Provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of key aspects of policy and regulation affecting media and cultural industries.

3 hour weekly meetings (lectures and seminars)

None

None

Two formally assessed assignments: Two 3500 word critical assignments on topical and/or theoretical aspects of media and cultural policy.

■ This course aims to

■ provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of key aspects of policy and regulation affecting media and cultural industries;

■ develop students' understanding of the evolution of and current developments within media policy, and awareness of the principles and standards that underlie media regulation.

By the end of the course students will be able to:

■ apply an understanding of the main ways in which media and cultural industries are subject to regulatory and policy interventions;

■ utilise a critical awareness of the principles underpinning policy and regulation in this area and and be able to engage with current debates about the shape and direction for policies affecting media;

■ prove knowledge of a range of significant topics that impinge on media and cultural regulation and policy, including ownership and control; public interest and market driven media; the impact of digitisation on the media and cultural ecology and censorship and media rights issues.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.