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Master the art of media communication with a course that blends critical theory and creative practice. Top-up your existing qualification to a full honours degree. Develop advanced critical and creative skills across a focused set of modules that explore contemporary issues in media, communication, and culture.
This course offers a unique balance of analytical insight and hands-on creative production. You'll engage with some of the most pressing debates shaping today’s global media landscape – from digital platforms and popular culture to global media flows and professional communication practices.
Through four integrated core modules, you’ll explore a range of screen and media formats, research methods, and communication strategies. You'll also undertake an independent project, where you can focus on either a written dissertation or a media-based creative output.
Rather than dividing theory and practice into separate pathways, this course sees them as interdependent. You’ll critically evaluate cultural and media forms while developing your own communication skills across academic and professional contexts. You’ll be supported by academic tutors and industry-informed teaching throughout the year.
If you're looking to advance your media skills while deepening your understanding of communication’s role in society and culture, this top-up degree offers the ideal route to graduation.
The course allows you to produce academic research and creative media content, preparing you for diverse careers in the media and communications industries
We use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, demonstrations, screenings, seminars, workshops, tutorials, small-group work, debates, group and individual project work, independent learning, open and resource-based learning, multimedia and new media learning, production practice, and work placements.
Generally, the theory modules employ a lecture-plus-seminar format, while practice modules use workshop-tutorial and/or lecture-tutorial formats.
Assessment methods include portfolios of practical work, essays, examinations, reports, and presentations.
We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.
The typical entry requirement is the successful completion of one of the following:
We'll consider applications from applicants who don't hold one of the qualifications in the list above but who do have relevant experience.
If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.
The annual, full-time fee for this course is:
*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.
Tuition fees for part-time students are £7,145 per 90 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.
Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
Graduates of this course are prepared for a diverse range of roles across the media, communications and creative industries. You’ll leave with both the critical thinking and project management skills sought by employers, and a portfolio of work that may include academic writing, professional reports, or creative media content.
Whether you aim to work in journalism, marketing, PR, digital content, broadcasting, or media research, this course equips you with the adaptability and expertise needed to thrive in fast-changing professional environments.
You'll graduate with: