New Media Challenges
Continued on from Introduction to Media Studies in first year, this module, in particular, takes a look at the state of the British media – with the BBC in particular being used as a case study. Also, the move to digital transmission in television, the future of the newspaper and ‘old’ vs. ‘new’ media are discussed. Buzz words to pick up from this module include ‘digital divide’, ‘cyberspace’, ‘globalization’ and ‘digital age’. An in class presentation will take place in the tutorial week of your choice – therefore make sure you pick one that interests you early. (Close window)

News and Society
Again building on the issues and themes taught in Introduction to Media, the module focuses more on the political aspects of the media and the effects this has on contemporary society. Agenda setting, which looks at what story the media focuses on and with what slant, is a key phrase in the first term where who sets the agenda, be it political figures, editors or journalists themselves, will be discussed at length. You will look at the various functions of the media and discover whether the different mediums fulfil these functions – such as the ’watchdog function’ where the press check that the Government/ state are not abusing their power. (Close window)

Media Technology
A technology module which aims to describe the operation of major technologies and equipment (such as the telephone, broadband) which are very crucial to the media industry. You will learn about the various media types (such as text, image, speech, audio and video) and applications such as VoIP (transmitting voice calls over the internet). The coursework for this is one that has been extremely popular amongst previous media technology students. The coursework will consist of a three minute video which will contain footage you have filmed yourself. The topic for the video is unrestricted and previous works have included a short film, a dance – off and a fly on the wall documentary. (Close window)

Computer Networks
The module looks at how a network operates and how digital data is transported. Aspects of computer networks such as internet applications, network protocols (which govern communication activity on the internet) and network security are investigated in depth. Computer networks takes a look at the physical structure of a network. Laboratory sessions take place in conjunction with lectures, in order to enable you to get firsthand experience in testing packets sent and received in an online transmission and identifying the MAC address of your computer. (Close window)

Computer Graphics
This module applies the mathematical techniques learnt in year one in order to analyse and apply properties of the real world to the computer screen. The module looks in detail at the composition of images on the screen, at how effective, real or fast they are. The location of the images are also analysed with focus on several different algorithms including Bressenham, DDA and Line Clipping. Lab sessions take place separate to the lectures where you will get the chance to create your own game using Flash – which will go towards your coursework grade. (Close window)

Introduction to Signal Processing
Introduction to Signal Processing is a module which looks in detail at how a signal is processed and how the process now works with a digital signal. The conversion of a signal from analogue to digital, and vice versa, to enable better reception on your television/ radio is an issue which is widely discussed in the module. The module also analyses the use of digital and analogue filters and their different relationships with a signal. You will be able to gain firsthand experience with filters in your laboratory sessions which will better your understanding. (Close window)

Engineering Management II
Second year Engineering Management takes a look at management  in a business approach. A little more maths is involved than first year to solve business problems such as costing and pricing. The relationship between the two is further examined in order to determine what a business needs to do in order to make a profit or merely break even. The module is assessed by two pieces of coursework and one summer examination. (Close window)