Media and Communications (BA)
- Subject area: Journalism, media and culture
- UCAS code: 3M7D
- Next intake: September 2027
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Future-focused
Learn about how new technologies, platforms and business models are shaping the media and communications landscape.
Industry-facing
From industry-facing assessments and briefs to guest lectures and masterclasses delivered by media and communications professionals, you’ll have scope to build your networks and contacts.
Prioritising employability
Boost your employability and take charge of your career path, tackling industry-led challenges and developing digital skills and experience across multiple platforms.
Expert and excellent
Ranked 6th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and 50th globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025) for communications and media studies, and 2nd for research quality (REF 2021).
A media city
Cardiff is one of the UK’s largest hubs for producing screen media, from globally popular TV dramas to an emerging immersive and experience-based sector. Embrace the diverse range of media and cultural opportunities that the city has to offer!
From binge-worthy box sets to viral TikTok trends, media is everywhere. It's how we connect, learn, and consume. Media platforms, their content and their technologies enable us to communicate with each other on a global level. Media is also a powerful tool for corporations and governments. By studying our BA in Media and Communications, you’ll become an expert in the content, technologies and trends that are shaping our world.
From the outset, you’ll develop critical thinking skills to better understand the opportunities - and challenges - that media like film, television, social media and music offer. You’ll explore the differences between media sectors, as well as how our structures of communications can contribute towards forms of inequality.
Through your studies, you’ll become confident in applying theories and approaches and use these ideas to tackle contemporary issues facing citizens and consumers in a digitally rich world. You’ll develop and refine industry-focused skills in written, oral, and visual communication, equipping you to engage diverse audiences and tackle real-world issues like trust in the media, shifting media landscapes, and power imbalances. Reflecting professional practice, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively, designing creative solutions to industry challenges and strengthening your ability to evaluate, innovate, and respond.
You’ll graduate as a media, communications and technology-savvy critical thinker, ready to use a range of skills and digital platforms strategically in support of organisations, campaigns, and initiatives across the public, private, and third sectors.
While this degree is academically focused, it is enriched with practical elements that help you understand how the media industry works in real-world contexts. Throughout the programme, you’ll benefit from industry insights, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage with contemporary media practices, providing valuable preparation for a career in the sector. Many graduates choose to build on this strong academic and practical grounding through our postgraduate degrees, which offer further hands-on training and accredited pathways into journalism and media professions.
Subject area: Journalism, media and culture
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as acceptable alternative international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
ABB-BBC
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
GCSE and other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subskill.
PTE Academic
At least 76 overall with a minimum of 62 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: Not accepted.
III: at least a Merit in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDM-DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects.
T level
D-M in one of the following T Level subjects:
- Digital production, design and development
- Digital support and services
- Digital business services
- Media, broadcast and production
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2027 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee 1 | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,790 | None |
| Year two | £9,790 | None |
| Year three | £9,790 | None |
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £25,450 | None |
| Year two | £25,450 | None |
| Year three | £25,450 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs that you will need to consider as part of studying on our programme.
Course specific equipment
You will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a 3-year degree programme. You’ll complete 120 credits - mixing core and optional modules - each year.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2027/2028 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2027.
Year one
This first year introduces the central debates and challenges shaping media and communications today and prepares you for year 2, when you’ll begin to specialise and develop your own interests.
Through core modules, you’ll gain a solid foundation in the contemporary and historical contexts of journalism, communication, media and culture. You’ll also develop the core academic skills needed for university-level study, including high-quality writing, analysis and research, which you will continue to refine throughout your degree.
If you are a Welsh speaker, you’ll have the option to choose a Welsh Language module in year 1.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| History of Mass Communication and Culture | MC1110 | 20 credits |
| Media Scholarship | MC1115 | 20 credits |
| An Introduction to Media Audiences | MC1118 | 20 credits |
| Advertising and the Consumer Society | MC1119 | 20 credits |
| Understanding Journalism Studies | MC1578 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Representations | MC1114 | 20 credits |
| Cymru: Y Senedd, Y Straeon a'r Spin | MC1117 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you’ll study a combination of core and optional 20-credit modules that build on the foundations of your first year and allow you to start shaping your academic pathway. Core modules deepen your understanding of key areas within media and communications, while optional modules give you the flexibility to explore topics that interest you.
