BA (Hons) Media and Communications

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about storytelling, creativity, and the power of media to shape the world around us, the BA (Hons) Media and Communications at the University of Hertfordshire is an inspiring place to start. This degree blends hands-on media production with critical insights into how communication influences culture, politics, and everyday life — perfect if you’re curious, creative, and eager to make your voice heard across platforms.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the foundation for your media journey. You’ll explore key ideas in modules like Introduction to Media Communications, Global Media and Society, Genre, Style and Stars, and Sound and Image Storytelling. Alongside this, you’ll start creating — experimenting with podcasting, video storytelling, and visual communication to bring your ideas to life.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll begin to define your direction. You’ll build your research and analytical skills through Research Methods in Media Communications and choose from modules such as Magazine Design, Mobile Media Design, Social Media and Critical Practice, or Radio Journalism. This mix of creative and theoretical learning helps you develop both your voice and your professional skillset across a range of modern media formats.

Year 3 (Final Year):
Your final year is all about pulling everything together. You’ll complete a major independent project — such as a Professional Practice Publishing Project — and tailor your degree through optional modules like Advertising, Corporate Communications, or Representation and Identity in Contemporary Media. It’s your chance to focus on what excites you most, whether that’s digital content creation, branding, public relations, or communication strategy.

Focus Areas

Practical media production
Digital and social media platforms
Communications theory and critical practice
Branding, advertising, and corporate communication

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to create content across a range of media — from web and video to audio and social platforms. You’ll know how to critically evaluate how media shapes society, work both independently and as part of a creative team, adapt to new technologies, and develop communication strategies for audiences, brands, and organisations.

Professional Alignment

This course is affiliated with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) — the UK’s leading professional body for communications experts. Through this connection, you’ll gain access to networking opportunities, professional recognition, and industry insights that can give you a real head start in your career.

Reputation and Employability

The University of Hertfordshire holds a 5-Star overall rating in the QS Stars global university system, with top marks in both teaching quality and employability. Impressively, over 96% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating — proof of how well this degree prepares you for the professional world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re thinking about studying the BA (Hons) Media and Communications at the University of Hertfordshire, you’re choosing a course designed to get you ready for the real world from day one. It’s not just about learning theory — it’s about doing. You’ll work on real projects, use professional tools, and graduate with a strong creative portfolio that showcases your skills to future employers. The University’s excellent facilities and industry connections make it the perfect environment to learn, create, and grow.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into this course:

Hands-on with professional tools: You’ll learn using the same software and production equipment used in the media industry. For example, in modules like Web Design for Media Professionals (offered at Level 6), you’ll design and publish content using industry-standard platforms and tools.
Work on live client projects: From your first year, you’ll take part in real-world projects — designing campaigns, producing digital content, and working to actual client briefs. You’ll develop media campaigns, write professionally, and even design magazine layouts or websites — all while building a portfolio of work that employers will love to see.
Collaborative learning: Many assignments are team-based, mirroring the way real media teams operate. You’ll work with others to produce video, audio, print, and online content, gaining experience in creative collaboration and project management.
Placement and work experience: You can take a placement year or gain work experience in the media and communications sector, giving you the chance to apply your skills, build contacts, and gain valuable insight into the industry before you graduate.
Creative facilities and support: The University’s Learning Resource Centre combines a library with advanced computing and media labs. You’ll also have access to production studios, editing suites, and professional equipment to bring your ideas to life.
Industry-connected teaching: You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active in the media world, and you’ll benefit from guest talks and workshops from professionals working in film, television, PR, digital media, and journalism — keeping your learning current and relevant.

In short, this is a hands-on, creative, and professionally focused degree that gives you the tools, experience, and confidence to step straight into the fast-moving world of media and communications.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Media and Communications at the University of Hertfordshire leave confident and career-ready — equipped with creative and strategic communication skills that employers value. Many go on to work in media production, content creation, communications, or brand-related roles, with opportunities across digital, agency, and corporate environments. Common job titles include Media Content Creator, Social Media or Communications Officer, Brand or Content Strategist, and Media Project Manager.

University Support for Your Career
Throughout your degree, you’ll have access to a range of services designed to help you shape your career path. The Careers and Employment Service offers guidance with CVs, interview preparation, and industry placements. If you’re interested in freelancing or building a personal brand, the Enterprise Hub provides portfolio and entrepreneurial support. Meanwhile, the Learning Resources and Ask Herts centres are always on hand to help with academic and personal development.
As the university puts it, “our courses are designed in partnership with employers and our facilities align with the demands of the industries you'll work in after graduation.”

Employment and Salary Outlook
Media, journalism, and communications graduates from Herts enjoy strong career outcomes — 85% are in work and/or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Typical starting salaries range from £21,500 to £29,000, with an average of around £24,000 after the first 15 months.

Industry Links and Real-World Experience
The programme places strong emphasis on hands-on experience and professional practice. You’ll benefit from the university’s close ties with employers, guest speakers, and media professionals, ensuring that your learning reflects the latest industry standards.

Long-Term Value of the Degree
Your degree will give you a versatile skill set — from production and content creation to analytical and strategic communication abilities — that’s applicable across a wide range of industries. These transferable skills will keep you adaptable as the media landscape continues to evolve. With over 90% of Herts graduates in employment or further study within 15 months, the university’s strong employability record reflects the long-term value of your qualification.

Further Study Opportunities
After completing your BA, you might choose to advance your expertise with a postgraduate qualification. Options include a Master’s in Media Studies, Communications, Digital Marketing, or Journalism. The University of Hertfordshire, for instance, offers an MA in Journalism and Media Communications, which can prepare you for careers in media strategy, research, or leadership within the creative industries.