Media and Cultural Studies (Study Abroad) BA Hons

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

The Media and Cultural Studies (Study Abroad) BA Hons at Lancaster University offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore media, culture, and society in a global context while spending time at an international partner institution. This program is ideal for curious, creative students eager to understand how media shapes and reflects the world and who want to gain international experience alongside their degree.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students begin with foundational modules such as Introduction to Media and Cultural Studies, Understanding Media Audiences, and Media and Society, developing critical thinking skills and understanding core concepts in media, culture, and communication. These modules provide a broad overview, introducing students to key theories and practices that will underpin their further studies.

Year 2: In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through modules like Digital Media and Society, Popular Culture, and Research Methods in Media and Cultural Studies. This stage emphasizes practical and analytical skills, preparing students to investigate media trends, audience behaviors, and cultural impacts using research-based approaches.

Year 3: The study abroad year immerses students in an international academic environment, expanding their perspectives through courses tailored to their host university. This year allows students to apply their learning in a different cultural context while developing independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills.

Year 4: Returning to Lancaster, students consolidate their expertise with advanced modules such as Media, Culture and Globalization, Dissertation in Media and Cultural Studies, and elective options reflecting personal interests. This final year emphasizes independent research, critical analysis, and preparation for professional or academic careers in media and cultural industries.

Focus Areas: Media theory, cultural studies, global media perspectives, research methods, digital culture, audience analysis.

Learning Outcomes: Ability to critically analyze media and cultural texts, conduct independent research, understand media's global and societal impact, develop practical and analytical skills for professional application.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Program prepares students for careers in media, communications, cultural industries, or public relations; recognized for academic rigor and industry relevance.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Lancaster University consistently ranks among the top UK institutions for media and communication studies, with strong graduate employability outcomes reflected in Guardian University Guide and QS World University Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

🎓 Experiential Learning at Lancaster University

At Lancaster University, students don’t just study media and culture—they live it. The Media and Cultural Studies (Study Abroad) BA Hons program is designed to give you hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning with the real world. Whether on campus or abroad, you'll gain practical skills and cultural insights that prepare you for a vibrant career in media and cultural industries.

Here are some of the exciting experiential learning opportunities you'll experience in this program:

Group Documentary Projects:
Students work together on creative documentary projects, like Flavours of Home: The Story of Two Thai, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and entrepreneurship. These projects are a fantastic way to build teamwork skills while applying your media production knowledge in a real-world context.

Study Abroad Opportunities:
In your third year, you’ll have the chance to study at one of Lancaster’s partner institutions abroad. This gives you a unique global perspective on media and cultural studies, helping you understand how culture and media operate in different international contexts.

Internships and Placements:
The program offers access to internships and placements with media and cultural organizations, giving you valuable industry experience. Lancaster provides guidance throughout, from helping you find the right placement to supporting you during and after your work experience.

Creative Media Facilities:
You’ll have access to cutting-edge media production facilities, including digital media studios and specialist equipment. These resources let you bring your ideas to life and produce professional-quality media content.

Collaborative Learning Environment:
Lancaster encourages a collaborative approach to learning. You’ll work alongside peers on projects and participate in discussions that deepen your understanding of media and culture, while also sharpening your teamwork and communication skills.

These experiential learning opportunities are carefully designed to equip you with practical skills, cultural insight, and confidence—everything you need to thrive in the fast-paced world of media and cultural industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Media and Cultural Studies (Study Abroad) BA Hons at Lancaster University are well-prepared to step into exciting careers in today’s ever-changing media landscape. Combining strong theoretical foundations with practical experience, the program equips students for a variety of roles, including:

  • Digital Journalist or Social Media Manager

  • Public Relations Specialist

  • Creative Producer in Media Industries

  • Advertising or Marketing Professional

The added year abroad gives students a global perspective, helping them adapt to different cultural and professional contexts, which can be a real advantage in international careers.


University Support & Industry Connections

  • Career Services: Lancaster provides tailored career guidance, helping students explore opportunities that match their interests within media and creative industries.

  • Industry Partnerships: Through collaborations with external organizations, students can engage in real-world projects and internships, gaining hands-on experience.

  • Employment Recognition: Lancaster is consistently ranked among the 30 most targeted universities by top UK graduate employers, highlighting the strong employability of its graduates.

  • Accreditation: The program meets industry standards, ensuring your degree is valued and respected in the professional world.

  • Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have successfully launched careers across media, public relations, and marketing, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.


Further Academic Progression

After earning a BA Hons, graduates can continue their studies in fields such as Media Studies, Journalism, or Cultural Analysis. Lancaster also offers a range of master’s programs to further develop expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities.

Program Key Stats

£25,490
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.2 - 3.4
32
70

N/A
N/A
6.5
87

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Journalist
  • Editor
  • Media Analyst
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Content Creator
  • Cultural Consultant
  • Film/TV Producer
  • Event Manager
  • Marketing Executive
  • Researcher
  • Digital Strategist
  • Communications Officer
  • Copywriter
  • Media Planner

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