Across the year, you’ll engage with broad themes such as screen media and cultural theory, media industries, communication theory and strategy, digital cultures, research design and employability. You’ll also work independently and collaboratively, apply a range of research approaches, and develop practical and transferable skills that support and enhance your learning and development.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Culture | MC2626 | 20 credits |
| Doing Media Research: Approaches and Methods | MC3551 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Media and Gender | MC2107 | 20 credits |
| Yr Ystafell Newyddion 1 | MC2617 | 20 credits |
| Digital Culture | MC2626 | 20 credits |
| Media Fandom | MC2633 | 20 credits |
Year three
In your final year, you’ll build on your knowledge of media and communications and focus on developing advanced analytical, research, and practical skills. Core modules explore key industry and media topics, while optional modules allow you to choose areas that interest you most.
Throughout the year, you’ll engage with themes such as media production and practice, audience engagement, media industries, place and context, and digital technologies. You’ll have opportunities to work independently and in groups, apply research and analytical approaches, and develop practical skills such as using digital tools, presenting data, and responding to creative, industry-focused challenges.
You'll have the option to complete a dissertation, giving you the freedom to research a media and communications topic of your choice. This allows you to demonstrate your abilities in project management, research, and communication. You’ll benefit from one-to-one guidance and supervision from a member of staff to support your work.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding Media Business | MC3619 | 20 credits |
| Palu am y Gwir | MC3625 | 20 credits |
| Stori Pwy? Cyfathrebu Cymru | MC3626 | 20 credits |
| Popular Music, Media, & Culture | MC3633 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Lectures and workshops are combined with seminars, which give you space to discuss ideas, complete tasks and explore themes in a small-group setting. Your learning is supported by additional activities and materials like screenings and online resources delivered through the University’s digital platforms.
Our academic staff draw on current media trends, real-world examples and their own research expertise to help you engage critically with contemporary challenges. Their industry connections and ongoing scholarship ensure the curriculum reflects developments in the media sector while maintaining a strong academic foundation.
This programme is purposely designed to help you progress from applying established knowledge to developing your own critical insights and exploring how research informs practice, and vice versa.
How will I be supported?
We’ll support you throughout your studies and provide a range of services and resources that will underpin your academic and professional development and support your wellbeing.
You’ll be allocated a personal tutor who will guide you academically and offer pastoral support, while the rest of our academic staff will be available through lectures, seminars, one-to-one meetings, email, and office hours. If you’re writing a dissertation, you’ll work closely with a supervisor to shape and refine your project.
You’ll be supported in selecting optional modules through structured guidance sessions, including academic advising and clear information about module content, learning outcomes, and career pathways. Staff will provide personalised advice and resources to help you make informed choices that align with your individual interests, strengths, and future goals.
Our professional services team is here to help you make the most of university life, whether it’s managing your timetable, settling in, building academic skills, or accessing wellbeing and specialist services. We also run events and activities to make your experience enjoyable and rewarding.
University-wide services (co-located in our Centre for Student Life) will help you thrive and includes careers advice, health and wellbeing support, disability support, and financial guidance. You’ll benefit from having a specialist Careers Adviser within the School and have access to the wider Student Futures service, who organise employer events and can support finding work experience, starting a business and applying for jobs.
Resources and facilities
Learning Central is your 24/7 online hub for success. It provides module resources, lecture materials, recorded presentations, e-learning tools, discussion boards, and links to external resources. We offer formative feedback before assignments and detailed written feedback after assessments to help you improve. You’ll learn in modern facilities with lecture theatres, seminar rooms, an on-site library, quiet study spaces, and social and collaborative areas.
How will I be assessed?
