All students will take the following modules:
Creative Industries and the LawCreative Industries and the Law provides an in-depth exploration of the relationship between creative industries and the legal landscape. In a sector developing new business models quickly in response to the iterative development of digital and social media, this module critically examines the contemporary legal frameworks and debates in the creative and cultural sector at the moment, drawing on case studies in recent legal history.
Through a multidisciplinary approach grounded in both law and the creative arts, you will analyse copyright, intellectual property, contract law, and regulations specific to creative enterprises – students will develop a sound and detailed knowledge of the relationships between creatives, distributors, finance and consumers.
Key topics may include:
Copyright and its application in the digital age Intellectual property protection for creative works Contractual agreements within creative collaborations Entertainment law, including issues related to media production and distribution Privacy, defamation and press regulation in the industryCreative Industries: Policy and Professional DevelopmentThis module takes advantage of the established relationships Birmingham has with its cultural partners. You will have the opportunity of working with external stakeholders on live briefs on a range of issues facing the sector in region. You will learn from academic staff and external providers drawn from industry in the region to explore the challenges that confront professionals in the creative and cultural sector today.
You will work in groups on a project from a bank of briefs provided by some of our partners in region (such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Rep, the National Literacy Trust, Soul City Arts, Writing West Midlands, Birmingham Museums Trust, and many more) to develop a strategic response to an industry issue. You will be guided on their projects by dedicated sessions on cultural policy and government, funding models for the industry (through public and private revenue development) and equality, diversity and inclusion. You will also learn strategies to measure the effectiveness of their solutions, and how to iterate project solutions into the future.
Marketing in the Creative and Cultural sectorThrough study on this module, you will develop insight into marketing strategies and campaigns as they apply to creative and cultural organisations. You will learn a range of different marketing theories and approaches, and develop a critical awareness of the distinctiveness of creative and cultural products. Using case studies, you will learn a variety of marketing concepts, which may include:
Audience Segmentation and Engagement: Understanding the diverse audiences within the creative and cultural sector and developing tailored strategies to engage them Branding and Identity: Building and managing the identity and reputation of creative and cultural organisations. Digital Marketing in the Arts: Leveraging digital platforms, social media, and online tools to promote cultural events, artists, and creative projects. Cultural Marketing and Diversity: Exploring the cultural dimensions of marketing, with a focus on inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to reach diverse audiences. Market Research and Analytics: Utilising data-driven insights to make informed marketing decisions, analyse audience behaviour, and assess the impact of marketing campaigns. Partnerships and Sponsorships: Developing collaborations with other organizations, sponsors, and donors to support cultural and creative initiatives. Arts Promotion and Event Management: Planning, promoting, and managing cultural events, exhibitions, performances, and festivals. Multimedia AdaptationAdaptation is one of the most widespread forms of artistic expression in the world today. Works inspired by earlier cultural products continue to proliferate in a variety of media, most obviously film and television, but also theatre, radio, graphic novels, and video games. This module equips you with a key understanding of how adaptation operates as a multimedia practice. Drawing on a range of adaptive materials from the nineteenth century to the present day, it examines why artists choose to adapt, and how they engage with the possibilities and limitations of their specific media. In tandem with this consideration of the key drivers behind adaptation, you will examine the wider dimensions of the adaptation industry and the implications of working within it (including franchising, publishing rights, and questions of copyright and intellectual property). Like Adaptation Studies more broadly, the module is interdisciplinary, exploring connections between different forms of art, and challenging you to interrogate what adaptation means in the twenty-first century. In so doing, it also reflects on ways in which a theoretical understanding of adaptation can support you in enhancing your future employability and potentially building towards careers in the adaptation industry.
Dissertation / Final ProjectYour final, independent project on the programme will offer you a choice of a standard academic dissertation of 12,000 words on a research topic of your choosing OR a practice-based project that works with industry in region on a particular facet of their work. You willl be supported in this choice when you arrive at Birmingham through conversations with your dissertation supervisor.
Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.