Media and Communication - BA (Hons)

BA (Hons) Media and Communication programme at Birmingham City University (BCU) — it’s a brilliant choice if you’re looking to combine creativity with real-world, hands-on media experience.

If you want to learn how the media industry really works — from production and editing to storytelling and content creation — this course gives you the space, tools and confidence to do it. You’ll not only study media theory but actually make media: producing your own television, radio, photography and digital projects in professional-style studios using industry-standard equipment.

BCU’s City Centre Campus is home to some of the best facilities in the UK, including state-of-the-art TV and radio studios, editing suites, and even the largest free-standing green screen in Europe. Everything is designed to replicate real media environments, so your classroom feels like a creative studio.

Experiential Learning Highlights

🎬 Access to dedicated production facilities:
You’ll have access to four TV studios, six radio studios, a full green-screen studio, and a wide range of hireable camera and lighting equipment — all within BCU’s impressive £62 million campus building.

💻 Learn using professional tools and workflows:
From editing suites and post-production software to digital cameras and audio gear, you’ll gain hands-on experience across television, radio, photography and digital platforms — preparing you for the realities of today’s multimedia industry.

🤝 Collaborative group projects:
Right from your first year, you’ll work in teams on real-world briefs — identifying a community, developing a media artefact, and presenting it to a genuine audience. It’s practical, creative learning with real purpose.

💼 Optional professional placement year:
After your second year, you can take a full year out to work with a media or creative employer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build professional connections, develop industry insight, and graduate with valuable work experience.

🎙 Industry links and guest speakers:
The course regularly invites media professionals for guest lectures and masterclasses, giving you direct access to the latest industry thinking, trends and networking opportunities.

📚 Excellent learning support:
Students consistently rate BCU highly for its learning resources, IT support and library access — ensuring you have all the academic and creative tools you need to thrive.

In short, this is a course that brings media learning to life. It’s about doing, creating and collaborating — all while building the skills and experience to stand out in a fast-moving, creative industry.

Graduates from this programme are ready to step into exciting and fast-moving roles across media, communications, and digital industries. Many go on to become Media Producers, Digital Content Strategists, Public Relations Officers, or Social Media Managers. Thanks to the hands-on experience gained during the course, strong professional networks, and a blend of creative and analytical skills, they enter the industry with real confidence and direction.

University Support
At Birmingham City University, the dedicated Careers+ team helps students prepare for life after graduation. They offer personalised guidance on job searches, CV and interview preparation, professional workshops, employer networking events, and mentoring opportunities — all designed to help you take that next big step.

Employment Outcomes & Salary Insights
Birmingham City University graduates have an excellent track record, with around 97% in employment or further study within six months of completing their degree. For those in media-related fields, the university reports an 81% professional employment or further study rate. While specific salary figures for this course aren’t published, starting salaries in the UK media industry generally range from £20,000 to £30,000, depending on role and location.

Industry Connections
This programme maintains close partnerships with major media organisations such as the BBC, Maverick Television, and Endemol. Many students have gained invaluable experience through placements and collaborative projects with these leading companies, helping them build strong portfolios and professional contacts before they even graduate.

Accreditation & Recognition
Birmingham City University holds a Gold rating under the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting its outstanding teaching quality and student outcomes. The Faculty of Arts, Design and Media is also known for its strong industry links and research in media and journalism — adding long-term credibility and value to your qualification.

Graduate Skills & Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a well-rounded skill set that includes technical production abilities across TV, radio, and digital media, alongside sharp analytical and creative thinking. You’ll understand media audiences, storytelling, and cultural contexts — all key to thriving in media production, communications, and digital content roles.

Further Academic Progression
If you choose to continue your studies, this degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate options such as MA Media and Communication, MA Digital Media, MA Journalism, or even research-based PhD programmes in media, communications, or cultural studies — at Birmingham City University or elsewhere.