BA Media and Communication
About this course
The BA (Hons) in Media and Communication is an undergraduate degree exploring media texts, industries, audiences, and cultural representation. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, Historical Research, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, Design & Creative Practice, and Social & Cultural Analysis. Students may also choose to undertake an optional placement year to gain practical industry experience. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Understanding Texts, Industries and Audiences, Investigating Texts, Industries and Audiences, Image and Sound, Creating Media Content, and Community and Industry Collaboration. The second year focuses on cultural approaches and professional application with compulsory modules including Creative Industries, Identity and the Media, Live Project, and Collaborative Practice, alongside optional choices such as Comedy in the Media and Popular Culture, Fandoms and Subcultures, Photojournalism, and Television Studio. The final year centres on sustained independent work through compulsory modules like Major Project - Preparation, Major Project - Hybrid, and Major Project - Production, alongside optional modules covering topics such as Digital Futures, Creative Camera, Radio Station, and Audio Drama and Podcast Writing.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Merit overall All subjects accepted but Digital Production, Design and Development and Media, Broadcast and Production preferred. Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC) Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Distinction overall
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What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 75%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Media Professionals: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 295 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 12%
- West Midlands: 49%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 15%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Understanding Texts, Industries and Audiences
- Investigating Texts, Industries and Audiences
- Image and Sound
- Creating Media Content
- Community and Industry Collaboration
- Creative Industries
- Identity and the Media
- Live Project
- Collaborative Practice
- Comedy in the Media and Popular Culture
- Fandoms and Subcultures
- Photojournalism
- Television Studio
- Creating Compelling Content
- Digital Storytelling
- Radio Documentary and Podcast Production
- Commercial Photography
- Emotion, Media and Culture
- Climate Change, Media Work, and You
- Television From Small Screens to Smart Screens
- Graphic Design
- PR Campaign Planning
- Digital Creators Lab: Media and Journalism
- Exploring PR, social media and influencers
- Live Music and Media
- Live Radio Production
- Major Project - Preparation
- Major Project - Hybrid
- Major Project - Production
- Understanding Social Media Practices Cultures And Debates
- Digital Futures
- Creative Camera
- Radio Station
- Audio Drama and Podcast Writing
- Audience and User Experience
- Gender, Sexuality and the Body
- Race, Media and Culture
- Popular Music Narratives
- Media Production Company
- Communication in Action
- Feature Writing for News Media
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Media and Communication at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £21,500 after 3 years, £27,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £33,000. The £27,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Media studies.
What do graduates of BA Media and Communication at Birmingham City University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Media and Communication at Birmingham City University?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Media and Communication at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
Does BA Media and Communication at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Media and Communication at Birmingham City University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.