Our aim is to develop your skills in analysing media texts and technologies, testing existing sector knowledge or critical perspectives against contemporary trends, and exploring the relationship between theory and practice. You’ll be assessed through a range of methods that reflect the different ways you engage with media and communications. These include written assignments, presentations, data visualisation, market research tasks and responses to industry-style briefs. Some assessments are completed individually, while others involve group work.
Support is available throughout the assessment process. You’ll have access to formative activities, examples from previous cohorts and guidance on the University’s online platform. Clear marking criteria and timely feedback help you understand expectations and your progress, with the option to discuss your work with academic staff if you need further clarification.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Demonstrate critical understanding of major theories, concepts, and debates concerning media and communications and their relevance to contemporary societies.
- Assess the evolution and transformation of media systems and industries, identifying patterns of continuity, convergence, and change in a globalised media landscape.
- Critically assess media and communications processes and practices, explaining how meaning is produced and circulated.
- Critically evaluate the historical, national, and global dimensions of media and communication.
- Critically analyse the conventions, representations, and socio-cultural meanings of media content.
Intellectual Skills:
- Critically engage with and apply key concepts, theories, and debates in media and communications.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diverse research methodologies relevant to media and communications.
- Critically assess debates surrounding social, cultural, and technological change within media and communication industries.
- Critically analyse media and communication texts and content, to critique the ideological implications of their conventions, inclusions, and exclusions.
Critically evaluate the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of sources from diverse media-related sectors.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Develop innovative responses to challenges and tasks in media and communications, tailored to the needs of diverse stakeholders.
- Produce a wide range of outputs, demonstrating professional and academic skills in media and communications, effectively addressing different stakeholders across academic and industry settings.
- Generate original and critical insights into how media content and technologies are produced, distributed, and consumed.
- Demonstrate an advanced awareness of stakeholder requirements within media sectors.
- Implement effective career planning strategies for media and communications industries, emphasising self-awareness, reflective practice and self-assessment.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Communicate effectively across multiple platforms, adapting content for media, professional and public audiences.
- Apply critical self-reflection to interrogate assumptions and integrate diverse perspectives.
- Confidently source, verify, and evaluate evidence to construct arguments and outputs.
- Demonstrate professionalism in personal and document presentation, selecting the most appropriate methods for effective communication in various professional contexts.
- Collaborate with peers to generate original content that respects and values the contributions of all participants.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
Our BA in Media and Communications develops the analytical, creative and communication skills valued across media and communications careers. You’ll have opportunities to network with and gain insights from industry guest speakers and you’ll benefit from a dedicated employability module, delivered in collaboration with the University’s Student Futures service, designed to enhance your professional skills and readiness for work.
The programme also enhances your awareness of the ethical, social and environmental issues shaping contemporary media and helps you build transferable strengths in collaboration and critical thinking. Your experience on the programme will equip you to be reflective, adaptable and resilient - ideal preparation for navigating your future career path.
Graduates from this degree scheme have gone on to work for world-recognised screen industry companies including Warner Bros, NBC Universal, the BBC, Industrial Light and Magic, Studio Ramsay Global, S4C and Sky Television. The roles our graduates have taken on in these organisations include PR management, campaign management, script editor, digital marketing, branding and content creation, social media management, multimedia journalism and production co-ordinator.
Recent graduate roles include:
- TV Production – producer and researcher
- Advertising – copy writer and campaign manager
- Public Relations – account manager and writer
- Digital and social – social media officer, marketing officer, video reporter
- Teaching
- Journalism – local reporter and blogger
- Movie Production – writer and producer
- Publishing – writer and copy editor
- Communications – press/communications officer
- A range of roles across the media, music, arts, tourism and communications sectors
Placements
You’ll be encouraged to take up short-term placements and other work-based opportunities throughout your studies, and we provide support to help you find roles that match your interests. While placements aren’t compulsory, you’ll gain practical experience through integrated employer led projects built into your second and third year. These real-world briefs give you the chance to work directly with industry partners, develop your professional skills, and build confidence in a collaborative, workplace style environment.
Studying in Welsh
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
