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Course review
Review by: Georgie P
University: Loughborough University
Course: Media Studies
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
7
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Since I am an international student, I do not have experience with A-levels, but from what I have heard from my colleagues basically it's subjects to do with Media, Communication skills (mainly written, maybe like Literature or Creative Writing).
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I wasn't really sure what I wanted to study, so I decided to do something more broad. I am fascinated by the way media works, the structure, how to influence people's minds etc., so I was drawn to this part of the degree. The other part, communication, is also well elaborated as it involves researching communications projects, and studying psychology and sociology which give you a general, but essential knowledge about the world around you.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
Probably that there isn't so much contact time and I have to find other things (useful things!) in order to not waste my free time.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
To be exact, the course is BSc Communication and Media Studies. As first years we have 4 core modules and 2 optional ones. If one of your optional modules is a foreign language, you have 2 sessions of it per week, so that makes 7 lectures a week in total (otherwise you only get 1 lecture per module per week). Almost every module has 2 tutorials per semester (the language modules don't), so basically around 8-10 tutorials per semester.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Yes, this course focuses mainly on independent study and reading. You have to be very motivated and driven in order to succeed, although I must admit doing last minute reading the last couple of weeks before exams hasn't had a bad effect on me!
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
It's very broad and people tend to feel lost in their 1st year, but I have talked about it with tutors and 2nd/3rd years, they all say it gets better and you can decide on which subjects to specialise eventually (in your 2nd year).
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
I like that it is broad and gives you a general idea about a lot of subjects, which you can choose to study more specifically in your 2nd year. It also gives you a lot of free time if you would like to engage in hobbies or work.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Contact time does feel a bit insufficient because at times you get up in the morning for a 50 minute lecture and then you wonder what to do the rest of the day. Let's face it, you can't go to the library to sit and read every day!
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
I have a very positive opinion about most lecturers, they explain well and keep a reasonable pace when doing it. Most of them also have a good sense of humour. In terms of facilities, they are absolutely great. The lecture rooms are big and comfortable and there are lots of computer rooms where you can also go to do work. Overall I think it's excellent.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
The 1st year core modules for the CMS programme are Researching Communications, Communication and Media Studies, Social Psychology and Sociology. Optional modules range between Criminology and Social Policy, Deviance and Social Control, Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German), British Politics, British Government. Researching Communications is focused on doing projects, both as a group and individually (it is quite interesting). Communication & Media has some very interesting topics (1st semester was about semiotics, history of comics, photography, language and discourse; 2nd semester is mostly about the media in America and Britain). Social Psychology is fascinating simply because we all constantly are part of a group, whether it is our course or the other people in the cinema with us, and you learn a lot about the group mind as opposed to the individual. Sociology touches quite a lot of topics which are essential to having a steady knowledge of the world, it's history and issues (like modernity, ethnicity, gender, media, politics, etc).
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University review
Review by: Georgie P
University: Loughborough University
Course: Media Studies
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Loughborough University forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
The university feels very homely, there are people from all over the world and there is a huge amount of stuff you can do professionally and as a hobby. It has the greenest campus in the UK, the best sports facilities and the most amazing Students Union. Not to mention there is a lot of eye candy all around you with all these fit athletes (I have to mention that boys make up 65% of the uni population - you're welcome girls)!
What is the academic life like at your university?
To some academic life is pretty rushed, especially to athletes (we have a lot of them, we are the best known university for its sports activities)! But overall it's relaxed and you feel like you're actually learning something and doing something with your life. Tutors always reply to e-mails promptly and have an open door for you if you have any questions.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Freshers' week is crazy!!! Everyone loves it and wants it to happen again so after first semester there is Re-freshers' week!
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
If you're a sporty person - this is the place for you! Even if you're not - it's still a very charming place to be. Prices are low compared to bigger cities, there is a lot to do, people are friendly and loads of fit people all around you!
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing is that it is very diverse and very welcoming. The campus is amazing and so is the Students' Union. There is a lot going on and everyone has a chance of getting involved. I'd say the worst thing is the lack of feedback given (because contact time isn't enough respectively).
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
It's the most popular university for sports so obviously all the sports that you can think of and the facilities needed for them are very well developed. To be honest, I am not a sports person, but I can see how big sport is here and how serious students take it. You can see running at 10 at night just to keep in shape! For me as a not-so-sporty person I also find things to do. There are all kinds of societies you can join based on your interests, hobbies, religion, etc. There is a Media center where we have our own Radio, TV and Magazine. There's loads of stuff to get involved in!
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The Students' Union is pretty big and for the last couple of years it has been voted the best Students' Union in UK! It has a supermarket, a coffee shop, a book shop, a pharmacy, 3 clubs and offices on the 2nd floor. There is also a cozy pub which has a nice garden in the front with benches where it's great to chill when the sun is out! We have a lot of social events going on like the annual Free Fest (it's pretty massive), International Day (where everyone can represent their home country with typical outfits, food, etc.), Dub-boro (for dubstep lovers!), Union Exec Elections (the campaigns are really massive, lots of fun, and loads of free candy!) and lots more through the year. The clubs are also quite good (Vodka Revs, Rain, Wild, Echos etc.), they're good if you need a break from the union and like to dress up for a proper night out in town! In general there is enough places to go and have a good time, but of course there is also Nottingham and Leicester where you can attend bigger social events, concerts etc.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
It is a small town with not that much to do, although there are quite a few (and good) clubs. In terms of shops it has basically all you need, but there is always Leicester and Nottingham very close (15-20 mins by train) to go to for more shops and venues. It is a very nice town, with lovely parks and very english-looking architecture (and quite a few mini-coopers)! I feel very comfortable and at home here. Not to mention, prices are a lot lower compared to bigger cities!
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
For my 1st year I chose to live in halls - firstly because they are on campus and everything you need is close by (lectures, shops, sports facilities), second because it's the easiest way to meet people and integrate yourself in uni life. It is more expensive than renting a place, however. It is lots of fun, if you need help, there is always a warden you can call and it feels safer than town. For my second year, however, I chose to rent a house with my friends, for the following reasons: you get to choose who you live with (usually by the end of the first year you have a steady circle of friends who you know very well); you feel more independent AND it's a HOUSE/FLAT, not a ROOM; you don't share a kitchen with people who have no idea about cooking or hygiene; it's cheaper.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
I chose self-catered, because I know what I want to eat and I don't mind cooking it myself. A big drawback of catered halls is that the times for breakfast, lunch and dinner are fixed and most people very often miss meals (and sometimes more than one a day). Plus, most people don't really like the food in the cafeterias that much.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
Self-catered is about £70 per week whereas catered can be up to £80-90 a week.
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