The BA (Hons) Media and Culture at the University of Liverpool explores how media and cultural industries shape the way we live, work, and communicate. It’s ideal for students who are curious about media’s influence in society and who want to develop critical, creative, and professional skills in media analysis and production.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
You’ll build a strong foundation in media theory and cultural studies through modules such as Media and Society and Introduction to Media Analysis. This year emphasizes understanding how media systems operate globally and locally.
Year 2:
Students explore more specialised areas with modules like Cultural Politics and Media Audiences, gaining insights into how identities, communities, and power dynamics are shaped by media. Research and analytical skills are sharpened to prepare for independent projects.
Year 3:
The final year offers advanced study with options such as Contemporary Media Debates and the opportunity to undertake a Dissertation in Media and Culture. This is where students bring together theory and independent research to showcase expertise in an area of their choice.
Focus Areas: Media analysis, cultural theory, digital media, communication practices, audience studies, cultural politics.
Learning Outcomes: Students graduate with the ability to critically analyse media and culture, conduct independent research, and apply transferable skills in communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is part of the Department of Communication and Media, a leading centre with strong links to media industries and cultural organisations.
Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Liverpool ranks among the top 200 universities worldwide (QS World Rankings 2025), with Communication and Media consistently strong in the Guardian University Guide subject tables.
When you study Media and Culture at Liverpool, you won’t just be sitting in lectures reading theory (though you’ll get plenty of that too). From early on, you’ll be hands-on — making videos, analyzing social media, blogging, and creating your own media content. You’ll join a creative and research-active community, connecting with the University’s Digital Media & Society Institute, where media, technology, and culture come together.
This means your coursework is closely tied to the latest industry trends and research practices.
As you move forward, you’ll also have opportunities to step out into real work settings — through internships, collaborations with local organizations, or projects supported by the University’s career services. Thanks to Liverpool’s Careers & Employability team and the Liverpool Interns programme, you can even land paid internships with local small and medium enterprises — turning your academic learning into practical experience.
Experiential Learning in Media & Culture at Liverpool includes:
Media projects & digital production tools: In many modules, you’ll work with video-making, media writing, blogging, social media analytics, and other digital tools.
Year in Industry (optional): You can choose to spend a full year in a paid placement with a media, communications, or cultural organization. This year counts towards your degree and comes with full support from the University.
Liverpool Interns programme: The University funds 80-hour paid work placements with local businesses, helping you apply what you’ve learned to real-world challenges.
Research & independent projects: In your later years, you’ll create your own research or media project. For example, a final-year module like “Viral Video” lets you develop media content grounded in your studies.
Access to the Digital Media & Society Institute: You’ll engage in interdisciplinary research using digital tools and methods, guided by expert faculty.
Modules with focus on archives, screenings & media culture labs: Some of your studies will draw on archival resources, curated media, screenings, and culture-based case studies.
Year Abroad / Year in China: The programme offers the chance to study overseas — either a “Year Abroad” or a “Year in China” through the XJTLU partnership — giving you exposure to new media environments.
Library, digital learning platforms & media resources: You’ll have full access to Liverpool’s library systems, online learning platforms, and media collections to support both your theory and practical work.
Graduate Outcomes (Summary)
Within a year or so after graduating, many students from this degree move into creative, communications, media, or public relations roles. Others explore careers in policy, NGOs, or academia. These pathways typically build on strong skills in media production, analysis, critical thinking, and digital communication.
Typical Roles Include:
Social Media / Digital Content Manager
Journalist / Broadcast Producer
Corporate Communications / Public Relations Officer
Media Analyst or Cultural Policy Officer
Future Progression & Opportunities
University Services Supporting Employment
Liverpool’s Careers & Employability team offers one-to-one career coaching, drop-ins at the Career Studio, and guidance for applying to internships, placements, and graduate schemes.
Graduates continue to have access to these services after finishing, including job vacancies, career tools, and alumni networking.
The degree itself is designed with employability in mind—you’ll gain practical skills like media writing, blogging, data analysis, and video production through hands-on modules and assessments.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures
Liverpool graduates are highly sought after by top UK employers.
Across Liverpool’s undergraduate cohort, there was a 6% increase in those in high-skilled employment 15 months after graduation.
For Politics or Media-related graduates, median salaries are around £24,500–£26,000 approximately 15 months after finishing.
Liverpool enjoys a strong employability reputation: 96.9% of full-time first-degree graduates were in work or further study six months after graduation, placing it among the top Russell Group universities.
University–Industry Partnerships & Opportunities
The program encourages work placements or industry-relevant projects, especially in the final year.
The Department’s Media, Politics & Society research group works at the intersection of media, politics, technology, and society, giving students opportunities to engage with active research and collaboration.
The university actively connects students with leading employers in the region through curriculum projects and assessments.
Long-Term Accreditation & Value
A degree from Liverpool carries the prestige of a Russell Group university, with strong teaching quality and recognition among recruiters.
Many modules focus on real-world media practice, ensuring your skills remain relevant in the fast-evolving media and communications sectors.
The university’s reputation in graduate employability gives your CV a noticeable advantage, as employers regularly recognize Liverpool graduates for their skills and readiness for work.
Graduation Outcomes
Graduates often move into broadcasting, journalism, social media, advertising, marketing, corporate communications, PR, arts administration, political campaigning, government roles, or teaching.
The program aims for a high proportion of graduates to secure “highly skilled” employment or continue their studies within 15 months of graduation.
Alumni include TV documentary makers, senior journalists, editors, production professionals, and communications strategists.
Further Academic Progression
After completing a BA (Hons) Media and Culture, students can deepen their expertise with a Master’s degree in areas such as Media Studies, Communication and Politics, Digital Media, Cultural Studies, or Film & Television. The University of Liverpool offers programs like the MA in Global Media and Politics, allowing specialization in political communication, media theory, and data-driven research.
From there, graduates may pursue a PhD, work as university lecturers, or become senior researchers in think tanks, media institutes, or policy organizations.
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