What is media and communications?
Media and communications degrees cover the history and effects on society of various forms of media as well as the way that they can be used to communicate different messages.
Such courses may draw on elements from the social sciences and the humanities but the core focus remains mass communication and communication studies.
What do you learn on a media and communications degree?
This type of degree will cover a range of topics depending on which university you decide to attend.
The first year will introduce students to a range of theories and research exploring the role of the media in society.
Second- and third-year modules will delve deeper and may explore the media’s impact on feminism, war, race, crime, body image, politics and sport.
Many media and communications degrees will also cover the techniques utilised to make films, documentaries, mobile media, radio technology and video games.
Most courses will also include a dissertation in the third year.
Explore the best universities for media and communications
What should I study if I want to do a media and communications degree?
Having studied media or communications at school would be beneficial, however, it is not a requirement, and not all schools offer these subjects.
The social sciences or the humanities would be helpful but most universities will not specify particular subjects. Students should be able to demonstrate a passion for the media through undertaking work placements and some universities may ask to see a portfolio of your work.
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What do people who studied media and communications do after graduation?
The most obvious career pathways for media and communications graduates is work in film, television, radio and other types of journalism.
Other career options may involve working in publishing, local government, marketing, public relations, theatre and teaching and education.
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Which famous people studied media and communications?
Matthew McConaughey, the Oscar-winning actor, studied radio, television and film at the University of Texas at Austin before pursuing a highly successful acting career.
Spike Lee, the film director, has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Morehouse College and a master’s in film and television from New York University. He is best known for working on films such as School Daze and She’s Gotta Have It and directing music videos for Michael Jackson and Eminem.
Read more: Best universities for social science degrees
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