MDS-40018 Globalisation, Culture, Media (30 credits, Semester 1)
Focusing on the relationships between media and globalisation, you'll deepen your understanding of the influence and impact of processes of globalisation on contemporary culture and society. The module is split into two halves: the first half introduces key debates about the relationship between globalisation and the media. Core theoretical concepts and approaches are introduced, including postcolonial theory, critical race studies and theories of cultural imperialism; the second half of the module will apply these theories to a range of case studies. Topics explored may include: the global dynamics of the film industry; global digital networks and inequalities; and representations of race and ethnicity in the news media and cinema. Overall, the module will give you tools to evaluate critically the complex and shifting relationships between global economic relations, the transnational culture industries, and cultural politics.

MDS-40029 Mediated Communications: Theory and Practice (15 credits, Semester 1)
The module aims to provide you with understanding of the communicative possibilities and limits of different media forms. It begins by examining broad historical shifts in the global media landscape, focusing on the recent emergence of hybrid media forms and convergent media systems. This will be followed by a systematic examination of four key media forms (photography, TV, cinema and new media), each examined across two workshops. These sessions will involve a combination of seminar-based teaching, group discussion of readings, analysis of media texts and technical demonstrations. The final workshop will be used for student presentations and feedback. You will engage in a range of directed and independent learning activities including engagement with readings and relevant media texts as well as group work and individual study linked to the assessment.

MAN-40056 Leadership (15 credits, Semester 1)
You'll be introduced to a wide variety of different theoretical approaches to leadership, using case studies, journal papers and exercises to examine the debates and practices of leadership in the current global world of business. We'll draw on examples from the private, public and voluntary sector across cultures and you'll also reflect on your own experiences of leadership. To prepare you to solve common leadership dilemmas facing contemporary organisations, you'll participate in leadership development exercises.

One of the advantages of this course is the flexibility you have when choosing your final method of assessment from one of the core electives below. You can opt for a research Dissertation or Media Project, both valued at 60 credits. Alternatively, you can instead participate in a Consultancy Project, Placement Project or Entrepreneurship Project. These are all 45-credit modules and must be studied alongside the Creative and Personal Development (15 credit) optional module.

MDS-40014 Dissertation (60 credits, duration of the course)
The dissertation is a formal written academic project of 15,000 words, making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests, and with support throughout from a supervisor with relevant expertise, you’ll choose a topic to research in the field of global media and cultural studies. As an example, previous students have used Beyoncé to examine the complexities of race in post-feminist media discourse, studied audience reactions to four popular ads aired during the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup, and analysed the social media framing of the #TakeAKnee hashtag.

MDS-40015 Media Project (60 credits, duration of the course)
The media project involves the creation of a substantial media artefact; this could be a film, photographic work or an installation. You will be assigned a supervisor based on the medium in which you wish to work, with whom you’ll agree your subject matter. As an example, previous students have produced a docufilm about a female Chinese migrant to the UK who now runs a Chinese restaurant, created a photographic installation examining the camera as a tool for spectacle, and prepared a series of six short promotional films about Wedgwood pottery.

MAN-40198 Consultancy Project (45 credits, Semester 2 onwards)
During June and September, you will spend eight to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned, developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem, issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. As an example, one student worked with a bespoke jewellery company to develop its brand and product offer in both UK and world-wide markets. Another conducted a feasibility study for a new business model for a virtual media organisation.
*Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process.

MAN-40200 Placement Project (45 credits, duration of the course)
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer, you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable, paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement, you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local, national and international organisations.
* Students who require a Visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new Visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a Visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.

MAN-40202 Entrepreneurship Project (45 credits, duration of the course)*
An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture, this module will provide you with the time, space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months, you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited, and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.
* The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK and international students. Yet for international students, the availability of the Entrepreneurship pathway is subject due to the latest visa regulations.

Please note that your choice of elective core modules (above) affects your optional module choices:

• If you choose the Dissertation (60 credits) module, you can pick any optional modules to the value of 60 credits.
• If you select the Media Project (60 credits), you must choose the optional Creative Media Practice (30 credits) module plus optional modules to the value of 30 credits.
• If you choose the Consultancy Project, Placement Project or Entrepreneurship Project (45 credits) modules, you must pick the Creative and Personal Development (15 credit) optional module plus a selection of optional modules to the value of 45 credits.

MDS-40016 Creative Media Practice (30 credits)
Combining theory with hands-on experience, you’ll develop a stronger working sense of using film, video, photography or digital media. You will learn how to conceptualise, plan and manage a large media project. You’ll eventually pitch your creative project to tutors and peers.

MAN-40058 Creativity and Personal Development (15 credits, Semester 2)
Provides a practical and theoretical introduction to the study of creativity in management and business contexts. Working in groups, you’ll be given a real-world business problem to solve, for example, evaluating factors that influence creativity in an organisational environment, such as communications, decision-making, handling potential conflicts or personal attitudes and group roles, or critically determining the cultural, individual and organisational barriers that may inhibit creativity.

MAN-40128 Marketing Management in the Digital Age (15 credits, Semester 1)
Provides an overview of the role of marketing within the organisation in the digital age and ways in which the process of marketing needs to be planned and managed in any given market. You’ll learn how to appropriately use and apply the marketing mix and relevant digital and non-digital resources.

MAN-40114 International Business Context (15 credits, Semester 1)
Introduces theories around globalisation, international trade and investment. Preparing you for the corporate world, you’ll gain insight into a range of economic, political, economic and technological processes that influence and are influenced by international business activities.

ACC-40003 Accounting for Decision Making (15 credits, Semester 2)
Introduces key concepts and techniques in financial accounting, management accounting and financial management. You’ll learn to interpret and assess company accounts to enhance decision-making in relation to operation and organisation, costing and new project evaluation, financing and strategic development.

MDS-40026 Doing Media Research (15 credits, Semester 1)
Prepares you to complete an independent piece of research. You’ll develop specialist skills in interviewing, surveys, literature searches and the mechanics of writing a postgraduate thesis, and learn to analyse and interpret meaning in texts, cultural practices, media and film analysis.

MAN-40018 Entrepreneurship (15 credits, Semester 2)
Develops knowledge of the theories, problematics and contemporary social context of entrepreneurship. An ideal choice for those curious to know more about the phenomenon of entrepreneurship, who are considering setting up a business or pursuing a career in entrepreneurship within an organisation, or who simply wish to understand how ideas about entrepreneurship and enterprise achieve prominence. The Entrepreneurship module helps you to make more informed choices, develops analytical skill and supports both those considering entrepreneurship as a further study or employment option.

MAN-40126 Branding (15 credits, Semester 2)
Deepens your understanding of the strategic nature of the brand and its relationship with consumers, society and organisations. You’ll be encouraged to examine the impact of brands and branding within global society and the digital age. We’ll also consider some of the challenges faced by brand managers at an operational and strategic level, such as effective marketing communications and the importance of consumer attitudes towards and connections with brands.

MAN-40130 International Marketing Communications (15 credits, Semester 2)
Explores the theories, principles and practice of marketing communications, paying particular attention to audiences, relationships, experiences and communications. We will critically evaluate these in the context of increasing global complexity and the contemporary digital age. We’ll also look at the techniques and tools used to manage and measure the effectiveness of the communications mix.

ENL-30004 English For Media Professionals (15 credits, Semester 2)
Helps non-native English speaking international postgraduate students develop their knowledge and use of some of the specialist language and terms associated with the cultural, creative and media industries.