BA in Media and Communication

Why choose this course?

Media is central to the way in which we understand and experience the world around us. This course will equip you with both the knowledge and skills to understand the world of media and to engage with it as practitioners, researchers, media theorists and industry experts.

One of the main characteristics is the integration of theory and practice, as well as being introduced to aspects of the media industry. You'll acquire practical skills in media production across a range of digital platforms, i.e. video, websites and podcasts, television, websites, motion graphics.

In the final year, you'll work on a major piece of independent research as a practice-based or written dissertation to further develop the professional skills necessary for employment.

Reasons to choose Kingston

• This course prepares you for a career in the creative sector and media production. You'll have the chance to gain employability skills by working directly with clients, following live briefs, team-working and creating professional portfolios to prepare for a unique career path to you.
• You'll have access to the latest digital equipment, such as specialist film and media labs, a film studio, audio recording facility, green screen, TV studio and Mac labs.
• Through research-based projects, you'll be able to tailor your studies to your own interests.

What you will study

You can choose from a range of modules to suit your interests. You also have the option to choose the module ‘Professional communication skills' where you will be able to select a workplace option to have the opportunity to experience working practices.

Modules

Year 1

Year 1 examines historical and contemporary developments in media and culture, looking at how our media usage has evolved from photography through video to Snapchat.

You will look at various media forms and understand how news stories are portrayed across different channels. You will also be introduced to production practice, as well as learn more about how media industries work, with lectures and talks from professionals working in the media industry.

Core modules

• Writing that Works
• Media@Work
• Media Now: Texts, Practices and Events
• Digital Media Foundations

Year 2

In Year 2, the core module in Cultural Theories builds on the theoretical concepts introduced in the first year, looking in more depth at how these concepts emerged and developed in the 20th and 21st centuries. You will examine their use in understanding and analysis of contemporary media and communication cultures

Modules like Digital Media and Digital Storytelling will develop your digital production skills in websites, video, audio and images, encouraging you to think critically about online communication, media arts, digital culture, a new documentary, narrative and audiences.

Core modules

• Researching the Media: Key Theories and Methods
• Digital Media Production

Optional modules

• Identity and Difference
• Digital Storytelling
• Screenwriting

Optional year

You will also have the chance to study abroad, which is a good opportunity to boost employability, gain language skills and experience a different culture.

Final year

In your final year, you will work on a major independent project, by selecting a written or practice-based dissertation. You will also have the opportunity to work together and organise a student-led symposium in January to present your Work-in-progress.

Your core module has different strands to choose from, they change: Consuming Cultures, Selfies, Creative Digital Environments, Celebrity Culture, Cult Media, Media Now, Multi-platform Political Communication, Art/Media Management and Production, Transmedia Horror.

Core modules

• Issues in Contemporary Media and Culture
• Media Research Project

Optional modules

• Professional Communication Skills
• Marketing and Communication in Publishing
• Box Set Television Drama
• Television Production

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

We work closely with the Careers and Employability team to embed skills in our curriculum and help students to shape their careers. Recent graduates work as social media managers, account executives, digital journalists, copywriters, web editors and video producers. Employers include Barcoff studios, Apple, the BBC, Saatchi Gallery, Discovery Channel, Google Play and Winkreactive.

Types of jobs

• Social media executive
• Filmmaker
• Copywriter
• Creative designers
• Account executive
• Web content editor
• Lead reporter
• Video producer
• Writer