Program Overview

Media, Communication and Cultural Studies BA Honours

Overview

The Media, Communication and Cultural Studies BA Honours degree at Newcastle University focuses on critical thinking and practical skills, combining theory and practice informed by social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as contemporary issues surrounding technology and culture.

Quality and Ranking

• 8th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Communication and Media Studies category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 150 for Communication and Media Studies - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021

Modules and Learning

The degree is divided into three stages, each lasting one academic year. Students complete modules totaling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Digital Cultures (20 credits)
  • Media Studies (20 credits)
  • Critical Skills (20 credits)
  • Social and Cultural Studies (20 credits)
  • Marketing Communication & Promotional Practices (20 credits)
  • Multimedia Communication (20 credits)
• Teaching Time: 21%
• Independent Study: 79%
• Assessment Methods: Practical Exams (8%), Coursework (92%)

Stage 2

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Media Fusions: Creative & Collaborative Projects (20 credits)
  • Intersectional Approaches in Media & Cultural Studies (20 credits)
  • Advertising and Consumption (20 credits)
  • Research Design and Practice (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
  • Student Exchange: Semester 1 (60 credits)
  • Introduction to Public Relations (20 credits)
  • Popular Culture: Futures & Fictions (20 credits)
  • Critical Making and Digital Skills (20 credits)
  • Physical Cultural Studies (20 credits)
  • Conflict and Crisis Reporting (20 credits)
  • Popular Music and Media (20 credits)
  • Career Development for second year students (20 credits)
• Teaching Time: 20%
• Independent Study: 80%
• Assessment Methods: Practical Exams (17%), Coursework (83%)

Stage 3

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Dissertation (40 credits)
• Optional Modules:
  • Essential Law for Media and Journalism (20 credits)
  • Journalism Practice for Digital Audiences (20 credits)
  • Popular Culture: Futures & Fictions (20 credits)
  • Conflict and Crisis Reporting (20 credits)
  • Memory Matters: Mediating Present Pasts for the Future (20 credits)
  • Fashion, Communication and Culture (20 credits)
  • Global Public Relations (20 credits)
  • Storytelling and Collective Psychology (20 credits)
  • Digital Politics, Communication, and AI (20 credits)
  • Feminist Approaches to Media Analysis (20 credits)
  • Digital Discourses and Identity (20 credits)
  • Case Studies in 21st-Century Music (20 credits)
  • Career Development for final year students (20 credits)
• Teaching Time: 15%
• Independent Study: 85%
• Assessment Methods: Coursework (100%)

Opportunities

• Study abroad: Spend the first semester of your second year on a student exchange.
• Work placement: Take a 9-12 month industrial placement in the UK or abroad, extending your degree by one year.

Facilities and Environment

• Based in the Armstrong Building and Film@CultureLab, at the heart of Newcastle University's city-centre campus.
• Access to professional-standard video and audio equipment, studio space, and AV-editing facilities.
• Specialist computing facilities, including industry-standard software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• A mobile studio suite.

Your Future

Graduates from the Media, Communication and Cultural Studies degree have gone on to work in media-focused roles across various industries, including:

• The Financial Times
• Buzzfeed
• Pickle Jar Communications
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• St James's Place Wealth Management
• Northern Powergrid
• Daily Mail
• Bumble

Careers in the creative arts, public relations, journalism, media planning, social media management, and content creation, broadcasting, and advertising are popular choices for graduates.

Entry Requirements

• A-Level: AAB
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 34 points.
• Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications: Select your qualification to view specific requirements.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Duolingo English Test, or other qualifications.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Home students: Tuition fees for the academic year 2026 have not yet been confirmed.
• International students: £24,500 (Year 1)
• Scholarships: Available for EU and international students, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS, using the online application system.
• Apply through an agent, if you are an international student.
• Contact the university for more information on the application process.