What can you do with a media and communications degree?
Why study media and communications? Find out what you will learn during this type of degree course, what subjects you should study to win a place at university, and what jobs you may get once you graduate
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What jobs can you get with a media and communications degree?
Graduates with a media and communications degree have a variety of career paths available to them. Many graduates follow a career centre stage or behind the scenes due to their deep understanding of audiences.
Some common careers for media and communications graduates include:
- Brand strategist
- Content marketing manager
- Editor
- Event planning
- Human resources manager
- Journalist
- Marketing coordinator
- Copywriter
- News anchor
- Product marketing manager
- Public relations
- Reporter
- Social media manager
- TV presenter
- Web producer
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.
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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, journalism, publishing and marketing.
Communications is also an important part of the political sphere, especially as different groups use media, manipulate date, and employ algorithms to advance their campaigns. Studying communications could therefore also lead to roles in government or big tech.
International student Prachi Dang moved from India to the UK to study a masters degree in strategic communication at King’s College London.
Now, she works as a junior account executive at Avian WE, an Indian communications firm.
“During my course, I studied role of communications and negotiations in the context of climate change, migration, use of big data in elections and fake news and worked on several crisis communication projects,” she says.
“In my current role I work with non-profits and purpose-driven brands, and the research, analysis and technical skills I gained during my masters have really helped my consulting work.”
“Studying abroad also meant I learned how to solve problems creatively, build relationships and immerse myself in different cultures,” adds Prachi. “Now, I can confidentially step outside my comfort zone with every client project. “
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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 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.
