Understanding media and communication – from creator to consumer.
This BA (Hons) Media and Communication degree takes you through the intricacies, history, and future of the media and communications that we create and receive every day.
With a broad range of modules, the course combines theory and practice to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for employment in an extensive variety of industries. Examples include the creative and cultural industries, marketing, journalism, management, public relations, press offices, and more.
Carefully curated by Northumbria’s leading media practitioners, theoreticians and historians, the BA (Hons) Media and Communication unpacks all the elements of media and communication – how it’s made and how it’s received. Every module draws on active research which is expertly brought to life in your lectures and seminars.
This degree is dynamic, interdisciplinary, and addresses real world challenges, which you can tailor to ensure you will have the best possible foundation for future study and continued success.
Your Learning Experience
This course is delivered through a mix of classroom and studio-based learning, with engagement with the cultural centres in the region available to further enhance your learning.
Your modules will be taught through lectures, seminars, practical sessions, workshops, and fieldtrips. Meanwhile, you’ll be assessed using a range of methods including practice-based submissions, essays, and presentations.
In your third year, you can extend your studies, either taking an additional placement year or even taking a year to study abroad in the likes of mainland Europe or North America.
In your final year, you will embark on a Dissertation or Practical Media Research Project which is an opportunity to focus on what interests you most while developing your portfolio and academic skills.
How does this course enhance my employability?
From the very start of your studies, you are supported as you begin to develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, team working, and confidence.
As your studies progress, you’ll then hone these skills to more industry-specific proficiencies. On the course, you’ll learn how to use industry-standard video/sound editing software, identify the key elements of media writing, and understand the planning and production required in research, design, storytelling, presentation, content production, and the application of theory.
An invaluable opportunity for first-hand employability skills is the chance to embark on an industry placement during your third year. Here you will be immersed in the industry, getting to grips with exactly how your knowledge can be applied, and gaining confidence, professionalism, and skills which will stay with you for life.
Many modules have been specifically designed to enhance your employability and encourage you to consider how your interests align with potential future career routes after graduation. As well as this, in the final year module, ‘Employability Portfolio’, you will generate a digital portfolio that you can take to interviews after graduation, and a ‘location’ statement explaining how your portfolio illustrates the knowledge and skills you can offer employers.
Why choose Northumbria to study Media and Communication?
Student Rated - Communication & Media Studies at Northumbria is ranked 9th in the UK for overall Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2024). 100% of students studying Media Studies at Northumbria felt free to express their ideas, opinions, and beliefs (NSS, 2023).
Taking on Tomorrow – This course is contemporary, future-facing, and critically rigorous, preparing you to make positive impact in the world.
Research Powerhouse –Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 6 places compared to 2014.
What will I learn on my BA Media & Communication course?
From your first year, you’ll be introduced to theories and concepts which will inform your critical thinking, analysis and practice. You then begin to build on this knowledge in your second year, where you can further apply this theory to a range of media contexts and begin to understand the challenges and conversations pertinent in the media industry, such as ethics, representation, diversity, equality.
In your final year, you’ll tailor your studies depending on your interests – choosing from modules such as ‘Media, Gender and Sexualities’ and ‘Film Cultures’. Informed by staff expertise and research, these modules place you at the heart of those industry conversations, allowing you to bring new ideas to the table.
All the while, you’ll develop a confidence in using industry equipment and techniques, with plenty of opportunity to create and innovate on your own portfolio of work.
Who teaches BA (Hons) Media and Communication?
This course has an excellent academic support system provided by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, who have a shared passion for their profession and the course.
Our tutors are leading experts in the fields of media, cultural studies and mass communications. Our staff bring a wealth of research experience to the course, with specialisms in digital technology, philosophy, contemporary cinema, popular culture, and audience research. Their research is underpinned by successful collaborative partnerships with external organisations such as the BBC and several international film festivals.
Our experienced academic staff will engage you in a range of stimulating, contemporary debates that explore the global influence of the mass communication industries and the factors that drive changes in media industries. Our tutors are committed to excellence in teaching and learning and delivering an outstanding student experience.
Where will I learn?
Perfect for creative thinkers, our Art department comprises of a multitude of workspaces and equipment ready for you to utilize for your learning and creating.
As a Media and Communication student, you will have access to broadcast-quality camera equipment, Apple Mac labs, production facilities and screening rooms.
You can also access your eLearning Portal from anywhere. This portal provides quick access to course materials and support, course information, such as class materials, handbooks and supplementary materials (e.g. weblinks, news items) as well as working as a communication hub with course mates and lecturers
How is research brought into teaching throughout my degree?
The modules on this course are directly informed by the research specialisms of the academic team, many of whom are internationally recognised for their work in media and film. For example, ‘Film Cultures’, draws on our substantial staff research expertise in this area, examining the film in a range of contexts, including socio-political, historical and industrial.
With extensive experience as researchers, the staff not only introduce you to current research topics, but they also equip you with the skills to become a researcher yourself.
Throughout ‘Methodologies’, you’re introduced to a range of methodological concerns and approaches that are key to rigorous research which you can actively implement during your own ‘Practice Media Research Project’.
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