Digital Media and Communications BA

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the BA Digital Media and Communications at the University of Birmingham — how you’ll move beyond theory into doing, creating, testing, and reflecting:

From the very start, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll be getting hands-on, using industry-standard equipment and creative tools in dedicated labs and studios. You’ll have access to iMac suites, editing rooms, and podcasting facilities, where you’ll gain practical experience producing media content. The course blends academic insight with real-world practice so that when you graduate, you’re not only confident in theory but also able to demonstrate it in action.

As you progress, your projects and learning experiences become more ambitious and independent. By your final year, you’ll take on a major project or dissertation, where you’ll design and deliver your own research or creative media work, guided by a supervisor.

Here’s what experiential learning looks like in practice:

Creative facilities & digital tools
You’ll work in iMac labs, editing suites, computer clusters, and podcast studios — so your coursework feels like genuine media production, not just classroom exercises.

Group and individual projects
Many modules include assignments that involve collaboration, like group presentations, multimedia productions, or joint digital content projects. This helps you build teamwork, communication, and project management skills alongside your technical expertise.

Optional modules with creative scope
You’ll have the flexibility to choose from modules such as Digital Journalism, Podcasting, Movements, Media and Society, or AI in Linguistics and Digital Media. This lets you apply your skills in areas you’re most passionate about.

Final year independent research / creative project
In your last year, you’ll have the chance to design and carry out your own project — whether that’s theoretical, creative, or civic — with guidance from a supervisor.

Internships, work placements, and industry exposure
The programme is designed to connect you with the media and communications industries. You’ll have opportunities for work placements, internships, and professional networks, helping you gain first-hand experience of the sector.

Creative Access and internship funding
You may also be able to take up paid internships in media, marketing, or creative roles, supported through initiatives like Creative Access and university funding schemes.

Library and research support
Alongside the creative side, you’ll benefit from the University’s extensive library resources and research support, helping you underpin your projects with strong theoretical and analytical foundations.

Graduate outcomes (in brief)

Graduates from this programme often move into careers in media, communications, and the wider creative industries. They use their mix of conceptual thinking and hands-on production skills to shape campaigns, build brand presence, and tell stories across digital and traditional platforms.

Typical early-career roles include:

• Digital Marketing Specialist / Manager

• Content Strategist / Social Media Manager

• Media Planner / Communications Officer

• Journalist / Multimedia Producer

With experience, many step into senior positions such as Digital Strategist, Creative Director, or Head of Communications.

How Birmingham helps you get there

Services to boost employability

• The Careers Network offers one-to-one support with CVs, interview prep, and job search strategies.

• Worklink provides on-campus part-time jobs so you can gain experience while you study.

• Employer fairs, workshops, and campus recruitment events connect you directly with leading firms in the sector.

Employment stats & reputation

• Around 80% of Birmingham media graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing.

• The University is ranked 1st in the UK for Communications & Media in the Complete University Guide 2026, a reflection of strong graduate outcomes and recognition by employers.

University–industry partnerships

• Birmingham’s creative programmes benefit from links with organisations like BBC Sport and the UK Space Agency (through alumni networks).

• Regular employer talks, project briefs, and collaborations with arts and media groups give you direct insight into industry practice.

• At postgraduate level, the MA Digital Media & Creative Industries builds in live projects with external creative practitioners, ensuring you gain professional experience while studying.

Long-term value

• The programme’s subject ranking signals to employers that this degree is rigorous and respected.

• Its balance of theory and practical media skills means you’ll graduate with a portfolio that stays relevant even as digital technologies evolve.

What you’ll take away as a graduate

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

• Showcase a strong portfolio of digital media work — from campaigns to multimedia content.

• Shape your career towards creative, strategic, or production roles.

• Move confidently into jobs in marketing, communications, media houses, public agencies, nonprofits, tech firms, or even start your own media venture.

Further academic progression

If you’d like to continue your studies, there are several options:

• Progress to Birmingham’s MA Digital Media & Creative Industries, which combines digital content, creative industries, marketing law, and project-based work with industry partners.

• Explore master’s programmes in Digital Marketing, Media Studies, Communication & Cultural Studies, or Film & Television Production in the UK or abroad.

• If you enjoy the academic side, you could pursue research at MPhil or PhD level in areas like digital cultures, media policy, or communications theory.