2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM2780 Media Policy

20 Credits Class Size: 92

Module manager: Giles Moss
Email: g.s.moss@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module introduces students to the study of media policy and provides them with the skills and knowledge to contribute to current policy debates.

Objectives

This module is designed to introduce students to media policy and provide them with the tools to analyse current policy issues and contribute to policy debates. Students will learn about the historical development of press, broadcasting and internet policy, the different values and visions of media at stake in media policy, and how the contemporary policymaking process works. They will then examine a range of contested issues in key policy areas that are being considered by media policymakers today.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Describe and explain core concepts of media policy

2. Describe and explain key areas of media policy and regulation

3. Evaluate contemporary media policy developments and debates

4. Formulate media policy recommendations

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

5. Gather and examine information and arguments from a range of academic and policy sources
6. Analyse different sources to develop arguments and/or recommendations
7. Communicate ideas accurately and effectively, adapting communication style where necessary to meet the needs of different audiences (e.g. academic or policy)

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 11 1 11
Seminar 11 1 11
Private study hours 178
Total Contact hours 22
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Interactive lecture tasks will give students the opportunity to test, and receive formative feedback on, their knowledge and understanding.

Weekly seminars include tasks designed to build skills and knowledge required for assignments. By participating in seminars and engaging with seminar tasks students will receive formative feedback designed to test knowledge and develop skills for the assignments. Students will also be able to ask questions about the assessments. 

Weekly staff office hours will offer students the opportunity to gain individual one-to-one formative feedback on all aspects of the module, from assignments to performance in seminars and lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Report 60
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 60

Resit is to repeat the assessment

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Unseen exam 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins 40
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 40

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team