Media and Communication, BA (Hons)

Study Media and Communication and Learn Practical Skills for a Career

Students broadcasting

Course Overview

In a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, media literacy is essential, not only for understanding the world around us but for actively shaping it.

Our BA in Media and Communication offers a dynamic blend of critical theory, hands-on experience and forward thinking that will equip you with the skills to analyse, create, and innovate across journalism, public relations, digital media, and film.

This programme embeds critical thinking, media literacy, and research-led learning from the outset. You’ll benefit from expert-led teaching, that’s directly related to cutting-edge media research, delivered alongside real-world projects, authentic assessments and a suite of innovative practice modules that reflect industry practice.

Our BA in Media and Communication ensures you are both critically informed and practically skilled, ensuring you graduate with the essential skills to become an adaptable, reflective media professional ready to navigate and contribute to the fast-changing media landscape.

Through the study of concepts such as media history and identity, algorithmic bias and the digital political economy, you’ll gain a critical understanding of how media transforms societies and influences everyday life.

Why Media and Communication at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula;

Media and Communication at Swansea is ranked:
•    2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026) 
•    5th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*
•    5th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
•    16th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026)

*Media Studies, based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

We pride ourselves in preparing you for life beyond university. We are able to do this by using our connections to industry, and our emphasis on the particular interpersonal skills that our industry panel identify as key within their recruitment processes.

Your Media and Communication Experience

Through our varied and highly flexible programme, you can tailor your studies to your interests and align with your career goals.

Our programme has a vast range of optional modules for you to choose from. You can select topics including creative media practice, film studies, including analysis and production, digital and social media, fiction writing, journalism and public relations. 

The programme also includes the opportunity to study a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry. A Year Abroad allows you to hone your intercultural awareness, developing your skills in relation to international journalism and content creation.

The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas, giving you valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid placements, with an average salary of £20,000+. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with several organisations who provide a range of opportunities. If you choose to pursue a Year in Industry, you will be supported throughout the application journey with advice, guidance, and resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of study, you will be able to transfer onto the equivalent 3-year degree programme.

Media and Communication Employment Opportunities

The Department's close links to a variety of media and communications organisations means that we are in the position to offer a wide range of work experience opportunities and internships to you across all levels of study. We regularly get requests from local organisations offering paid and voluntary work placements, where employers need well-equipped students in a short-term communications role.

In addition, in the third year, you can enrol on our credit-bearing internship module, where you will undertake 50 hours of work-placement in a variety of communications roles, including Welsh-medium work environments where suitable.

This proactive approach to employability helps to ensure that our graduates can develop an impressive CV. Additionally, internships can provide you with the opportunity to apply theory studied in lectures to real-world situations, while also providing valuable opportunities to network with professionals, mentors, and potential future colleagues; connections which have led to full-time job offers or recommendations for our graduates.

Our graduates are truly international and have been employed around the world, with careers in:

  • Media
  • Communications
  • Business
  • Public Relations and Marketing
  • Digital Marketing
  • TV and Radio
  • Publishing

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBC

Media and Communication, BA (Hons)

Media and Communication with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Media and Communication with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)