Both the majors aim to give students an understanding of the background and workings of a wide range of media industries and the press, magazines, advertising, radio, television and new media. They also consider how communication operates and the everyday cultures within which this happens. There are two `streams' within the major: Communication and Cultural Studies; and Media Studies. The extended major is not streamed.

Stream A (Communication and Cultural Studies)
Communication and Cultural Studies will equip you with tools for critical analysis of your own culture. This stream concentrates on examples of communicative processes in interpersonal, intercultural and institutional contexts, and on the forms and meanings of popular culture. Students consider a range of everyday situations and interactions, and analyse popular cultural texts including television, radio, internet and print sources.

Stream B (Media Studies)
Media Studies deals intensively with an examination of a range of mass and digital media drawing on historical, industrial and technological approaches. It ranges from a `micro' level of concern with media language through to a macro concern with media institutions, texts and theory.

The extended major is designed to give students an understanding of how Communication is mediated and shaped by its cultural location. It draws from both streams but stresses the theoretical and the analytical aspects. The extra time spent studying in the area makes this an ideal preparation for Honours and further study.