Top Ten UK Universities to Study Media and Journalism

The United Kingdom can be your choice destination for your media and communication degree. The course in the UK universities covers a wide variety of topics and subjects. This will help you develop a holistic view.  The programs give equal focus to both theory and practical knowledge. The modules cover subjects like TV and radio production, photo editing, linguistics or cultural studies.

Students must select a specialization in the second and third years. Some students even get placement opportunities after the course.

What are the career options after completing the course?

Graduates can explore career options in television, radio, advertising, film, journalism, research etc. The comprehensive nature of the courses prepares students for employment in almost every sector connected with media and communication.

General entry requirements for media and communication courses in the UK:

• International Baccalaureate requirements: 32 points
• A-levels requirements: ABB
• IELTS requirements: 6.5

Here is a list of the ten best universities for media and communication in the UK. The ranking is based on information from The Complete University Guide, an independent site that provides information on universities including course, fees, accommodation etc. to help students choose the right university.

The ranking of universities is based on factors like career prospects of graduates, entry requirements, feedback from students etc.

1. University of Sheffield:

The course structure is diverse in this three- year course. In the first year, students learn about creating news stories, how to source for information and using quotes from sources.

In the second year, the course covers media laws and court reporting. They can take up optional modules on topics like investigative and political journalism. In the final year, students learn about topics such as free speech, censorship or television production.

This course has accreditation from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and Professional Publishers Association. Graduates have found employment in organizations such as Sky News, Bloomberg and the Guardian.

USP: Students can do part of their degree at one of Sheffield’s partner universities in Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. 

2. Leeds University:

The degree course focuses on the relationship between journalism and politics. Students are encouraged to develop investigative skills using data analysis. They get training in media skills such as blogging, digital production, TV, radio etc.  Students receive practical training in TV, radio and digital production and multimedia skills such as live blogging and mobile videos. The degree has accreditation from the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

USP: Students get to use facilities such as digital cameras and a full range of Adobe production tools.

3. Newcastle University:

During the first two years, students will have to complete compulsory modules on topics like media law and ethics, social and cultural studies. The university offers optional modules in reporting and public relations. The university also has a weekly newspaper 'The Courier' to help students develop their writing and broadcasting skills.

USP:  Students can apply for a work placement for 9 to 12 months between the second and third year

4. Loughborough University:

The BSc Media and Communication course cover historical and contemporary development in print, broadcasting, film, advertising and digital media. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and independent study.

USP:  Students have the option to either take a placement year for a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or they can study abroad for a Diploma in International Studies (DIntS).

5. Cardiff University:

 The course offers compulsory and optional modules on topics that include data journalism. During the course, students must create print and digital portfolios and practice their writing skills in both online and offline media.

USP:  The institution has a close relationship with national media organizations such as BBC Wales and Media Wales.

6. Nottingham Trent University:

In this course, students are trained in traditional reporting skills. They are also given training on multimedia skills which include creating content for videos and social media. They are given training in media platforms such as newspapers, magazines and broadcast media. Students can also pursue topics like sports journalism.

USP: The degree has accreditation from the NCTJ.

7. Swansea University:

The university offers media and communications courses such as Law and Media and Public Relations and Media. Students can learn about radio and video production and digital and social media from industry professionals

USP: Students are encouraged to gain insight about media and communication by attending the study abroad semesters in countries such as Hong Kong and the US.

8. Lancaster University:

The Media and Cultural Studies program offered here equips students for a career in sectors like advertising, marketing and journalism. The degree gives students flexible options to study subjects such as film studies and Social Media Activism.

USP: Students can use the Digital Media Studio to hone their visual storytelling skills and can experiment with audio podcasts, digital ethnography etc.

9. Strathclyde University:

In this course, students are given training in areas of journalism and reporting. They have the option to combine their degree with other subjects such as Spanish, economics, and law. Students here learn the basics of journalism and reporting throughout the course.

USP: For certain combined degrees, students can opt for international research placements.

10. Southampton University:

This university offers courses in film studies- Film and Philosophy and Film and Philosophy with a year abroad. The course covers cinematic theory and modules on specific film categories such as horror and sci-fi.

USP: Students have the option to pursue topics such as European film, cinematography and screenwriting.

If you want to pursue a course in media and communication in the UK, you can do it from any one of these top ten universities.

If you are not sure about the admission process and requirements to study abroad, consult an immigration consultant for valuable advice.