BA (Hons) Communication and Media

When you join this programme, you won’t just study media — you’ll live it. From day one, you’ll get hands-on with real media writing, social media analysis, video production and more. The university gives you access to the tools, facilities, and opportunities you need to grow as a creator, communicator, and researcher. With labs, workshops, and staff-supported industry placements, every part of the course is about turning theory into practical skills.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the programme:

Year in Industry (Placement Option):
Between your second and final years, you can choose to spend a paid year working in industry. This placement gives you direct workplace experience, and you’ll reflect on it through a written piece that counts towards your degree.

Final-year practical module “Viral Video”:
In your final year, you’ll have the chance to create your own videos — putting into practice everything you’ve learned about videomaking, editing, and storytelling.

Immersive Media / Virtual Worlds (COMM210):
This exciting module lets you dive into the world of VR, games, and immersive digital media. Through workshops, group projects, and hands-on activities, you’ll explore how virtual spaces shape communication.

Group projects and collaboration:
Collaboration is central to the course. Many modules involve group presentations, workshops, or joint creative tasks, helping you develop both teamwork and communication skills.

Digital tools and media software:
You’ll train with the same industry-standard tools used by professionals — from video production software to social media analytics platforms — all embedded directly into your modules.

Research labs and media resources:
As you move into your second and final years, you’ll have the chance to design your own projects or contribute to departmental research, supported by specialist labs and resources.

Library, IT, and subject-specific resources:
You’ll benefit from excellent access to media archives, databases, editing software, and modern learning spaces, all of which students consistently rate highly.

Student media and Guild activities:
Outside the classroom, you can get involved with Liverpool Guild Student Media — running your own shows on the student radio, writing for publications, or creating content as part of a vibrant student-led media community.

Year Abroad / Year in China options:
If international experience appeals to you, you can spend a full year studying at a partner university overseas, or even spend a year at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China.

Graduate Outcomes (in brief):
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Communication and Media move into exciting careers in broadcasting, journalism, social media, advertising, corporate communications, public relations, arts administration, politics, and public service. Below you’ll see how the University supports your career, the kind of outcomes you can expect, and the strong reputation this degree carries.

University services to support employment

• The Careers & Employability Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV and cover letter advice, interview practice, assessment centre preparation, and access to workshops and networking opportunities with employers.

• Within the School of the Arts, a dedicated Placements & Employability Officer helps students find and secure relevant internships or work placements.

• You’ll continue to have access to career support and exclusive job opportunities through the University’s portal and alumni network, even after graduation.

• The University also hosts career fairs and industry panels where hundreds of employers come to campus each year to meet students and recruit for graduate roles.

Employment statistics & salary figures

• The Graduate Outcomes survey tracks whether students are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.

• While there isn’t a set figure for this degree alone, graduates in related fields (communications, media, politics) typically start with earnings of around £18,600–£23,000, rising to £31,800 or more within five years.

• Many graduates report moving quickly into roles directly related to their degree — such as communications, media, or marketing.

University–industry partnerships & practical exposure

• You’ll have the option to take a “year in industry”, spending up to 40 weeks in a paid role in a relevant organisation, supported by your department throughout.

• Many modules are designed with real-world assessments, meaning you’ll work on campaigns, media production, or projects with direct professional relevance.

• The department is also linked with specialist research centres (such as digital media and politics institutes), which bring current industry practice and real-world insights into your teaching.

Long-term accreditation & credibility

• As part of the University of Liverpool, the degree is taught in a research-active department with a strong reputation in communication and media studies.

• The University’s involvement in high-profile research and partnerships with media and policy organisations ensures that your education remains relevant and respected.

• Employers often view a Liverpool degree as combining strong academic knowledge with practical skills — an advantage when competing for roles in the communications sector.

What graduates actually do

Typical career paths include:

• Social Media Manager / Digital Content Creator

• PR or Corporate Communications Officer

• Broadcasting, Journalism, or Media Producer

• Marketing Communications or Advertising Executive

Alumni from the department have gone on to impressive roles — from BBC Radio 1 DJs and senior journalists, to documentary makers, magazine editors, and leaders in international advertising firms.

Further academic progression

This degree also opens doors to further study:

• Many graduates continue on to Master’s programmes, such as MSc Strategic Communication, MA Global Media and Politics, or the MRes in Communication and Media.

• If you’re inspired by research, you could progress to a PhD or MPhil in areas such as Communication, Media, or Digital Media Studies, working with the department’s specialist research centres.

• Some graduates also branch out into complementary postgraduate fields such as data analytics, public policy, or marketing to further strengthen their career options.