Media studies explores the dynamic relationship between media and society. From visual tools like printing, typography, and digital graphics, to communication media like radio and television broadcast, film making and advertising, there’s a world of information out there which we interact with every day. You’ll get a great insight into how the modern world works, and how various forms of media shape our culture, politics, and everyday lives.
Updated: 09 Apr 2026
There are loads of different types of media, and many of them you’ll already be familiar with. You can choose to study whichever type of media you’re most interested in, and your specialisation can begin at university. It may well lead you to a career pathway after graduation.
Some specialisations include:
Journalism: Journalism is the practice of gathering news and information and communicating it to the public through various mediums such as print, broadcast, and online platforms. Journalists play a crucial role in providing the public with accurate and relevant information.
Television studies: The impact of television on communication and culture has changed the world. For decades it has been one of the most dominant media platforms, and this specialism analyses the history of television programming, genres, and audiences, looking at its role in shaping society, identities and cultural norms.
Social media analytics: Involves analysing and interpreting data from social media platforms to gain insights into audience behaviour, user engagement, and trends to inform marketing strategies, audience targeting, and decision-making in social media marketing campaigns.
Public relations: PR is the field of managing public perception and opinion, regarding many different types of clients, from individuals, to companies, brands, and even entire governments and nations. PR professionals develop communication strategies to build positive relationships, manage crises effectively, and ultimately foster trust and credibility with the public.
Media ethics: Applies ethical principles and standards to current media practices and communication. It addresses issues such as truthfulness, objectivity, fairness, privacy, and accountability in the media landscape, and helps to uphold integrity and responsibility.
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Ethics and regulation
Digital culture and new media
Journalism practices
Film analysis
Research methods
Media history and evolution
Media and materiality
Censorship
Public relations
Media technology
Studying a media-focused degree will help you gain industry-specific skills which are relevant to the ever-evolving media landscape. You’ll build an understanding of the role and impact of media in contemporary society, and you’ll be able to critically analyse various texts and visual sources, as you learn to create content that is targeted to specific audiences to convey a particular message.
Through practical projects, presentations, research assignments, and group discussions, you’ll explore various media from film and TV to radio and social media, and develop skills in preparation for careers in the professional media fields.
More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:
Presentation
Research
Communication
Creativity
Trend analysis
Are you ready to start looking for your future university degree? Use our handy search tools now to check out media studies courses across the UK and find the perfect one for your needs.
In the UK, media studies programs are not typically accredited by professional bodies. However, as you graduate and develop your career in a particular pathway within media, you may find accredited bodies to which you can apply for professional credibility.
For example, the National Council for the Training of Journalists offers accreditation which is the hallmark of excellence in journalism training. NCTJ accreditation is recognised throughout the media and demonstrates industry-standard competence.
There are loads of alternative pathways into the world of media, and many of these can offer specific tuition into a certain area of interest. You may wish to consider related disciplines such as communication, cultural studies, or marketing, and there are plenty of options to check out.
Some include:
Journalism
Film studies
Advertising
Graphic design
Media studies graduates can pursue roles across a huge range of workplaces and professional environments. From journalism to marketing, there is a great availability of jobs in most areas of the UK, and abroad, and these days it’s getting much easier to work remotely. Media jobs often facilitate remote work. If this is something which appeals to you then you may find this an advantage.
Within media, you can find opportunities for social responsibility, creative expression and business strategy, as well as a diverse and exciting global network of information and culture to work within.
"Media Studies teaches students a range of skills highly valued by employers. Students learn how to become researchers, how to write and present their arguments and ideas, and how to make sense of the latest trends in media and culture."
Roles for media studies graduates include:
Media planner
Programme researcher
PR officer
TV runner
Journalist
Producer
Director
Marketing executive
Publisher
These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in media studies or a related subject.
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Single Honours
Media Studies
Journalism
Film and Television Studies
Digital Media
Joint Honours
Media Studies and Sociology
Media Studies and Politics
Media Studies and English Literature
Communications and Marketing
SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI
Alternative options
Foundation years: A foundation year is suitable if you’re keen on pursuing an undergraduate degree but may not have the grades to get into your preferred course. You’ll get a firm grip on the foundations of the subject and can also use this time to improve English proficiency skills.
Sandwich degrees: Sandwich degrees often include a placement year, which can be spent getting valuable work experience in media production, journalism, or digital media. This hands-on experience enhances employability and provides valuable industry insights. You can also use this time to study abroad.
Integrated Master’s: Integrated Master’s programs in media studies offer an extended course duration of one extra year, and allow students to deepen their understanding of the subject, while earning a Master’s degree qualification, with relatively little additional expense.
Degree apprenticeships: You can earn while you learn with a degree apprenticeship. Typically lasting three to six years, you’ll gain loads of practical experience, and your employer will even cover your tuition fees.
FIND OUT MORE: Different types of undergraduate degree
QUALIFICATION | REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
UCAS points | 80–160 |
A-levels | AAA–CCE |
BTECs | DDD–MMP |
Scottish Highers | AAAAAA–BBBB |
International Baccalaureate | 38–26 |
SOURCE: WHATUNI
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Usually, universities won’t be too specific about what A-levels (or equivalent) you’ve done but subjects like media, English language, English literature and sociology certainly won’t hurt your application. Most courses will be offered based on UCAS points, and some may also ask for a portfolio demonstrating your creative abilities.
FIND OUT MORE: How to choose your A-level subjects
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