The BA (Hons) Media Studies at the University of Portsmouth offers an engaging exploration of how media shapes society, culture, and identity. Ideal for curious and creative students, this program combines academic insight with practical skills, allowing you to analyse, create, and influence media across television, social networks, film, and more.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Students begin with a solid foundation in media understanding, exploring modules such as Introduction to Media Studies and Media, Culture and Society. You will learn how media institutions operate, how audiences engage with content, and develop critical thinking skills to assess the impact of media globally.
Year 2:
The focus shifts to deeper analytical and practical work, with modules like Film Studies and Digital Media Production. You’ll explore media representation, experiment with creative projects, and start tailoring your learning plan with optional modules to suit your interests, including social media and documentary studies.
Year 3:
The final year emphasizes professional readiness, with options like Advanced Media Production and Media Theory in Practice. You will complete a major project, refine filmmaking or production skills, and have the opportunity to undertake a placement year or industry-recognised accreditations to enhance employability.
Focus Areas: Media analysis, creative production, digital storytelling, popular culture, audience engagement.
Learning Outcomes: Develop critical and creative media skills, understand media’s societal impact, produce professional-standard media content, and gain transferable skills for diverse careers.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Optional industry-recognised certifications such as ScreenSkills Safety Training and Adobe Certified Professional (ACP).
Reputation (Employability Rankings): 93% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (HESA, latest survey); Top 30 for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024); 8th for Media and Film Studies in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2026).
The BA (Hons) Media Studies at the University of Portsmouth offers a dynamic blend of theoretical insight and practical application, ensuring you graduate with both critical understanding and hands-on experience. This course is designed for those eager to explore how media shapes societies and to develop the skills necessary for a career in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Students in this program engage with a variety of media forms, from traditional television and cinema to contemporary platforms like social media. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, research, and versatile writing skills, preparing you for diverse roles in the media industry.
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of this degree, providing opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Whether through internships, collaborative projects, or access to specialized facilities, the program ensures that students gain practical experience alongside their academic studies.
Key Features of the BA (Hons) Media Studies:
Work Placement Opportunities: The course offers options for a 4-year sandwich degree, incorporating a year-long work placement to gain industry experience.
Foundation Year Options: For those who may need additional preparation, a 4-year degree with a foundation year is available.
Flexible Study Modes: Choose between full-time study or a 5-year sandwich degree that includes both a foundation year and work placement.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of topics, including media ownership, identity formation through media, and the impact of media on society.
Access to Specialized Facilities: Students benefit from the university's state-of-the-art facilities, enhancing their learning and practical skills.
Embarking on this course at the University of Portsmouth equips you with the knowledge and experience to critically engage with media and pursue a successful career in this dynamic field.
Future Progression & Opportunities
Graduates from the Media Studies BA (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth leave equipped with strong analytical, creative, and technical skills, ready to thrive in the dynamic media sector. Many step directly into roles such as Media Officer, Content Producer, or Digital Communications Specialist, confident in applying their knowledge across multiple platforms and industries. Building on this foundation:
University Career Services: Dedicated support through career mentoring, CV workshops, and the Careers and Employability Service, helping students secure placements and graduate roles.
Employment Stats & Salary: 93% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with competitive starting salaries in media-related roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: Opportunities for industry placements and recognition through ScreenSkills safety training and Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) credentials. Students also gain insights via events like Portsmouth Comic Con, engaging directly with professionals.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The program offers industry-recognized accreditations that enhance employability and career progression.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for a broad spectrum of careers in communications, media production, broadcasting, digital content, and more.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate studies such as MA Media Studies, MSc Digital Media, or specialized film and communications courses, or explore professional qualifications that deepen expertise in media, marketing, or digital content creation.
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