BA (Honours) Media and Communications

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

The BA (Honours) Media and Communications at Sheffield Hallam University offers a vibrant mix of hands-on creative media production and in-depth study of how communication and culture shape our world. It’s the perfect fit if you’re curious about the media industry, enjoy creating content, and want to explore how audiences, technology and policies influence the way we connect and share stories.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds a strong foundation in creative practice and critical understanding. You’ll explore key themes like creative media production, digital media technologies, and audience research. Through modules such as Creative Media Production and Digital Media Technologies, you’ll start using professional tools while learning how media and communication work in today’s society.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into the workings of media industries and cultural frameworks. Modules such as Media and Communication Industries, Film and Television Storytelling and Cultural and Media Policy help you connect theory with real-world practice — giving you insight into how media content is produced, regulated and consumed.

Year 3:
Your final year brings everything together. You’ll take on advanced creative projects, work with real clients or live briefs, and define your own creative voice. This is your chance to manage a major media project, engage with global media contexts, and prepare for a professional career in media and communications.

Focus Areas

Digital media production
Audience research
Media industries
Cultural policy
Global communications

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

Create high-quality media content for diverse audiences — locally, nationally and globally.
Critically analyse how media and communication influence culture, society and politics.
Apply your skills in professional and creative environments with confidence and originality.

Professional Alignment

This course is part of Sheffield Hallam’s Media, PR and Journalism group, where 95% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of completing their degree — showing the strong industry relevance and career focus of the programme.

Reputation

Sheffield Hallam University ranks 10th in the UK for student satisfaction in journalism, public relations and media (Guardian University League Table 2024) — reflecting its strong teaching quality, supportive environment, and industry-focused approach.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you choose the BA (Honours) Media and Communications at Sheffield Hallam University, you’ll do so much more than sit in lectures. You’ll build real-world skills by making content, working with authentic briefs and using professional tools, and you’ll do this in spaces designed for creative collaboration. For example: the course shows you how to use industry-standard software, capture live audio and video, design for interactive web platforms, and reflect on how media shapes culture and society.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Work with industry-standard creative media software and hardware — e.g., Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) along with professional video and audio capture equipment.
Take on live projects and real client briefs, where you’ll produce content for external organisations or agencies as part of your modules.
Participate in a year-long optional placement between your second and final years, giving you direct workplace experience and boosting your employability.
Join field trips to places linked to media, culture and communication (for example: the National Videogame Museum, International Slavery Museum, MediaCity UK, Bletchley Park) to connect what you learn in class to the real world.
Develop your portfolio and independent project in your final year (which can be a dissertation or a digital media production) so you leave with tangible evidence of your capability.
Learn in dedicated computer labs, media studios and seminar rooms, with access to e-learning resources and campus support services (Skills Centre, one-to-ones, webinars) for your academic, creative and career development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave university ready to take on creative and strategic roles in today’s media landscape — whether that’s as a media content creator, communications executive, or public relations specialist. Many also go on to work in digital media management or social media strategy, bringing together creative insight and practical communication skills. With the hands-on experience and professional confidence you’ll gain, you’ll be ready to thrive in the fast-changing world of media and communications.

Your Future Progression and Opportunities

• University services
Sheffield Hallam University’s Careers and Employability Team provides tailored guidance throughout your degree — including one-to-one support, CV and portfolio workshops, interview practice, and employer networking events. Within the School of Media and PR, the programme also places a strong emphasis on work-based learning. You’ll have the chance to take on a professional placement (including an optional year-long placement between your second and final year), giving you real industry experience before you even graduate.

• Employment stats and salary figures
According to official university data, 95% of UK graduates from related media, PR, and journalism courses were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. For Sheffield Hallam media studies graduates, the average salary after three years is around £20,000, with a typical range of £16,000 to £23,500. These outcomes reflect strong employability and practical preparation across the course.

• University–industry partnerships
Students have the opportunity to collaborate on live projects with major media outlets and brands such as BBC Radio 5 Live, The Independent, Vogue, Heat, and Gay Times. These professional connections allow you to gain real-world experience, build an impressive portfolio, and develop valuable industry contacts — all while you study.

• Long-term accreditation value
Sheffield Hallam University has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) — the highest possible rating for teaching quality, learning environment, and graduate outcomes. This recognition not only assures the quality of your education but also adds weight to your qualification in the eyes of employers.

Where Your Degree Can Take You

Graduates from this programme go on to work in a wide range of exciting roles, including:

Content Creator / Digital Producer
Media Relations or PR Executive
Social Media Manager or Digital Communications Specialist
Broadcast or Multimedia Journalist

Further Academic Progression

After completing your degree, you might choose to continue your studies with a master’s programme, such as an MA in Media, Communications or Public Relations, or an MSc in Digital Marketing and Communications. Alternatively, you could pursue postgraduate diplomas or certifications in areas like data-driven media, strategic communications, or brand management. These advanced qualifications can deepen your expertise and open doors to senior or managerial positions in the communications industry.