Course overview

Combining media and sociology at Keele provides an in-depth programme which explores the social world and how media is perceived across various areas, such as business, history and politics. You will develop significant theoretical skills as well as the ability to implement your practical skills through film making and editing.

Sociology focuses on the study of cultures, communities and identities and explores how our everyday lives intersect with contemporary digital environments. You will engage with the topical issues facing us today as a result of technological evolution, from changes to work life balance, to migration and the social challenges posed by an increasingly unstable climate.

As you cultivate an increased awareness of social inequalities, you will grapple with a range of significant sociological issues such as class, gender, migration, family, belief, and belonging. You are encouraged to adopt an analytical approach, evaluate theories and explanations, and construct fair arguments grounded in both data and your own critical thinking. Being able to interrogate contemporary social landscapes and appreciate the nuances of different perspectives will enable you to apply these skills beyond university.

Similarly, media will allow you to explore organisations that produce news, podcasts, video, music, social media and other digital content within the social environment, and the developments of these media forms over time. You will apply your learning to consider influential factors such as culture and technology, before analysing key themes and concepts to later apply to your practical work. Throughout the course you will develop your imaginative thinking and awareness around social inequalities and a range of important sociological issues.

Work placement opportunities

Having the opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. Through this course you will become a creative individual with the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise and produce content effectively through various methods.

There may be an option to do a work placement module. This could provide you with a platform to work within an organisation, and further develop your professional skills. You will identify an organisation based on your interests, with the guidance of the module tutors, and will spend a semester engaging with projects and tasks set out by the employer, as well as taught sessions at university.

Study abroad

International year

Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.

Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

Enhance your employability

Having a degree in media and sociology will equip you with a variety of skills that can be applied in a range of careers. You will have gained a broad insight into the various elements of the world we live in, with experience in theoretical and practical aspects of two evolving subjects.

Your understanding and knowledge of society will help you to adapt to various environments and demonstrate your skills in the workplace. You will gain transferable skills, taking an open and imaginative approach towards your work, developing key skills in problem-solving, data analysis and information handling.