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Media and Communications (BA)

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Media and Communications (BA)

Why study this course

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Global excellence

We're ranked 37th in the world for communication and media studies in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

location

Capital connections

Cardiff is thriving; take advantage of growing media and creative industries plus links to BBC Wales and Media Wales.

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State of the art facilities

Including a specialised onsite library, bright study spaces and six newsrooms.

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Multimedia and multisector insight

Beyond media industries and journalism, delve into areas like film, television, social/digital platforms and marketing and PR.

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Placement opportunities

Develop the skills, confidence and connections to accelerate your career.

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.

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.

 

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.

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

Qualifications from outside the UK

See our qualification equivalences guide

Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.

Interview or selection process

No interview process, offer holders will be invited to Applicant Visit days in Feb/March each year.

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

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.

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

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.

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

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2027 and this page will be updated by end of October 2027 to reflect the changes.

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

All of our Single Honours degree programmes share a common first year. This is designed to give you a sound foundation in all of the contemporary and historical contexts of journalism, media and culture. It also introduces you to the practicalities of high-quality academic writing, analysis and research.

In total six core 20-credit modules are taught mainly using a lecture/seminar format. During your lectures you will be introduced to new ideas and approaches and carry out more applied and team-based work in your seminars.

Year two

You will be taught mainly using a lecture/seminar format, although the tasks developed in seminars will be more ambitious. You will be expected to develop research protocols, both on your own and in groups, and will begin to experiment with and design methodological procedures (such as survey methods, ethnography, and content and discourse analysis).

By the end of year two, you will have the skills necessary to write a dissertation in year three.

Year three

Year three consists of an optional dissertation, one core module and a choice of elective modules allowing you to specialise in your areas of interest. While a number of these will be based on a lecture/workshop format, the range of teaching methods will be more diverse and involve assignments of greater complexity and challenge.

You will conduct independent research and apply theoretical ideas and approaches to practical and/or analytical work.

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. 

Other information

Global Opportunities

Studying, working or volunteering abroad as part of your university experience is a great way to broaden your academic knowledge, immerse yourself in another culture and gain skills that will be highly valued by employers. You are able to apply for placements across Europe and internationally through a number of recognised schemes as part of your degree programme.

European destinations include Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Stockholm University (Sweden). International destinations include University of Sydney (Australia), University of Ottawa (Canada), Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) and University of Pennsylvania (USA).

Careers and placements

Career prospects

Our students have an excellent reputation for finding employment after they graduate and find their skills to be helpful in a range of communications and public relations roles.

They benefit from an ability to write copy quickly, effectively and for a specific audience. Our graduates often succeed in business due to their ability to structure a coherent written and verbal argument when pitching their business ideas.

Some of our graduates utilise their newfound knowledge of current affairs and world politics to pursue a career in journalism.

Because our undergraduate degrees do not provide journalism training or a journalistic accreditation, many chose to progress on to our Masters courses, such as broadcast, magazine, news or computational journalism, to gain their practical training. Find out more about careers and employability.

In fact, you will gain skills applicable to a range of modern media driven jobs, recent career pathways and roles have included:

  • TV Production – Producer and researcher
  • Advertising – Copy writer and campaign manager
  • Public Relations – Account manager and writer
  • Teaching – Various disciplines
  • Journalism – Local reporter and blogger
  • Movie Production – Writer and producer
  • Publishing – Writer and copy editor
  • Communications – Press/communications officer

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

Up to 50% of this course is available through the medium of Welsh. Please contact the Admissions tutor for more information.

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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.