Media, Culture and Communication BA (Hons)

Gain unique insight into cultural theory, mass communication, films, TV genres, and more. Get skilled in critical analysis and build your independent judgement. Build a foundation to launch your career in the media.

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Overview

This course explores and explains the diverse patterns of media and offers a comprehensive understanding of media power, media use, and the increasing significance of media in contemporary culture and society.

Engage with a mix of critical approaches including cultural studies, communication studies, film studies, and media studies. You'll also study a wide range of related topics including everyday life, popular culture, digital media cultures, cultural representation, and gender and ethnic identities and sexualities.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be guided and supported by our experts. You’ll work with academics at the Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies and study alongside scriptwriters, filmmakers, radio producers, and independent film producers. Many of the key books you'll learn from have been written by lecturers.

Gain a range of transferable skills including presentation skills, critical analysis, independent thinking, written and research skills, and the ability to work in groups and on your own. In your final year, you'll put your skills and knowledge into practice in a major independent research project.

Please note, we are only accepting applications for direct entry to Year 3.

Why us?

Our Media and Film Studies courses are 3rd in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Flexibility to choose from a dynamic range of modules covering topics such as science fiction, popular music, internet subcultures, gaming, and sexuality
Enrich your studies through activities such as cultural trips, visits, and experiences

Our support for independent learning is praised by our external examiners; you'll work towards a major piece of independent research in Year 3
With its emphasis on critical thinking, the degree provides an excellent basis for employment in a broad range of careers such as teaching, television, radio, journalism, marketing, and new media

#WeAreCreativeIndustries

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are ongoing assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning.

Assessment methods include essays, reports, written coursework, projects, and presentations.

Part-time study

If you study this course on a part-time basis, you'll typically complete 40-80 credits in a year, rather than the 120 credits of full-time students. All modules are taught during the day and you'll be studying alongside full-time students.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Core modules:

Introduction to Digital Media Cultures (20 credits)

Trace the evolution of digital media and its associated cultural phenomena by charting the emergence of the personal computer and the nascent internet as crucial forces in shaping contemporary communication practices. Investigate key debates and contribute to analyses of emergent behaviours and practices that take place within and across digital media and social media environments.

The Making of Popular Culture (20 credits)

Explore the historical development in the nineteenth century of modern urban popular culture, including the development of the culture industries of stage melodrama, Christmas, music hall, the seaside holiday, pastimes and the selling of sensationist crime. Examine the transition from rural to urban culture and the institutionalisation of the distinction between elite and popular culture and the development of popular literature and genres. Engage with a number of relevant case studies, both in class and as part of organised field trips to appropriate venues and locations.

Understanding Media and Culture (20 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the role and importance of media and culture in contemporary life. Gain knowledge of the historical development of the modern media landscape and culture industries and develop analytical and evaluative skills through examining media texts and cultural practices. Finish the module with skills of analysis, academic argument and understanding the operations of power.

Sounds and Visions: Broadcasting Histories, Texts and Contexts (20 credits)

Trace the evolution of broadcasting from its technological beginnings in the nineteenth century through its institutional birth in 1922. Explore significant historical, regulatory and institutional developments in relation to radio and television. Look at various broadcasting contexts, from the creation of public service models of broadcasting through to the arrival of commercial competitors, and at the relationship between various mediums and platforms and their respective audiences.

Optional modules (choose two):

Single Camera Production (20 credits)

Gain an introduction to the procedures and techniques of single camera video production. Learn the technical practices and creative skills required to produce a video. Originate, develop, script, shoot and edit a production of three minutes in length, working in a production crew.

Introduction to PR Theory and Practice (20 credits)

Gain an introduction to the theory and practice of public relations, enabling you to position PR within a business context. Trace the emergence and development of PR through analysis of case studies and theoretical models. Develop key skills in planning, strategy, team working, news release writing and communication skills across a range of media.

Essential Journalism (20 credits)

Learn role of the journalist and the range of practical skills needed to produce news, magazine and sports content, including research, newsgathering, interviewing, copy presentation and writing style.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core modules:

Cultural Theory and Popular Culture 1 (20 credits)

Examine different theoretical approaches and traditions involved in the study of popular culture and the analysis of texts and practices of popular culture. Learn about the most influential approaches to the study of popular culture including Marxism(s), psychoanalysis, postmodernism, and feminism, using relevant examples such as popular music, advertising, film, television, and consumption (shopping, football and fan culture).

