Course Alumni
What are the job opportunities offered by this course?
- Margherita Taylor
- Radio & TV Presenter, Capital Radio & Channel 4
"I loved the mix of theory and practice but it's doing the work placements that sets Birmingham City University graduates apart from other media degree holders." Read more about Margherita Taylor >>
BA (Hons) Media and Communication - UCAS code P910
Is it for me?
This three-year course is designed for students who want to develop a career in the media based on a broad range of skills across more than one production area, or who wish to explore different areas of the media before specialising.
What does it involve?
You will begin by choosing four areas of production to explore from television, radio, journalism, public relations, music industries, media photography, and web and new media.
As you progress through the course, you will focus further, studying up to four disciplines in Year 2, and two in Year 3. The mix of skills that you have developed through the course will be showcased in a final year project that combines and builds on the experience developed previously.
Complementing your practical skills, you will develop a broad base of media theory and analysis skills, looking at the media landscape and its effects on production, consumption, and media products themselves. You will have the opportunity to research in a medium of your choice, with a wide range of modules including Popular Music, Popular TV, Digital Cultures, Advertising, Alternative Media and Visual Culture (for a full list see www.mediacourses.com).
The Professional Studies strand of the course will build your contacts in the media, help you find placements in the industry, and improve your employability.
Will I do placements as part of the course?
You will undertake 2 industry placements during your course, at the end of the Year 1 and Year 2. Your tutors will work with you to find placements suited to your interests or specialist areas; the department's close links with industry mean that students are able to find placements with the top media employers. These placements provide an invaluable insight into working in the media, as well as contributing to your CV and improving your employability.
What will I be able to do when I've finished the course?
Upon successfully completing the degree, and depending upon the choices you make in your studies, you will be able to combine a range of production skills in areas of radio, new media, journalism, TV, public relations, music industries and photography. You will be able to think critically about contemporary media forms, research and report on industry practices, organizations and products. You will have gained invaluable professional experience in the media industries, building a range of contacts and a portfolio of production work.
You will demonstrate skills of adaptability required by modern employers and career opportunities open to you will be broad, include working in new media, TV, the music industries, journalism, public relations, radio, media photography and the many areas in which these areas combine and interact in an ever-changing landscape.
What are the entry requirements?
Academic qualifications (shown below) are only part of what we look for in an applicant. You will also need to demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the media and ideally some media-related work experience.
Normally we look for one of the following:
- 280 Tariff Points
- a BTEC ND with Distinction overall
- an International Baccalaureate with 32 points
- an equivalent qualification or experience as judged by the department: if your experience is particularly extensive, or your portfolio demonstrates advanced ability, we may accept lower qualifications
How do I apply?
For information on applications or to apply now visit the Applications page.
