Media Studies

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2013 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page:

• Overview
• Undergraduate Study
• Postgraduate Study
• How to find out More
• Related Subjects and Careers
• List of Courses

This subject is taught by the School of English, Film, Theatre, and Media Studies.

Overview

Media Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field which analyses the meaning and role of media such as newspapers, magazines, television, the internet and popular music. Media are a major social, cultural and political force in society. They can have enormous influence, shaping not only knowledge, values and desires but also our perceptions of society, culture, and nation.

Media Studies courses allow students to explore political, institutional, industrial, historical, cultural and aesthetic aspects of media through a variety of media forms, contexts, theories and production/reception cultures. Media Studies courses also foster an understanding of how media products are constructed in response to a combination of technological, institutional, creative and cultural conditions.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) major in Media Studies offers a range of courses at undergraduate level. At first-year level (MDIA 101, 102, 103) courses provide a coherent and complementary introduction to basic concepts, analytical techniques and research methodologies. Each course at subsequent levels is designed to build upon, put into practice and develop these in relation to more specific topics and contexts, such as news, popular music, television, new media, advertising, cultural production, and identity (notably gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity and indigeneity).

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Undergraduate Study

BA Major Requirements

1. 20 points from MDIA 100–199, and 20 further points from ENGL, MDIA, FILM or THEA 100–199
2. 40 points from MDIA 200–299
3. 40 points from MDIA 300–399
4. 20 further points from MDIA 200–399

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Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate Qualifications in Media Studies

For information specific to Media Studies, please see our Postgraduate Study page. For information about the postgraduate qualifications, please click on the Faculty links below.

• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours
• Master of Arts
• PhD

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How to Find out More

You can order more information on this subject using our Request for Study Material form.

Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

Contact the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' Student and Academic Services Office for information on admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites.

Media Studies courses are taught within the School of English, Film, Theatre, and Media Studies.
Media Studies Reception: Ground Level, 83 Fairlie Terrace.
Email: mediastudies@vuw.ac.nz

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Related Subjects and Careers

To view the latest Career View:  Media Studies brochure from Vic Careers, please see the PDF in the table below

Document	Size	Type
Career View:  Media Studies	190KB	PDF

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List of Courses

For a complete course listing, see the list of all Media Studies courses.