Module manager: Simon Constantine
Email: G.S.Constantine@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is aimed at you if you are a student interested in understanding the local and global issues around communication and new media.
The aim of this module is to enable students to understand how communication and social media have evolved and had influence in society and in the workplace. The focus on communication and new media will be a vehicle for consolidating and applying the learning on previous modules in the programme. Students will become more familiar with social media which will add to their employability skills.
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Identify and critically engage with theories of technology and new media
2. Apply theoretical and research insights into new media and society to their own planning of a website or blog
3. Design and build a website or blog with a relevant focus
4. Critically reflect on their website, including considering how they have responded to research and feedback
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Use digital technology and peer support to create a website or blog (LO3) (linked to digital creation on Skills Matrix)
2. Undertake critical reflection on the creation of a digital resource (LO 4) (linked to reflection and digital communication on the Skills Matrix)
3. Undertake strategic planning, including time management, building theoretical and research insights into design, and seeking feedback on work (LO 1, 2, 3) (linked to Work-Ready skills such as reflection, collaboration, personal management, creativity and time management and organisations on the Skills Matrix)
Presentation skills
Groupwork skills
Familiarity with new media/ technology
Self reflection and analysis
The module will cover:
-The historical development of new media
-The impact of technology and new media on society
-The information explosion
-The changing use of narrative, image and storytelling in business and the arts
-The global impact of new media
-Ethical issues
The module will use case studies and specific examples to illustrate the growing influence of social networks, governmental response to this and the use of story as a powerful and influential tool.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1.5 | 16.5 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1.5 | 16.5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 50 | ||
| Private study hours | 117 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Time for private study is expected to break down as follows:
Reading and research 45 hours
Preparation for seminars 22 hours
Assignment Preparation 50 hours
There will be formative feedback given in the practical workshops for assignment 1 (strategic plan) and assignment 2 (website/blog with reflection) throughout the module – this will include opportunities for peer support and review. The tutor will also give feedback on a plan/draft of work for these assignments. The reflective element of assignment 2 will also be built up throughout the week’s through the development of a reflective log, which the tutor will feedback on at least 23 times throughout the module. This reflective work will also take place in some of the sessions, especially in relation to the peer review of the websites.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Written Work | Strategic plan 1000 words | 25 |
| Project | Website/Blog with Critical Reflection (3000 words) | 75 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
There are not alternative resit formats but there will be opportunities for students to be supported with the assessment outside of the teaching sessions and there is flexibility around how they can build the website/blog if that is needed.
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