Program Overview

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Media Studies BA (Hons)

This degree course gives you the knowledge and skills to expertly dissect the media and put what you learn into creative or critical practice.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

P300, P303

Typical Offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

Study Mode and Duration:

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich with work placement
• 4 years with foundation year
• 5 years sandwich with foundation year and work placement

Start Date:

September 2025

Course Information

Overview

Are you curious about how the media influences the world we live in? Our BA (Hons) Media Studies course is distinguished by its innovative mix of options and will give you a fascinating way to gain a deeper academic understanding of this prime form of communication.

You'll learn how global media reflects, shapes and affects societies and cultures, from television to cinema and social networks. You’ll engage with questions of media ownership and the development of media institutions from the BBC to Facebook. You will also consider how identity is formed through the media, and its representations in contemporary formats and genres, such as social media, news reporting, documentary, the comic book industries, and science programming. As you progress in your degree, you can create your own learning plan by choosing optional modules, including film production.

You’ll graduate ready to begin your media career in many communicational fields, but you’ll also have creative and transferable skills you can use in any sector.

Course Highlights

• Enhance your studies by learning from a teaching team of widely published media experts and research-active academics
• Gain expert insight into popular culture, fan communities, and the latest media tech developments by attending the annual Portsmouth Comic Con – where course lecturers and previous students have been panellists
• Cultivate a well-rounded, future-proofed understanding of media from staff expertise in contemporary media and popular culture genres (including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and animation)
• Tailor your degree by choosing modules to suit your specialisation
• Develop filmmaking skills with optional practical film modules from second year
• Build valuable professional experience and knowledge by taking an optional placement year – either with a company or self-employed
• Broaden your expertise with the chance to gain industry-recognised accreditations such as ScreenSkills safety training and Adobe Certified Professional (ACP)
• Opt to do a foundation year with ICP to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year

Entry Requirements

Typical Offers for BA (Hons) Media Studies

• A levels - BBB-BBC
• UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
• T-levels - Merit
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
• International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Facilities and Specialist Kit

Eldon Screening Room

Watch cinema from across the globe in our 80-seat lecture theatre, fitted with high-specification audio-visual technology, rich sound systems, and acoustic panelling.

Professional TV and Film Cameras

Broadcast and film in crystal clarity with our range of industry-level Sony, JVC and Canon cameras.

Video Editing Suite

Award-winning kit for future award-winning filmmakers. Our suite includes non-linear editing software Avid Media Composer and DaVinci Resolve, and specialist hardware for efficient film editing.

Equipment Loan Stores

Whatever your work, you can borrow computers and professional-standard film, photography, lighting, and performance equipment from our loan stores in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries.

Careers and Opportunities

The communication, research, writing and critical thinking skills you learn on this media studies degree will be essential for employers within and outside the media industry.

You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level. Many of our graduates pursue Master's and Doctorates, with a number of them taking further teacher training to work in education.

Graduate Areas

Previous media studies graduates have gone on to work in areas such as:

• media research
• digital specialisms (e.g. website design and creation)
• public relations and marketing
• journalism
• publishing
• new media development
• film production
• film and TV companies

Graduate Roles

Job roles our graduates have taken on include:

• teacher
• media research assistant
• marketing assistant
• production manager
• sound and vision engineer
• film/video producer
• advertising journalist
• assistant publicist
• PR and communications officer

Graduate Destinations

Some of our alumni have gone on to work for big names such as:

• BBC
• Warner Bros
• Universal Pictures International
• Mitchells & Butlers
• Lush Cosmetics

Modules

Foundation Year

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed.

• You'll study with our partners ICP on the University of Portsmouth campus with access to all facilities, support and societies
• When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) Media Studies
• Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
• Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's degree at university

Core Modules

All modules in the year are core.

• Global Screens - 20 credits
• Introduction to Media Studies - 20 credits
• Screen Research - 20 credits
• Spectacular Hollywood - 20 credits
• Understanding Film Production - 20 credits
• Writing for the Film and TV Industries - 20 credits

Optional Modules

• Broadcast Radio and Podcasting - 20 credits
• Production: Camera and Editing - 20 credits
• Screen Media - 20 credits
• Study Exchange - 60 credits
• Comic Book Industries - 20 credits
• Media Networks: Exploring Digital Culture - 20 credits
• Production: Short Film-Making - 20 credits
• World and Transnational Cinema - 20 credits
• Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice - 20 credits
• Film and Ethics - 20 credits
• Professional Experience - 20 credits
• Student Enterprise - 20 credits

How You'll Spend Your Time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A Typical Week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your media studies degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as workshops, lectures and seminars for about 15 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which options you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Supporting You

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of Support

• Personal tutor
• Student support advisor
• Creative skills tutors
• IT and computing support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Library support
• Support with English

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 start)

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students - £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students - £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International students - £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding Your Studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional Course Costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Placement year and study abroad tuition fees
• Extra course costs

Apply

September 2025 start

To start BA (Hons) Media Studies in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – P300
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

To start BA (Hons) Media Studies with Foundation Year in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – P303
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

• Apply direct for September 2025 entry.

Please note this foundation year with ICP isn't currently open to EU or International students.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from Outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions Terms and Conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.