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 optimisation, 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.
As a graduate, you might want to think about the following job opportunities:
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-
| Occupation | Salary Range (per year) |
|---|---|
| News Writer | £40,000 – £70,000 |
| TV Anchor | £28,000 – £40,000 |
| Journalist | £22,000 – £90,000 |
| Production Executive | £36,000 – £45,000 |
| Broadcaster | £ 25,000 – £85,000 |
Media and Communication Courses Studies in the UK
Entry requirements for Media and Communication Studies in the UK
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 University, 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–
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.
FAQ’s
Is communication and media studies a good degree?
Yes, a media and
communication degree is worth it for international students because jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 4% in
the next 10 years.
Where can I study communication and media in the UK?
Here are some top-ranked universities-
Is media and communication in demand in the UK?
Graduates with degrees in
media and communications are in high demand in the UK, and many professions pay well for their expertise.
What are three career opportunities in communication in the UK?
Why study Media and Communication in the UK?
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.
