MA Media and Communication

This MA is designed to combine strong academic theory with real-world media practice. You won’t just learn about media and communication — there are structured opportunities to apply what you learn in professional settings, create content across different formats (text, video, audio), and build a strong, career‑relevant portfolio.

Here’s how the programme delivers practical, hands-on learning:

• 30‑week Optional Placement: There’s a long placement opportunity (30 weeks) in the media or communication sector. According to the course page, past students have worked with organisations like the British Red Cross, Citizen Advice, RNLI, and more. 

• Media Production Facilities: Through the Department of Media Production, you have access to industry‑standard facilities — including a large sound‑stage studio, green‑screen studio, two 4K TV studios, radio and foley studios, video & sound post‑production suites, and screening theatres. 

• Digital & Multimedia Skills: The programme supports work in different media formats. You’ll learn to communicate ideas using text, video, and audio, reflecting real media industry practices.

• Research Project + Exhibition: For your final master’s project, you don’t just write a dissertation — you can do a research project and then present the outcomes through an exhibition, giving you experience in communicating research in a public-facing way. 

• Flexible & Specialized Units: You can choose from optional modules so you can tailor your learning to your interests — options include “New Media Innovation”, “Consumer Insights”, “Media & Global Challenges”, “Brands & Branding”, and more. 

• Professional & Critical Communication Skills: Across the programme, you’ll build strong oral communication, presentation, and professional skills — learning to present your ideas in “a professional manner using a variety of communication techniques.” 

• Career Support & Industry Links: BU supports students through its Graduate Skills Programme, and you benefit from career guidance plus connections with media organisations — helping you launch into communication, research, or media roles. 

• Library & Campus Resources: You’ll be based on Talbot Campus, which has great academic and technical facilities — including high-spec computer labs, seminar rooms, and the Sir Michael Cobham Library. 

Graduating with an MA Media & Communication from Bournemouth University gives you a strong combination of critical thinking, research capability, and practical media skills — setting you up for roles such as communications strategist, media analyst / consultant, public relations manager, or researcher / lecturer. With the option to take a 30‑week professional placement, you’ll graduate with real-world experience and a network in the communication sector.

Here’s how BU supports your future career:

• University Services to Support Employment

  • The course includes an optional 30‑week placement, giving you first‑hand experience in communications or media organisations. 

  • You’ll get ongoing guidance through BU’s Graduate Skills Programme, designed to build your professional competencies and employability. 

  • The university also provides career coaching, CV help, and interview prep via its Careers & Employability Service, especially tailored for media and communication roles.

• Employment Outcomes & Typical Roles

  • According to the course page, graduates go into news media, marketing and government communications, as well as education, research, management, and business organisations. The programme helps you develop the ability to communicate research findings through text, video, and audio, which is increasingly valuable across media and corporate communication. 

  • Typical starting roles could include: communications officer, media relations specialist, content manager / producer, or policy researcher. 

• University–Industry Exposure & Links

  • BU has strong industry connections, with mentions of partnerships with organisations such as the BBC, Adobe, and Apple, offering networking and placement opportunities. 

  • Guest lectures from media professionals are built into the curriculum, giving you insight into real-world media challenges and practices.

  • The course is practice-informed and research-led, meaning you’ll learn from staff who are active researchers and practitioners in media / communication. 

• Long-Term Value & Accreditations

  • The MA prepares you for further academic research: the programme specification explicitly supports progression to doctoral-level study. 

  • You’ll graduate with strong oral communication, digital communication, and professional presentation skills, making you highly competitive in media, business, or policy roles.

  • The mix of analytical theory and practical media production gives the degree staying power — your skills remain relevant across changing communication landscapes.

• Graduate Impact

  • Graduates are expected to contribute effectively in complex media or organisational environments: the course aims to equip “lifelong independent learners … with strong communication skills and the ability to work in teams.” Many alumni move into strategic communication roles or decision-making positions in business, public sector, or media organisations. 

  • For some graduates, this degree also acts as a springboard into academic careers, working in research or teaching in media, communications or related fields.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies after this MA:

• You can apply for a PhD / MPhil in Media & Communication, focusing on research into media theory, digital communication, or social change.

• Alternatively, you could pursue specialist postgraduate programmes in areas such as media policy, digital marketing, public affairs, or cultural studies.

• You might also take professional short courses in data journalism, strategic communications, or media analytics to deepen a specific professional skill.