Are you ready to immerse yourself in a dynamic and exciting environment, to learn about the ways media influences our daily lives and the world around us?

From digital advertising and the internet to TV, popular film and news, the mass media is a significant force in modern culture, touching many aspects of our lives and influencing the ways in which we interact with the world around us.

Mass Communication is an innovative media-based top up course that provides an insight into the ways in which the mass media industries influence our perceptions on a global level. Studying areas such as convergence culture, advertising and demographics, morality and the media and cinema and society as well as the study of organisations, you will gain an awareness of the concepts, theories, practices and methods as well as the technological developments that typify contemporary media, communication and cultural studies.

Building on your previous educational experience, the top up award will give you the knowledge, transferable skills and qualifications needed to follow a career in the creative industries.

Northumbria University is ranked top 20 in the UK for Communication & Media Studies (Times Good University Guide, Subject League Table 2023).

How will I learn during the Mass Communication (Completion) BA (Hons) course?

This one year course has been developed to top-up your knowledge in mass communications and enables you to gain full undergraduate degree status. Core modules delivered through a series of lectures, seminars and subject-specific small group sessions will enhance your interest in media and cultural studies as well as developing the skills you need to become an independent learner.

You will gain specialist knowledge of the issues and themes that characterise the study of Mass Communications, developing analytical and interpretative skills and build the confidence to both form and communicate your own opinions on the subject. Assessments take a variety of forms including essays, presentations, projects, and reports. This approach encourages you to think flexibly and dynamically, as you explore complex ideas and find the best ways to present your findings.

Who teaches the Mass Communication (Completion) BA (Hons) course?

You will benefit from the extensive experience and expertise – both professional and academic – of the teaching staff, many of whom have international reputations in teaching and research and have published extensively in the areas of media, cultural studies and mass communications. The academic team includes specialists in diverse areas including digital technology, philosophy, contemporary cinema, popular culture, and audience research. Their work is underpinned by successful collaborative partnerships with external organisations such as the BBC and a number of international film festivals. You will be designated a personal guidance tutor to provide support and to promote your learning and personal development as you progress through the course. We also offer extensive pastoral support to ensure that you always have access to the appropriate level of assistance.

Where will I learn during my degree?

The course draws upon Newcastle’s status as a vibrant cultural city, the department’s partnerships with local cultural hubs including the Baltic gallery and the Tyneside cinema, as well as a close working relationship with the Sage, and St James’ Park.

You will have access to a range of contemporary facilities such as the University library, which has been recognised as one of the best in the UK. The City Campus library provides 24/7 access to learning resources and additional study space.

The University makes extensive use of technology to support learning, teaching and the student experience. Using your student e-learning portal you will be able to download PowerPoints of weekly lectures and seminars, access electronic reading lists and consult module guides.

How does this course set me up for my future career?

The course has been developed with employability in mind. We focus on developing articulate and self-motivated graduates who can communicate effectively to a diverse range of audiences using a range of formats and media. Learning and teaching strategies promote cooperative working, critical reflection and the development of practical skills to solve complex problems. We have developed the Mass Communication case study specifically to develop your conceptual thinking skills by analysing mass communication employment environments and trends, and you will be able to apply this new knowledge to the workplace. You will be able to effectively demonstrate skills that are valued by employers and meet the challenges of employment in a society in which the cultural and communication industries play an increasingly central role.

As a graduate of Mass Communications, you will be in a strong position to gain employment in the mass communication, cultural, promotional, creative, and heritage industries, and will be ideally placed to work in roles such as journalism, marketing, public relations, management or business administration. A number of graduates also opt to undertake further postgraduate study with us.