Media and Communication Studies

Overview 

Media and Communication Studies is a popular field of study in the United Kingdom, with many universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the subject. These programmes cover a wide range of topics, including media history, media theory, media production, media ethics, and media analysis.

Media and Communication Studies in the UK typically cover a broad range of media, including traditional forms such as television, radio, and print media, as well as newer forms such as digital and social media. The curriculum is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the role of media in society, as well as the skills necessary to work in the media industry.

The field of media and communication studies is constantly evolving, with new technologies and forms of media emerging all the time. As a result, many programmes in the UK place a strong emphasis on the latest research and developments in the field. In addition, many programmes also incorporate practical, hands-on experience through internships, projects, and other opportunities to work on real-world media projects.

Degree programmes in media and communication are generally more theoretical than their media production counterparts since they cover a wider range of subjects. 

Numerous MC degrees offer a 50/50 theoretical/practical balance, with courses covering topics like linguistics, photo editing, TV/radio production, audio modification, and cultural studies. In the second and third years, students usually choose an area of concentration, and they also have the option to participate in internships.

The Media and Communication Studies degree opens many career opportunities in journalism, advertising, public relations, film and television, radio, digital media, and more. Graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of roles in the media industry, including positions in production, research, writing, and editing.

Overall, Media and Communication Studies in the UK offers a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding field of study, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the rapidly changing media landscape.

Students who attend a university in the UK and major in Media and Communications will learn the ins and outs of the modern media industry while strengthening their critical thinking, analytical prowess, technological fluency, and communication and creative abilities.

Why study Media and Communication in the UK?

Some of the best universities in the world are in the UK, which is a great place to study media and communication. There are also many other benefits to studying in the UK.

First, the UK is known for its strong media industry, with major global companies such as the BBC and Sky having headquarters in the country. Studying media and communication in the UK can provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and make industry connections through internships and other opportunities.

Second, UK universities offer a wide range of media and communication programmes, including traditional disciplines such as journalism, film, and television, as well as more specialised areas such as digital media, advertising, and public relations. Because there are so many choices, students can make their education fit their interests and career goals.

Third, the UK is a diverse and multicultural country, which can expose students to different perspectives and ways of thinking. Students who want to work in international media and communication can especially benefit from this.

Finally, the UK is known for its high academic standards, and degrees from UK universities are respected and recognised around the world. This can open doors for international students in the UK and around the world who want to work in media and communication.

Overall, studying media and communication in the UK can give students a unique mix of real-world experience, excellent education, and exposure to the rest of the world.

Media and Communication Studies Graduates’ Career and Salary Prospects in the UK

International students studying media and communications frequently pursue careers in broadcasting, filmmaking, advertising, publishing, public relations, search engine optimization, and research. Since a degree in Media and Communications covers such a wide range of topics, graduates can pursue careers in virtually any area of the media and creative industries.

• Average starting professional salary: £18,000
• Average starting non-professional salary: £15,717

As a graduate, you might want to think about the following job opportunities:

• News Writer
• Journalist
• TV Anchor
• News producer
• Copywriter
• Educator
• Production Executive
• Foreign Service officer
• Broadcaster

In the table below, you’ll find examples of the various careers available to a UK graduate of a Media and Communication programme, along with the average salary for each-

Media and Communication Courses Studies in the UK

• Introduction to Media and Communication I & II
• Constructing Meanings
• Foundation in Social Sciences 
• Identities and Inequalities Optional
• Geographies of Global Economic Change Optional
• Foundation in Social Sciences 
• Media Identity and Inequality 
• Promotional Culture: Advertising, Public Relations and Society 
• Project Dissertation
• Presenting Media Debates 
• Critical Viewings: Television
• Digital Media and Society
• Identities and Inequalities 
• Geographies of Global Economic Change 
• Historical Themes and Perspectives 
• Ideas and Controversies in Psychology 
• Geographies of Identity 
• Religion and Society 
• Political Psychology 
• Media in Global Context
• Media, Culture and Crime
• Producing the News

Entry requirements for Media and Communication Studies in the UK

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 32 points.
• Typical A-levels requirements: ABB.
• Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 5.5 in any one component.

Top Universities for Media and Communication Studies in the UK

Cardiff University– Cardiff University’s Department of Journalism, Media, and Culture combines a tradition of academic achievement in education and training with groundbreaking research; 89% of Cardiff’s research was deemed “world-leading” or “internationally good.”

According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, Cardiff University is one of the top 170 universities worldwide. The university combines a prestigious and traditional legacy with state-of-the-art facilities, earning it a place among Britain’s elite Russell Group of 24 outstanding research universities.

University of Leeds- The University of Leeds is home to one of the best schools in the country dedicated to the study of media, communication, and culture, which was established in 1988 as the School of Media and Communication.

The University of Leeds has a central location in a city that is both inexpensive and welcoming to students. More than 33,000 students from more than 150 countries attend the university each year because of the exciting variety of over 500 undergraduate and 300 graduate programmes available to them.

University College London- One of the main reasons to study media and communication at UCL is the university’s location in London, which is considered one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world. London is home to many different types of media companies, from traditional broadcasters to digital start-ups.

This gives students a wide range of opportunities for internships, networking, and career growth that they can’t find anywhere else. UCL’s Media and Communication Department is also renowned for its research excellence, with various research centers and institutes dedicated to different aspects of the field.

City, University of London- City, University of London is an excellent choice for students studying media and communication in the UK. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the media and communication industries.

The advantage of studying media and communication at the City, University of London, is the university’s focus on practical, hands-on learning. The university’s state-of-the-art newsroom and broadcasting facilities provide students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience and learn from industry professionals.

Swansea University– Swansea University’s Department of Media and Communication is highly regarded in the United Kingdom, and its media programmes are rated first in the country in terms of the quality of the education they provide and the satisfaction of their students (Times Good University Guide 2023).

The department’s courses and research focus on the development of media, cinema, journalism, and PR, as well as their theoretical and practical applications. Their work is organised primarily into two clusters: European cinema and identity; and media history, theory, and technology, with overlapping groups studying journalism and Welsh media.

Courses taught by working professionals in the field are a standard part of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in print, broadcast, film, and new media. We also provide internships at news outlets, TV companies, and PR firms.

Brunel University- Seminars and individual lessons provide you with the advantage of learning in a more intimate setting. In other words, students are allowed to share whatever they want in class, fostering robust discussions. Students in Brunel’s Department of Communication and Media Studies have an environment that promotes an open dialogue about any number of themes related to their shared coursework.

If you choose to major in communication and media at Brunel, you won’t only learn about cameras, lights, and editing in a classroom; you’ll also get to hear from great guest lecturers on a wide range of topics, go on exciting field trips, and gain practical experience in front of the camera.

Tuition fees for Media and Communication Studies in the UK

Tuition costs in the United Kingdom can vary widely based on the chosen degree and university. This list demonstrates the approximate annual tuition fees for a Media and Communication course at some of the best universities in the UK–

• Bachelor’s Degree- £ 21,000 – 30,000 (per year)
• Master’s Degree- £ 18,000 – 25,000 (per year)

Final Words

Studying media and communication in the UK offers a unique and valuable educational experience. The UK is home to some of the world’s leading universities and media organizations, providing students with access to a wealth of resources, industry connections, and opportunities for practical learning.

The curriculum in the UK is also known for its emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, preparing students to understand and navigate the complex and ever-evolving media landscape.

Additionally, studying in the UK provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse and multicultural environment, which is essential for understanding and working within the global media industry. Overall, students who study media and communication in the UK can get the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to do well in the field.