MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) Media and Communications
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Media and Communications program at the University of Sussex provides students with an in-depth understanding of the dynamic and rapidly evolving media landscape. The program is designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical expertise in media production, communication strategies, and digital media platforms. By blending academic theory with hands-on learning, students explore the role of media in shaping public opinion, culture, politics, and society, preparing them for a diverse range of careers in media, communications, public relations, marketing, and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Media and Communications program is both broad and flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning according to their interests and career aspirations. Core modules in the early years cover foundational topics such as media theory, media history, and communication ethics. As the program progresses, students delve deeper into specialized subjects like digital media, media production, public relations, journalism, and global communications. Practical assignments, group projects, and media production workshops allow students to develop valuable technical skills in areas such as video production, audio editing, and digital storytelling. The program encourages students to engage with real-world media challenges and to develop a critical understanding of media's impact on contemporary society.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is known for its strong research focus in media and communications, with faculty members conducting cutting-edge research in areas such as media policy, digital media, political communication, media ethics, and media audiences. Students benefit from this research-led teaching, engaging with the latest findings and emerging trends in the media industry. Research themes at Sussex include the intersection of media and technology, the role of media in globalization, the impact of social media on politics, and media representation. Students also have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects and attend seminars and conferences to further expand their academic knowledge and professional networks.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex has strong links with the media and communications industry, providing students with valuable opportunities for work placements, internships, and collaborative projects with leading media organizations. The university’s connections with companies in journalism, advertising, public relations, and digital media ensure that students have access to real-world experiences that enhance their employability. Industry professionals are often invited to guest lecture and mentor students, offering insights into current industry practices and trends. Additionally, Sussex offers students opportunities to work on live projects and gain hands-on experience in media production, allowing them to build a professional portfolio that showcases their skills to potential employers.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Media and Communications program at the University of Sussex offers a global perspective on the media landscape, recognizing that media and communication are deeply influenced by cultural, political, and technological factors worldwide. The program includes modules that explore international media systems, global communication networks, and the role of media in shaping public opinion across different cultures and regions. Sussex also promotes international study opportunities, allowing students to take part in exchange programs with partner universities across the world. This global outlook ensures that graduates are well-equipped to work in diverse media environments and to understand the global challenges and opportunities within the media industry. Furthermore, Sussex’s diverse student body creates a vibrant, multicultural learning environment, enriching the educational experience and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 23175
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Media and Communications program at the University of Sussex are equipped with a diverse skill set that opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the media and communications sectors. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience prepares students to pursue roles in various industries, from traditional media to emerging digital platforms.
Journalist/Reporter: Graduates can pursue careers in journalism, working as reporters, news writers, or investigative journalists across print, digital, or broadcast media. Their training in media production, research, and storytelling allows them to excel in producing compelling content for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms. This role involves conducting interviews, researching stories, writing articles, and ensuring the accuracy and ethics of the content.
Public Relations Specialist: Public relations (PR) professionals manage the image and reputation of individuals, companies, or organizations. Graduates with a focus on media communications are well-prepared to work in PR, crafting press releases, developing media campaigns, and managing media relations. They can work in PR agencies, in-house communications teams, or even as freelance consultants.
Social Media Manager: Social media managers are responsible for developing and executing social media strategies for brands, organizations, or individuals. With the increasing importance of social media in modern communication, this career path is particularly suitable for graduates familiar with the digital media landscape. Social media managers create content, engage with followers, track analytics, and implement marketing strategies across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Planner/Buyer: Media planners and buyers are responsible for selecting and purchasing advertising space across various media platforms. This includes television, radio, print, online, and outdoor advertising. Graduates can work in advertising agencies or within marketing teams in larger organizations, using their understanding of media audiences and trends to create effective advertising campaigns.
Content Producer/Editor: Content producers and editors create, manage, and refine content across multiple media formats, including written articles, videos, podcasts, and social media posts. Graduates with skills in digital storytelling and media production can pursue careers as content creators for media companies, digital platforms, or marketing departments. They may work in various sectors such as entertainment, education, technology, or corporate communications.
Digital Marketing Specialist: In the rapidly growing field of digital marketing, graduates can work as specialists who focus on online strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, paid advertising, and content marketing. Their understanding of media platforms and communication trends makes them highly competitive candidates for roles in digital marketing agencies, e-commerce, or in-house teams.
Advertising Account Executive: Advertising account executives act as the bridge between clients and creative teams in advertising agencies. They manage client accounts, ensure campaign objectives are met, and oversee the production process. This role requires strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills—skills that BA Media and Communications graduates typically acquire during their studies.
Media Research Analyst: Media research analysts collect and analyze data related to audience behavior, media consumption patterns, and the effectiveness of media campaigns. Graduates can work in market research firms, media organizations, or marketing departments, providing valuable insights that help companies make informed decisions about media strategies and investments.
Event Manager: Event managers plan and execute events such as conferences, festivals, corporate meetings, and product launches. Graduates with strong communication, organizational, and media production skills can work in event management agencies or within larger corporations, ensuring that events run smoothly and effectively engage the target audience.
Broadcasting/Radio Producer: Graduates can pursue careers as radio or TV producers, where they oversee the planning, production, and broadcasting of programs. They collaborate with technical teams, presenters, and writers to create engaging content that appeals to specific audiences. Knowledge of media production, editing, and communication strategies equips graduates for success in this field.
Media Consultant: Media consultants advise companies and individuals on how to effectively use media to achieve their goals. They may specialize in areas such as crisis communications, brand management, or digital transformation. This role requires a deep understanding of media trends, public relations, and communication strategies, making it an excellent option for graduates who wish to provide expert guidance to businesses or individuals.
Film/Television Production Assistant: Graduates with an interest in film and television can work as production assistants, supporting the production teams during shoots, managing logistics, and ensuring the smooth running of production processes. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience that can lead to more advanced positions in film or television production.