Thinking Outside The Box: TV, Past, Present and Future (20 credits)

Gain an introduction to critical approaches to television studies. Focus on close textual analysis of television fiction and non-fiction programming, alongside discussion of industrial context and key theoretical debates. Study areas such as British and US industrial contexts; concepts of representation, ideology and globalisation; issues of genre (which may include case studies such as sitcom, soap and comedy); convergence; transmedia storytelling, content streaming, the place of the audience and the value of critical models such as authorship and quality, alongside central issues such as flow and public service broadcasting. Consider the cultural impact of television and evolving modes of consumption.

Interrogating Factual Media (20 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the role and importance of fact-based media output across multiple platforms, from broadcast content to diverse internet-based publishers. Gain analytical and evaluative skills through analyses of media discourses impacting upon public knowledge and the effective functioning of democracy while exploring a range of relevant contemporary topics and theories. Complete the module with a robust understanding of the interplay between the construction of media messaging, their communicative value and effectiveness, and the public’s response.

Researching Media in Theory and Practice (20 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the history and growth of media research and the importance of continuing to examine media use in contemporary life in the midst of rapid technological change. Gain knowledge of media research and ‘hands-on’ research skills through detailed case studies of past research into media use and a practical research project of your own or a placement should you wish to arrange one. Complete the module with a firm grasp of the complex relationships between ordinary media use and the formation of identities, beliefs and practices and gain useful, practical research and problem-solving skills.

Optional modules (choose two):

Practical Public Relations: Strategy and Theory (20 credits)

Build on the theoretical and practical foundation you developed in your first year to learn the key elements in the process of creating a PR strategy for a real-world client or employing organisation. Engage with a critical review of PR planning models and gain an understanding of the importance of research and the study of a variety of case studies. Learn about the importance of ethical codes that aim to guide practitioners in the minefield of modern-day PR practice.

Podcasting (20 credits)

Explore the key ideas behind the medium of podcasting and develop the practical and professional skills needed to produce your own podcast series.

Ready Player One: Operating within the Streaming Industry (20 credits)

Develop both a practical and critical understanding of one of the fastest growing media sectors in the 21st century: the livestreaming economy. Research the live streaming economy and create content for a unique product through a variety of pre-recorded and live stream videos. Complete the module with an understanding of the importance of the relationships between content creator and intended audience, effective branding and planning, as well as a critical awareness of ethical practices and broadcast regulations.

Year 3 (national level 6):

Core modules:

Media Research Project (40 credits)

Undertake a piece of independent-led work, the content of which will vary from student to student and will be based on theoretical or empirical approaches, or a combination of these. Complete the module with a specialist understanding of your chosen area of research.

Media and Society (20 credits)

Develop a critical understanding of the industrial links between Advertising and Branding and Quality Television Drama (and many other types of media) in terms of their historical development and production. Gain analytical and evaluative skills by examining the current issues and debates about the impact of media on society. Finish the module with a robust knowledge of the intertwined concerns of creating content, creating profit and the necessity for analysis of media output and industrial systems to maintain a healthy, democratic society.

Cultural Theory and Popular Culture 2 (20 credits)

Develop your own research project based on interest of a cultural text, practice or body of theoretical work. Undertake self-directed research, develop, and produce a piece of independent written work.

Optional modules (choose two):

Advanced Public Relations (20 credits)

Learn about the economic value of corporate reputation and goodwill along with the implications for corporate responsibility and community relations. Continue to develop your practical skills in a wide range of PR techniques, including speechwriting and acting as a spokesperson.

Film, Horror and the Body (20 credits)

Chart the emergence of body horror cinema in the late 20th century before proceeding to explore different historical and contemporary examples across a range of international contexts. Consider other filmic forms that feature the body undergoing changes that may be horrific or challenging but yet may not be considered to adhere to the horror genre. Employ ideas from both film studies and cultural studies and address questions of bodily fascination, from puberty and issues related to sexual desire through to explorations of bodily disgust and repulsion.

Popular Music Cultures (20 credits)

Chart the historical evolution of key popular musical genres and the cultures they both reflect and sustain. Focus primarily upon two of the largest markets that produced and shaped mainstream popular music since the 1950s, namely the US and the UK, but the success and impact of musicians from outside of these regions will also form the basis of analysis. Cover topics spanning multiple genres including rock, reggae, punk, rap, and dance music and explore the socio-political dimensions of the music. Produce two feature articles for an online music publication as part of your assessment alongside an end of module essay.

