The BA Media and English Literature at Aberystwyth University offers an exciting blend of literary exploration and media studies, ideal for students curious about storytelling, culture, and communication. You’ll engage deeply with literary texts from the medieval period to the present while exploring media production, ownership, and audience impact, gaining both critical and practical skills.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in both literature and media. Core modules like Ancestral Voices and Critical Practice introduce literary analysis, while Studying Communication and Studying Media develop your understanding of media systems, production, and audiences. Optional modules such as Introduction to Poetry or Academic Writing: Planning, Process and Product allow you to start shaping your individual interests and skills.
Year 2:
The second year deepens your knowledge of literary and media concepts, emphasizing critical thinking and applied skills. You’ll explore modules like American Literature 1819-1925 and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change, which challenge your analytical abilities, alongside media-focused studies covering digital culture, advertising, and news analysis. Students also begin engaging in creative projects and multi-platform production experiences to enhance practical media competencies.
Year 3:
In your final year, you consolidate your expertise and focus on advanced research and creative output. You may undertake substantial projects, including dissertations or production-based work, supported by resources like the National Library of Wales and media labs. Modules and experiences are designed to refine your specialist knowledge, critical scholarship, and professional readiness, including potential participation in writing retreats and media industry collaborations.
Focus Areas: Literary analysis, media production, digital culture, critical thinking, creative writing, cultural studies, multi-platform media.
Learning Outcomes: Graduates will develop strong analytical, research, and creative skills; the ability to interpret and critique literary and media texts; practical media production experience; and preparation for diverse roles in the creative and cultural industries.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): N/A (course supported by strong industry and institutional links).
Reputation (Employability Rankings): Aberystwyth University is highly regarded for humanities and arts, with strong employability prospects for graduates in media, publishing, and creative industries.
At Aberystwyth University, the BA Media and English Literature program immerses students in both literary and media studies, giving them hands-on experience alongside academic learning. You’ll gain practical skills in media production, critical analysis, and creative writing while using state-of-the-art facilities. From digital production suites to immersive libraries, the course ensures you can explore theory through real-world application. Collaborative projects, industry links, and unique retreats help you develop both technical and professional competencies in an engaging, supportive environment. Experiential learning opportunities include:
Digital Media Labs & Editing Suites: Fully equipped for film, television, and multi-platform media production.
Viewing Cinema & Television Studies Spaces: Hands-on analysis and production of visual media.
National Library of Wales Access: Extensive literary, historical, and media archives for research projects.
National Sound and Screen Archive in Wales: Resource for media research and practical projects.
Writing Retreats: Final-year students engage in focused creative writing sessions in a rural Mid-Wales setting.
Industry Partnerships: Connections with BBC Wales, Boom Cymru, Avanti, Arad Goch, and Mid-Wales Arts Centre for internships and collaborative projects.
Hugh Owen Library & Arts Centre: 24/7 access to resources and workshops, supporting both research and creative practice.
Creative Industry Experience: Opportunities to contribute to publications like the New Welsh Review.
Group Projects & Collaborative Modules: Hands-on teamwork in media production and creative writing exercises.
This blend of academic rigor and practical experience equips you to thrive in both media and literary fields, making your learning both dynamic and directly applicable to professional settings.
Graduates of the BA Media and English Literature at Aberystwyth University leave with strong critical thinking, research skills, and creative expertise, equipping them for diverse roles in the media and cultural sectors. Typical roles include Film/TV Producer, Content Editor, Media Analyst, and Creative Writer:
University Career Services: Aberystwyth offers dedicated career support through one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, internship placements, and networking events with media and literary professionals.
Employment stats & salary: Graduates typically secure roles in media, publishing, and creative industries, with starting salaries ranging from £22,000 to £28,000, progressing higher with experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: Strong links exist with BBC Wales, Boom Cymru, Avanti, Arad Goch, Mid-Wales Arts Centre, and literary platforms like New Welsh Review, providing hands-on experience and placement opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is underpinned by Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy recognition for staff, ensuring industry-relevant, high-quality teaching and learning.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared for creative and analytical careers, capable of producing professional media content, literary criticism, and research-informed writing.
Further Academic Progression:
Students may continue their studies with postgraduate degrees in areas such as MA Media Studies, Creative Writing, Journalism, Film Production, or English Literature, enhancing specialization and career prospects in media, publishing, or academia.



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