Why Study Media Studies & Mass Media in United Kingdom
Studying Media Studies & Mass Media in the United Kingdom (UK) is an excellent choice. With 117 universities offering Master’s degrees in this field, you’ll have plenty of options. Moreover, over 551,000 international students choose the UK each year, so you can look forward to a vibrant, culturally diverse experience and the chance to make friends from around the world.
Media and communication degrees cover a wide range of subjects and are often more theoretical than media production degrees. For instance, many programs split the coursework equally between theory and practice. You’ll study topics like linguistics, photo editing, TV and radio production, audio manipulation, and cultural studies. Additionally, in your second and third years, you can choose a specialization. Furthermore, work placement opportunities are usually provided to give you practical experience.
Top 5 Universities in the UK to Prepare for Journalism Careers
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The institution offers several postgraduate options in Media and Communications, such as an MSc in Media and Communications, Global Media and Communications, Media, Communication and Development, and Politics and Communication. These courses focus heavily on research. LSE, known for its strong research reputation, aims to understand how media and communication evolve with social, political, and cultural changes.
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is ranked third in the UK and 22nd globally for media and communication studies. Located in the scenic Welsh capital, it offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate journalism courses. For instance, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications, Media and Communications, Journalism, Media and English Literature, or Journalism, Communications, and Politics. At the postgraduate level, MA/MSc specializations include Broadcast, News, Magazine, International Journalism, and Computational and Data Journalism. Additionally, Cardiff is the only Russell Group university in Wales and is a popular choice for international students.
University of Leeds
Leeds University is also ranked 22nd globally for media and communication studies. Its BA in Communication and Media is flexible, allowing you to study political journalism, new media, and public relations. You can also pursue a journalism degree focusing on radio, TV, and digital journalism. Additionally, there’s a BA in Journalism and Media, which you can switch to if you want a broader focus. The journalism program includes a work placement to gain practical experience.
Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, another top London university, is ranked 12th in the world for media and communication studies this year.
It offers both a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communications and an undergraduate journalism program. You can also choose a joint degree in Journalism and History to combine skills from both fields.
At the postgraduate level, Goldsmiths provides specializations in radio, television, and digital journalism, as well as a general MA in Journalism. Charlie Cooper, a Politico reporter and recent graduate of the journalism MA, praised the program for its excellent training and strong values.
King’s College London (KCL)
Ranked 29th in the world for media and communication studies, King’s College London (KCL) is a top choice for journalism careers.
KCL’s Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries was rated the best in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework and remains highly respected. The BA in Digital Culture offers a broad focus, with options to specialize in journalism through specific modules.
For those interested in journalism related to arts and cultural heritage, the master’s degree in Cultural & Creative Industries might also be appealing.
Eligibility to study media and communication at an undergraduate level in the UK
A Media Studies degree typically lasts three years and leads to a BA (Bachelor of Arts). During the course, students will work on tasks such as writing reports and essays, giving presentations, hearing from industry speakers, and participating in projects and teamwork. The specific details can vary by institution. Here are the common eligibility requirements for an undergraduate Media and Communication course: – Duration: 3 years – General Entry Requirements: 65% to 90% (depending on the university) – IELTS: Overall score of 6.0, with no component lower than 5.5 to 6.5, and no less than 6.0 in any single component
Eligibility to study media and communication at a postgraduate level in the UK
Media and Communication courses in the UK usually last 1 year, with many universities offering an optional placement year. These courses focus on practical skills such as efficient writing, editing, and media production techniques. Here are the common eligibility requirements: – Duration: 1 year – General Entry Requirements: 55% to 70% (depending on the university) – IELTS: Typically 6.5 to 7.0, varying by university.
Graduate Media and Communications Careers and Salary
Graduates with a Media and Communications degree can pursue careers in TV, radio, film, copywriting, marketing, journalism, SEO, and research. The versatility of this degree opens doors to various sectors within the media and creative industries.
On average, starting salaries for professionals are around £18,000, while those in non-professional roles typically earn about £15,717.