Media and Communications BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The Media and Communications BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex explores how media shapes society, culture, and politics. This program is ideal for students curious about media industries, digital communication, and the impact of media on everyday life, offering a blend of theory and practical skills.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you'll build a strong foundation in media studies, exploring core concepts through modules such as Introduction to Media and Communications, Digital Media Fundamentals, and Media, Culture, and Society. You'll learn to critically analyze media texts, understand communication theory, and gain basic digital production skills.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on applying theory to real-world contexts with modules like Media Industries and Audiences, Digital Media Production, and Media Research Methods. You’ll deepen your understanding of media production processes, develop analytical research skills, and study how audiences interact with media content in contemporary society.

Year 3:
In the final year, you’ll specialize and undertake independent research, with options including Advanced Media Production, Global Media and Politics, and a Final Year Project. This year emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and professional-level media skills, preparing you for careers in media, journalism, or digital communication.

Focus Areas:
Media theory, digital media production, media industries, audience analysis, media ethics, research methods.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to critically evaluate media, design and produce media content, conduct research, and communicate effectively across multiple platforms.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The program provides strong preparation for careers in media, communication, and creative industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Sussex is recognized for its excellent employability outcomes and is highly ranked in the UK for communication and media studies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Media and Communications BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex offers a dynamic blend of theoretical insights and hands-on experiences, preparing you for the evolving media landscape.

🎓 Experiential Learning at Sussex

At Sussex, your education extends beyond textbooks. You'll engage in real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities to hone your skills. This approach ensures you're not just learning about media and communications but actively participating in its creation and analysis.

The program emphasizes practical engagement, allowing you to:

Collaborate on Group Projects: Work alongside peers to produce media content, fostering teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Participate in Internships: Gain valuable industry experience through placements, enhancing your employability.
Engage in Community Consultancy Projects: Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, making a tangible impact.
Attend Insight Visits: Explore media organizations and gain firsthand understanding of the industry.
Utilize Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access a newsroom, edit suites, and a sound-proofed studio to develop practical skills.
Benefit from Career Lab Opportunities: Participate in paid internships and work experience programs to build your professional network.

These experiences are designed to equip you with the practical skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the media and communications field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Media and Communications BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex enjoy strong prospects in creative and dynamic industries. Many find themselves thriving as content creators, media analysts, or communication specialists:

Career Services Support: The Sussex Careers and Employability Service offers one-to-one advice, skills workshops, and networking events to connect you with top media and communication employers.
Employment Stats & Salaries: A significant percentage of Sussex graduates secure employment or further study within six months, with starting salaries in media roles typically ranging between £22,000–£28,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Sussex maintains collaborations with leading media organizations, agencies, and production companies, giving students opportunities for internships and practical experience.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The degree is widely recognized and valued across media, communication, and digital industries in the UK and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni pursue careers in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, digital content production, and corporate communications, often advancing quickly into managerial or specialist roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue their studies with postgraduate degrees in fields such as Media Studies, Digital Media, Communication, or Marketing. This can open doors to advanced research, specialist industry roles, or academic careers.

Additional Information & Requirements

A-level: ABB / IB: 32 points overall
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 (or grade B).
You should also have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
IELTS: 6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
TOEFL: 80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
English Requirements: Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3
For Indian Applicants: Applicants with 70–80% from most Indian boards—including ISC (CISCE), CBSE, and state boards of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala.
80% is required from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat boards / 70% West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education.
Students with 60%+ may be considered for entry into integrated foundation years.
For US Applicants: High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300 and subject tests and/or ACT grades of 26 and AP tests.
Combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test
AP test grades- 544 / An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0
Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year