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Studying communication & media degree guide

Studying communication & media is about learning how information is communicated to society, which has never been more relevant than it is right now. The fast-paced digital age that we live in today means there are loads of jobs in this exciting and ever-changing field.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

You’ll likely learn about the different types of media and how they influence people with messages, as well as learning about tech, broadcasting, advertising and digital media. You’ll get a great insight into how the modern world works at a time where there are so many different ways for companies, governments and organisations to get their messages across. If you get a buzz from social media, trends and influencers or you’re more into the traditional forms of journalism then we’re sure you’ll love studying communication & media.

What do you need to get on a communication & media degree?


Average entry requirements for communication & media are:

  • UCAS points: 128 
  • A-levels: ABB 
  • Scottish Highers: AABBB
  • BTEC Nationals: DDD
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

Unis won’t be too specific about what A-levels (or equivalent) you’ve done but subjects like media, English, English lit and sociology certainly won’t hurt your application.

What communication & media degrees can you study?  


Degrees in communication & media include:

  • BA Communication and Media
  • BA Film, Photography and Media
  • BA Communication and Journalism
  • BA New Media

What topics does a communication & media degree cover?


Common modules for communication & media include:

  • Media and materiality 
  • Film cultures
  • Media censorship
  • Media practices and cultures
  • Media research
  • Media and society 
  • Public relations 
  • Media technology  

“Students will study the History of Mass Communication and Culture, Representations, Media Scholarship and Understanding Journalism. They are also required to study one subject outside the discipline. This is very popular and students study courses ranging from English literature to Japanese.” – Dr John Jewell, media lecturer at Cardiff University  

What do you learn studying a communication & media degree?
 

Studying a communication & media degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Analysing technical innovations 
  • Content creation
  • Social media usage
  • Analysing media texts
  • Technology usage

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Presentation 
  • Research
  • Communication 
  • Creativity 
  • Trend analysis 

What professional accreditations can you get with a communication & media degree?


Several professional organisations, like the BBC, have specialised positions for communication & media graduates.

What can you do with a communication & media degree?


Jobs for communication & media graduates include:

Where to study communication & media?

How long is a communication & media degree?  


Most communication & media courses last three years.  

How will you be assessed?


Most communication & media courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Coursework
  • Projects
  • Exams
  • Final year dissertation 
  • Practical assessments

What are the postgraduate opportunities?


Your options for further study include:

  • MA Print 
  • MA Broadcast Journalism
  • MA International Communications
  • MA Gender, Media and Culture 
  • MA Media and Communications  

What alternatives are there to a communication & media degree?


Not sure if a communication & media degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: