BA Contemporary Media Cultures
About this course
BA (Hons) Contemporary Media Cultures, a media studies degree focusing on contemporary media, cultural industries, and creative communication practices. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Design & Creative Practice. Students may optionally undertake a professional placement year between the second and final years. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory units such as Introduction to Contemporary Media Cultures, Content for Creative Communication, Representation, Diversity and Equality, Media, Communications and Culture, Platforms and Social Media, and Community, Media and Change. The second year examines global industries, environmental impacts, and research methods via modules including Professional Industry Practice, Global Media Businesses, Practices and Cultures, Media and the Environment, Interventions: Contemporary Media Activisms, and Communication Research Methods, alongside a level 5 option unit. The final year centers on independent study and career preparation, featuring compulsory modules such as Research Project, Creative Futures, and Final Major Project, alongside a level 6 option unit.
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
The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry. The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows: 104 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications: A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences). Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4). Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, Business/ Business Studies, Media). Merit at UAL Extended Diploma. Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Marketing, Humanities and Social Sciences, Film and Production). OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 77%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Contemporary Media Cultures
- Content for Creative Communication
- Representation, Diversity and Equality
- Media, Communications and Culture
- Platforms and Social Media
- Community, Media and Change
- Professional Industry Practice
- Global Media Businesses, Practices and Cultures
- Media and the Environment
- Interventions: Contemporary Media Activisms
- Communication Research Methods
- Level 5 Option Unit
- Research Project
- Creative Futures
- Final Major Project
- Level 6 Option Unit
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Contemporary Media Cultures at University of the Arts London earn?
The median salary is £21,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £35,000. The £28,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Media studies.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Contemporary Media Cultures at University of the Arts London?
87% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Contemporary Media Cultures at University of the Arts London?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 97 UCAS points.
Does BA Contemporary Media Cultures at University of the Arts London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Contemporary Media Cultures at University of the Arts London?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.