From binge-worthy box sets to viral TikTok trends, media is everywhere. It's how we connect, learn, and consume. Media platforms, their content and their technologies enable us to communicate with each other on a global level. Media is also a powerful tool for corporations and governments. By studying our BA in Media and Communications, you’ll become an expert in the content, technologies and trends that are shaping our world.
From the outset, you’ll develop critical thinking skills to better understand the opportunities - and challenges - that media like film, television, social media and music offer. You’ll explore the differences between media sectors, as well as how our structures of communications can contribute towards forms of inequality.
Through your studies, you’ll become confident in applying theories and approaches and use these ideas to tackle contemporary issues facing citizens and consumers in a digitally rich world. You’ll develop and refine industry-focused skills in written, oral, and visual communication, equipping you to engage diverse audiences and tackle real-world issues like trust in the media, shifting media landscapes, and power imbalances. Reflecting professional practice, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively, designing creative solutions to industry challenges and strengthening your ability to evaluate, innovate, and respond.
You’ll graduate as a media, communications and technology-savvy critical thinker, ready to use a range of skills and digital platforms strategically in support of organisations, campaigns, and initiatives across the public, private, and third sectors.
While this degree is academically focused, it is enriched with practical elements that help you understand how the media industry works in real-world contexts. Throughout the programme, you’ll benefit from industry insights, guest speakers, and opportunities to engage with contemporary media practices, providing valuable preparation for a career in the sector. Many graduates choose to build on this strong academic and practical grounding through our postgraduate degrees, which offer further hands-on training and accredited pathways into journalism and media professions.
Distinctive features of the programme
Future-focused
Learn about how new technologies, platforms and business models are shaping the media and communications landscape.
Industry-facing
From industry-facing assessments and briefs to guest lectures and masterclasses delivered by media and communications professionals, you’ll have scope to build your networks and contacts.
Prioritising employability
Boost your employability and take charge of your career path, tackling industry-led challenges and developing digital skills and experience across multiple platforms.
Expert and excellent
Cardiff boasts a lead position in league tables for Media Studies and Communications. Study at a world leading institution for both teaching and research. Ranked 6th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and 50th globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025) for communications and media studies, and 2nd for research quality (REF 2021).
A media city
Cardiff is one of the UK’s largest hubs for producing screen media, from globally popular TV dramas to an emerging immersive and experience-based sector. Embrace the diverse range of media and cultural opportunities that the city has to offer
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