to our Falmer campus, and in the city itself there are always jobs available in restaurants, shops and cafes.
Is there student parking?
There is a multi-storey car park on the Moulsecoomb site and students get a preferential charge for parking there. You will need to apply for a permit though as spaces are limited.
How is the university responding to the Covid crisis?
If you have any questions about the application process or teaching and learning at this time, the University has prepared some guidance that can be found here.
What opportunities are there outside of the courses?
There are over 100 University of Brighton societies to join – you can find them on the Students’ Union website. And we have a great local volunteering service Active Student.
