BA (Hons) Media course preparation

Suggested reading and viewing

You will be given lots of information about which books / e-books to read and what to watch when you begin your studies in September. But here are some ideas to get you started over the summer. You may have specific media that you’re interested in, but try at this stage to watch, read and listen to a broad variety. Don’t feel you need to do it all – allow your curiosity to guide you.

Useful websites and podcasts

Get familiar with good quality online resources over the summer months:

Organising your study

• SPACE: Try to create your study environment: choose somewhere safe, quiet, comfortable and free from distractions.
• TIME: Try to think about how to best manage your time. Draw up a timetable and schedule plenty of breaks. Diaries and online calendars can help create structure. Learn how to create an online ‘To Do’ list. For example, try out trello.com/home
• YOU: Study at the right time. Take this opportunity to study when you feel the most productive.
• US: Stay in touch with us. Ask questions and advice where you need it.

Things to do over summer

Give some time to these activities. Whatever you write or record, keep them, don’t delete them. Bring them along to Edge Hill to use for inspiration in your first-year modules:

• Prepare a response to this question: What makes an event news? Here’s a journal article to help
• Keep a Media Diary to record all of your media consumption practices over, say, one week or one fortnight. You can even bring it along at the beginning of the Media and Society module and discuss it in one of the seminars.
• Go to The Guardian’s media website and record what is going on right now amongst media organisations, in media policy, political journalism and, more generally, the big challenges that lie ahead for media makers and media consumers.
• Keep a notebook, scrapbook or journal for any creative ideas that emerge. This is a ‘compost heap’ of creative ideas that you can keep adding to throughout your degree and your future career. You can return to it anytime you’re looking for inspiration for any creative work you’re doing.

Throughout your studies you will have access to absolutely all of the facilities and equipment you will need, however some students like to purchase equipment before they start their studies. If you would like to purchase any of this equipment before you start your studies, we recommend looking into pre-owned options:

• Laptop
• Good quality digital SLR camera (we would recommend Canon)
• Good quality audio recorder and microphone (Zoom H1)

Additional ways to prepare

Preparing to start

This session examines how to make a successful transition to university. From planning your results day, accommodation and commuting tips, extra support available to you and general advice on uni life.

Watch the session

Find out more about who you are

The following information provides an insight into what to expect when coming to university along with some good advice on how to navigate some of the potential challenges you may face.

Start preparing yourself