2007:05 R
Evaluation of undergraduate programmes in media and communication studies at Luleå University of Technology
This report presents the results of an evaluation that was made of the undergraduate teaching in media and communication studies at Luleå University of Technology.
The degree programmes in media and communication studies offered at Luleå University of Technology are decidedly practical in character. The conditions on which the courses are offered are positive in many respects: finances are sound, the study environment is of very high quality in terms of its technical equipment and premises and there is close cooperation with the media sector.
The impression of the panel of assessors is nevertheless that the theoretical and academic elements of the programmes are far too weak and that the students are not provided with an adequate education in the major subject of media and communication studies.
The first and second semester levels (A and B courses) are characterised by practical work with media. The organisation of the courses at the third and fourth semester levels (C and D) resembles the theoretical courses offered in other parts of Sweden. As the students are not provided with adequate theoretical knowledge at the A and B level, the standard of the C and D courses is impaired. The programme therefore lacks the necessary subject depth and its progressivity is therefore unclear.
Most of the syllabuses are currently defective and incomplete. Course plans must be clear enough to enable the students to know what they can expect of a specific course and it must be possible to evaluate, follow up their objectives and assure quality.
Media and communication studies has a staff of three lecturers and one acting senior lecturer. The situation with only one senior lecturer is untenable. Without a stable foundation of permanently employed teachers in the subject it is impossible to carry on teaching it in the long term.
At the moment no research in media and communication studies is being undertaken at Luleå University of Technology and it is difficult for the teachers to keep up to date with ongoing research and new research publications in media and communication studies. This means that the links between research and the undergraduate programme is weak.
On the basis of the report of the panel of assessors the National Agency is questioning the entitlement to award degrees in media and communication studies at Luleå University of Technology.
The degree programmes in media and communication studies offered at Luleå University of Technology are decidedly practical in character. The conditions on which the courses are offered are positive in many respects: finances are sound, the study environment is of very high quality in terms of its technical equipment and premises and there is close cooperation with the media sector.
The impression of the panel of assessors is nevertheless that the theoretical and academic elements of the programmes are far too weak and that the students are not provided with an adequate education in the major subject of media and communication studies.
The first and second semester levels (A and B courses) are characterised by practical work with media. The organisation of the courses at the third and fourth semester levels (C and D) resembles the theoretical courses offered in other parts of Sweden. As the students are not provided with adequate theoretical knowledge at the A and B level, the standard of the C and D courses is impaired. The programme therefore lacks the necessary subject depth and its progressivity is therefore unclear.
Most of the syllabuses are currently defective and incomplete. Course plans must be clear enough to enable the students to know what they can expect of a specific course and it must be possible to evaluate, follow up their objectives and assure quality.
Media and communication studies has a staff of three lecturers and one acting senior lecturer. The situation with only one senior lecturer is untenable. Without a stable foundation of permanently employed teachers in the subject it is impossible to carry on teaching it in the long term.
At the moment no research in media and communication studies is being undertaken at Luleå University of Technology and it is difficult for the teachers to keep up to date with ongoing research and new research publications in media and communication studies. This means that the links between research and the undergraduate programme is weak.
On the basis of the report of the panel of assessors the National Agency is questioning the entitlement to award degrees in media and communication studies at Luleå University of Technology.
Last updated: 2007-06-15
Contact person: Lisa Jämtsved Lundmark, e-mail: forename.surname@hsv.se
Contact person: Lisa Jämtsved Lundmark, e-mail: forename.surname@hsv.se
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Swedish National Agency for Higher Education Visting address: Luntmakargatan 13 Box 7851, 103 99 Stockholm
Phone: 08-563 085 00 Fax: 08-563 085 50 Email: hsv@hsv.se
Phone: 08-563 085 00 Fax: 08-563 085 50 Email: hsv@hsv.se