Loving The Alien: Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Television (20 credits)

Examine the historical roots of the science fiction, horror and fantasy genres, from its literary origins, through to its subsequent appearance on radio, film and more specifically television. Explore several key theoretical approaches to the study of the genre, including fan cultures, representation and dystopian/utopian futures. Cover a chronological overview of the genres, from the 1950s to the present day, exploring British and American science fiction and fantasy television.

Facilities

The David Puttnam Media Centre is a thriving place to study and experience media. Rub shoulders with BBC Newcastle and Tyne & Wear TV, who are both based in the building. Volunteer with award-winning Spark Sunderland, write for one of our suite of websites or edit Spark Magazine in our mediaHUB. Get hands on in TV and Radio Studios, Journalism and Digital editing suites. Learn from experts in this centre of excellence for training.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you in studying with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

If you're studying an HND or Foundation Degree, you may be able to enter the final year of our degree course. For more information, please contact studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*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.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

Career ready

This degree provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers in the media. Possible sectors include TV, radio, new media, journalism, marketing, PR, organisational communications, and advertising.

Our students have gained placements or graduate roles with employers such as BBC Radio 1, Capital FM, Channel 4, Heart FM, Metro Radio, Sky TV, BBC Sport, MTV, ITV Studios (Coronation Street), Talk Sport, The Guardian, Jamie Oliver Productions, Lime Pictures, Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 6 Music, I Daniel Blake, BBC World Service, regional newspapers, and PR companies.

You could choose to continue your studies on one of our master's degrees such as MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting or MA Public Relations.

Work placements

We actively encourage students to gain relevant work experience while at university. In every year of your course, you'll be guided and encouraged to gain meaningful experience that'll fit around your studies.

In Year 2, there's a work placement opportunity with a media organisation such as the BBC, Tyne Tees Television or one of the region’s production companies. You can also choose to undertake a number of practice modules that involve practical projects.

All students studying on-campus undergraduate media courses can take up a CV-enhancing work placement, a University-led industry initiative, or a professional and business development boot camp. By the term placement, we mean we're offering you a taste of the industry which might last anything from two days to four weeks on a part-time basis.

Practical experience

Many students get involved in Spark Sunderland, a community radio station based at the University. Students are responsible for all news-gathering, programme production, and advertising. Spark has won many awards including four golds at the Student Radio Awards 2012, and holds the Nations and Regions Award for Best Radio Station in the North East.

Work alongside BBC Newcastle Journalists in our mediaHUB, home to student-run websites covering sport, news, entertainment, fashion, and Spark online magazine.

Sunderland's daily newspaper, The Sunderland Echo, has a weekly page called 'On Campus' that is written entirely by students at the University. It’s an opportunity to find and research your own stories, take photographs, meet deadlines, and see your name in print.

Throughout the course, we invite guest speakers to run workshops and masterclasses that allow you to relate your learning to real-life opportunities.

Meet the students

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries.

Page last updated: 03 December 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Overview

Why us?

#WeAreCreativeIndustries

Course structure

Part-time study

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Core modules:

Introduction to Digital Media Cultures (20 credits)

The Making of Popular Culture (20 credits)

Understanding Media and Culture (20 credits)

Sounds and Visions: Broadcasting Histories, Texts and Contexts (20 credits)

Optional modules (choose two):

Single Camera Production (20 credits)

Introduction to PR Theory and Practice (20 credits)

Essential Journalism (20 credits)

Year 2 (national level 5):

Core modules:

Cultural Theory and Popular Culture 1 (20 credits)

Thinking Outside The Box: TV, Past, Present and Future (20 credits)

Interrogating Factual Media (20 credits)

Researching Media in Theory and Practice (20 credits)

Optional modules (choose two):

Practical Public Relations: Strategy and Theory (20 credits)

Podcasting (20 credits)

Ready Player One: Operating within the Streaming Industry (20 credits)

Year 3 (national level 6):

Core modules:

Media Research Project (40 credits)

Media and Society (20 credits)

Cultural Theory and Popular Culture 2 (20 credits)

Optional modules (choose two):

Advanced Public Relations (20 credits)

Film, Horror and the Body (20 credits)

Popular Music Cultures (20 credits)

Loving The Alien: Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Television (20 credits)

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Work placements

Practical experience

Meet the students

Meet the team — BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communication

Related courses

Contact