1. Distance Learning in the Department of Media & Communication Vincent Campbell Director of Distance Learning vpc2@le.ac.uk

2. Department of Media & Communication Founded as the Centre for Mass Communication Research- first in the UK (1966) First in UK to offer Master’s degrees in Media (1978) MA in Mass Communications by Distance Learning launched in 1995

3. Distance Learning Programmes Currently five taught Master’s Programmes – MA Mass Communications – MA New Media and Society – MA New Media Governance and Democracy – MA Communications, Media and Public Relations – MA Communications, Media and Advertising Collectively the programmes have around 350 active students between them

4. Programme Aims Serve as a broad introduction to the study of communications media Explore the key themes and issues in contemporary media and communication research Introduce some of the skills and approaches that can be used to study the media, emphasizing the importance of analyzing media and communication processes in their social, political, economic and global contexts

5. Programme Aims Provide direct access to the current thinking of key researchers and writers in the field from around the world Offer people who are already employed in the communications industries a chance to review current professional and industrial practices Present a challenging and comprehensive introduction to the media for those who plan to work in the communications field in the future

6. Programme Structure Two-year Programme – Start dates in October, January, April and July – Common first year to all programmes – Second year options link to named programmes 10 Modules – One every two months – Each module contains 6 units with one unit = 10 hours of study

7. Programme Structure Three Exit points – Postgraduate Certificate Successful completion of Year One – Postgraduate Diploma Successful completion of Years One and Two taught components – Master’s Successful completion of Years One and Two taught components and the Dissertation

9. Programme Materials Print-based Programmes – Original, commissioned materials from subject specialists Each unit = 8-12,000 words Also provided online in pdf format – Supported by Set books (supplied as part of materials) Course Readers (provided online in pdf format) CDs/DVDs (for some modules) Access to Leicester University Library online

10. Programme Assessment Written Assessments – One (3000 word) essay assignment per module = 9 assignments in total – Modules 5 and 6 also covered by a written examination – 12-15,000 word Dissertation (for MA)

11. Learning Support Self-study materials – Students receive personal copies of all course materials necessary for course completion Personal Tutor – Students receive an individual tutor who provides support throughout their study Administrator – Each intake has a dedicated administrator

12. Learning Support Annual Course Conference – Option to attend a 4-day conference at Leicester Local Tutor – Some localities/agents provide local support Formal Peer Support – A dedicated e-mail list is used for Q & A Informal Peer Support – Student-run Facebook page

13. Recruitment Students recruited 2 main ways – Via Agents Especially emerging markets such as the Caribbean and Africa – Individual applications (usually online) Programme design allows support for small numbers of students in different countries – Students come from all over the globe Countries such as: Malta, Canada, Palestine, Ghana, St. Helena, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Tunisia, Germany, Greece, Belgium

14. Students Student Backgrounds – Media/media-related professions – Other industries and professions (e.g. banking, teaching, humanitarian organisations) – Often new to academic study of the media Student Destinations – Many looking for advancement within/entry to media careers – Some go on to further academic study (PhD)

15. The Future Transition to Online Delivery – Plans to switch from print to Blackboard hosting of programmes Blended Learning – Plans to integrate DL and campus programmes more closely New Programmes – Possible new programmes in Journalism Studies and Media, Culture and Society