Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Are you curious about how the media influences the world we live in? Our BA (Hons) Media Studies course is distinguished by its innovative mix of options and will give you a fascinating way to gain a deeper academic understanding of this prime form of communication.You'll learn how global media reflects, shapes and affects societies and cultures, from news and television, to social networks. You’ll also consider how identity is formed through the media, and its representations in contemporary formats and genres, such as TV talk shows, the comic book industries, and science. As you progress in your degree, you can create your own learning plan by choosing optional modules, including film production.You’ll graduate ready to begin your media career in many communicational fields, but you’ll also have creative and transferable skills you can use in any sector.

- Gain expert insight into popular culture, fan communities, and the latest media tech developments by attending the annual Portsmouth Comic Con – where course lecturers and previous students have been panellists- Enhance your studies by learning from a teaching team of widely published media experts and research-active academics- Cultivate a well-rounded, futuristic understanding of media from staff expertise in contemporary popular culture genres (including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and animation)- Tailor your degree by choosing modules to suit your specialisation- Develop filmmaking skills with optional practical film modules from second year- Build valuable professional experience and knowledge by taking an optional placement year – either with a company or self-employed- Broaden your expertise with the chance to gain industry-recognised accreditations such as ScreenSkills safety training and Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

The communication, research, writing and critical thinking skills you learn on this media studies degree will be essential for employers within and outside the media industry.You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level. Many of our graduates pursue Master's and Doctorates, with a number of them taking further teacher training to work in education.Graduate areasPrevious media studies graduates have gone on to work in areas such as:- media research- digital specialisms (e.g. website design and creation)- public relations and marketing- journalism- publishing- new media development- film production- film and TV companiesGraduate rolesJob roles our graduates have taken on include:- teacher- media research assistant- marketing assistant- production manager- sound and vision engineer- film/video producer- advertising journalist- assistant publicist- PR and communications officerGraduate destinationsSome of our alumni have gone on to work for big names such as:- BBC- Warner Bros- Universal Pictures International- Mitchells & Butlers- Lush CosmeticsWhen you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.