Course Resources Archive

This module is focussed upon the continuing professional development needs of individuals working within the context of Community Media, as well as for learners who wish to gain employment in this sector or gain the vital transferable skills the module offers. Community Media is a complex and diverse field and students will understand the origin and development of organisations and projects at international and national levels, with reference to a variety of content development (e.g. film, radio, online media, photography). Given the practical approach of the sector, the module will focus upon project development and management, which are transferable skills vital to other media and creative industries.

This module will provide both an overview of community media as a sector and of the intricacies of project development and management within it.  Its content will be biased towards an analysis of actual organisations and programmes operating in the real-world. The module will address globalization, hands-on involvement, ethical issues, alternative media, sustainability, cross-cultural awareness, citizenship, participatory communication and policymaking as some of the drivers of community media. The first block will consist of an historical, cultural and developmental overview of the sector which will focus upon the following: community media, history, culture and development in international and national contexts, and community media: sector development (e.g. radio, digital/online media, screen productions). The second block will consist of an introduction to project management within the context of community media. This will be essential for those working or hoping to work in community media as well as providing vital transferable skills for employment in the media and creative industries more generally. It will explore the following: sources of funding at a European and national level, bid writing, financial management, reporting, evaluation and project closure. The unit will conclude with an exploration of the future of community media at both a national and international level.

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

i. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of a variety of local, national and international community media projects with regards to their media form and practice
ii. Analyse and evaluate the community media approaches, methods and experiences of external organisations
iii Critically assess the effectiveness of alternative and community media activities within particular social, economic and/or political climates
iv. Practice and critically reflect upon the processes of funding, bid writing, project planning and management
v. Advance their group work, networking and report writing skills

Staff/student contact: approx 24 hours (lectures, tutorials, student-led workshops)
Independent Study: approx 126 hours

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.