What you
will study

You can tailor your degree to include the subjects that interest you most. You will find access to a wide range of optional modules which allow you to tailor your study to reflect your future career aspirations. Some students choose to focus on a particular path, for example, marketing and advertising. Others choose a broad mix and explore different specialisms such as communications law, digital sociology, or arts journalism. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad on our international exchange programme.

Broadcast Production 1; Media Analysis 1; Media Industries 1; Introduction to Public Relations; Fundamentals of Financial Management; Option module choose from: Newswriting and Journalism; Foundations in Psychology; Principles of Marketing; The Business of Social Science or Language

Broadcast Production 2; Media Industries 2: Enterprise and Employability; Creativity for Media; Option module choose two from: Reporting and Newspaper Journalism; Feature Writing and Magazine Journalism; The Business of Music; Event Delivery and Management; Culture and Society; Sport Management; Consumer Buying Behaviour; Brand Management or Language

Media Ethics; Media Analysis 2: Disclosure, Ideology and the Media; Public Relations: Campaigns and Proposals; Business Research Methods: Theory and Practice; Option module choose two from: TV Drama; Analysing Music Media; Creative Advertising; Dramatic Writing; European Film History; Introduction to Podcasting; International Marketing Communications; Communications Law and Regulation or Language

Dissertation; Media Project; Option Module choose two from: Digital Media and Society; Scotland, the Media and National Identity; Film Theory Goes to the Movies; Arts and Entertainment Journalism; Global Sport; The Body, Identity and Society; Crime, Media and Culture; Event Tourism in Context; Global Brand Marketing or International Advertising Strategy

Download the Programme Specification

for a detailed breakdown of its structure, what you will learn and other useful information.

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

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Assessment methods

During your degree, you will be set a number of essays and other research assignments as well as being involved in writing blogs and working with social media. You will be expected to work in studios, to industry commissions and to live client briefs. Team-based assignments help develop a broader set of skills and professional behaviour. You will start to identify areas of strength and areas for personal development and professional resilience. We use varied assessment methods as this is most reflective of the competitive industries you will work in. We value your ability to be creative, independent, to show leadership and to work as part of a team.

You will learn from, and work with, experienced academics. You will be taught in lecture settings and in smaller seminars, labs and workshops. Industry guests are invited to give lectures and share the latest industry knowledge and tips for success.

BAFTA albert in Education and DPP partnerships

You will benefit from our partnerships with the Digital Production Partnership and BAFTA albert in Education. You can also earn additional certification for the completion of sustainable screen practice content such as carbon literacy and the digital skill set required to operate the albert.org carbon calculator. This is now a requirement for the majority of all major UK broadcasters such as Sky, BBC, and ITV.

Facilities

There is no better learning environment than the one you feel comfortable in. You will become familiar with the many industry-standard facilities and specialist equipment on campus. Our trained technicians and teaching staff will help, and you will soon grow confident in your practical abilities and knowledge.

TV production studio and gallery	You have access to a purpose-built TV studio and gallery on campus. The TV studio is equipped with HD JVC cameras, green screen, autocue and graphics/titling software. Play in from remote studio with Chroma Key as well as gallery play in from Avid server. Full talkback for presenters and camera positions. There are Panasonic Tapeless, CCD HD cameras and Vinten pro tripods. You have access to mobile journalism mojo kits. These include steadicam camera gimbals, i-phone, tripod, Rhode lapel mic, Sennheiser handheld mic, headphones and multiple apps. You will use Avid Media Composer digital editing suites. We also provide Nikon 360 cameras, Canon Digital Stills cameras, lighting kits, rifle mics, boom mics, and other ancillaries.
Editorial and radio production suites	There are two computer and production labs on campus. PCs are equipped with the same specialist kit that you find in the newsroom.
Radio presenting and production suites	There are two soundproof Clyde Broadcast Synergy Bronze digital radio studios on campus. Both equipped with Burli radio news network editing and separate control booths. Editing suites come equipped with Adobe Audition digital audio, Tascam DR-40 Linear digital audio recorders and Marantz digital audio recorders.
Production studio	We have flexible open video studio space on campus with blackout walls, green screen, 6-colour background system and lighting rig.

Media and Communications in Glasgow

The creative industries in Scotland are worth £3.7 billion

(Scotsman, 2017)

. Our graduates are highly successful and well regarded within Scottish media industries as well as the creative and communication sectors. Glasgow itself is well known for its media and cultural creativity. The city is home to the Scottish newspaper headquarters. BBC Scotland and ITV television studios are a short walk from campus and the area is an increasingly popular movie location.

Research-led teaching

Communication, cultural and media studies research

* Communications, culture and media research is joint first in Scotland for its outstanding impact (Times Higher Education)

* Communications, culture and media research is ranked fourth in Scotland (Times Higher Education)

* 100% of our communications, culture and media research IMPACT is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021)

* 73% of Communications-related research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021)

Student experience

In the 2022 National Student Survey, this course received an overall satisfaction level of 74% – an outstanding recommendation provided by final year students on the quality of teaching and learning on this programme.

Study abroad

Spending part of your degree immersed in another culture can give you a unique perspective. We offer a study abroad period to BA Media and Communications students. Previous students have chosen locations all over the world including the US, Canada, Australia, Denmark and France.

Top 20 UK University

The Complete University Guide rank GCU in their top 20 list of UK Universities for Communications and Media Studies. League tables can play a big part when choosing a university and we know our accessible facilities and approachable staff make this a great place to study.

Why GCU?

During your studies, you will develop the knowledge and understanding to allow you to become a responsible and ethical leader. You will study critical and cultural theory as well as make practical use of industry-standard facilities here on campus and benefit from opportunities such as work placements and study exchanges in the US, Canada and Europe. You will benefit greatly from the digital practical skills offered by the BAFTA albert Education Partnership, a leading think-tank on sustainability for film and television, founded by industry leaders including this university, to contribute towards the transformation of the film and television industry. You will also benefit from being part of the Creative Media Network; benefits include masterclasses and networking events.

Graduate success

As a graduate, you will join successful alumni working locally, across the UK and internationally. Our graduates are working in digital media, communications, film and television. Some have gone on to become senior communications officers, PR executives and journalists. Others go on to postgraduate taught study and research.

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91% in work and/or further study

91% of graduates from our BA (Hons) Media and Communication course are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA, 2022)

draft BA (Hons) Media and Communication

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