Module manager: Dr Nancy Thumim
Email: n.thumim@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module introduces students to the main approaches to understanding the relationship between audiences/users and media. Students will consider the development of the concept audience, exploring empirical research and theoretical arguments from a range of perspectives including how scholars have conceptualised the audience, how media industries view the audience, as well as addressing contemporary debates about the usefulness of the category ‘audience’ in the contemporary media context. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Weekly lectures provide an overview of topics while seminars enable students to explore ideas and test their understanding in small groups. Seminars focus on building speaking confidence alongside subject expertise.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Critically evaluate key texts from the field of audience studies to talk and write about media audiences.
Assess and reflect on key concepts, issues, research practices and empirical research about audiences
Articulate and contribute to debates about media audiences.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Communicate knowledge about audience research in a range of written modes.
Search for, evaluate and use information sources to support your arguments and draw informed conclusions.
Communicate your views clearly and confidently in written form.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Private study time should be used for seminar preparation, researching, preparing and writing the written assignments.
Formative feedback happens weekly in seminars. The first assignment is a both a summative and formative assessment with feedforward given to help with the second assignment
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | reflective log | 40 |
| Essay | essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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