Media and Cultural Studies BA Hons

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

Other notable BA (Hons) degrees offered by Lancaster University are the ones in Media and Cultural Studies, an innovative and intellectually challenging course meant to research the contribution of media towards forming society, identity, or culture. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the course equips students with the ability to comprehend and critique the shifting media landscape from print and broadcast media to newer digital channels. You'll learn topics such as media power, representation, globalisation, popular culture, and audience participation, but also develop a sophisticated understanding of where communication and culture intersect.

Curriculum Structure
The course structure supports both depth and flexibility with the theoretical frameworks joined by practical learning activities. Here's how the degree typically goes:

  • Year 1 (Foundations): Core media and cultural theory concepts are taught, with modules such as media history, media industries, and cultural practices.
  • Year 2 (Development): Specialization of the emphasis with modules on digital cultures, media and identity, and television studies, with options to start shaping the degree to personal interest.
  • Year 3 (Research vibrant. & Specialisation): Students produce a dissertation or independent project, and can also opt to study a range of specialist modules, such as politics and the media, feminist media studies, or journalism in the digital age.
  • The flexible modular system at Lancaster University also allows you to interleave both your course of study with related subjects such as film, sociology, or creative writing to enrich your learning experience.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Lancaster is very focused on experiential learning beyond the lecture theatre. Students are provided with a variety of experiences to learn and gain both academic knowledge and professional competencies:

  • Work Placements and Internships: The university helps students find internship placements with media companies, cultural bodies, and creative agencies, nationally and internationally.

  • Student Media Groups: Get involved with Bailrigg FM (radio), SCAN (student newspaper), or LA1TV (student-led TV channel)—fantastic spaces for hands-on media production and collaboration.

  • Research Projects: You’ll have the chance to engage in independent or group research, often contributing to real-world cultural discussions or campaigns.

  • Study Abroad Options: Students may opt to spend part of their studies overseas through Lancaster’s global partner universities, gaining an international perspective on media and culture.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Lancaster's Careers and Employability Service is dedicated to helping students make the transition from university life to successful professional careers. They offer:

  • One-to-one career guidance and planning

  • CV and application advice

  • Interview preparation and practice interviews

  • Regular employer networking and career fairs

Employability
Graduates of this programme have progressed to thrive in a variety of creative and communication careers. Career paths include:

  • Media production (television, radio, film)

  • Public relations and communications

  • Marketing and social media strategy

  • Cultural policy and arts management

  • Journalism and publishing

  • Academic research and teaching

Lancaster's strong reputation and focus on theory and practice equip graduates to address a fast-changing media landscape.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates who wish to continue their studies in the following fields tend to do so:

  • Media and Communication Studies

  • Digital Humanities

  • Cultural Policy and Management

  • Film and Television Studies

  • Journalism or Strategic Communications

Program Key Stats

£24,700
£ 29
Oct Intake : 31st May


Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.3
32
75

1330
29
6.5
87

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Media production
  • journalism
  • public relations
  • marketing
  • social media management
  • cultural policy
  • arts management
  • advertising
  • communications consulting
  • digital content creation
  • film and television
  • event management
  • publishing
  • academic research
  • teaching
  • brand management
  • media analysis
  • creative writing
  • and broadcasting

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts