Media and Communications BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Three students sitting in front of a big screen tv with macbooks

Dive into today’s media landscape by developing storytelling, media theory and practical skills in journalism, PR, digital media and live projects, supporting your progression into a range of creative industries.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

P910

Start date

September 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2025-26 entry and should be used as guidance for 2026-27 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Ready to shape the future of media? This course offers an exciting gateway into the world of media and communications. Create content, challenge the norm and bring your ideas to life through hands-on projects and practical studio work.  

Ethical analysis of media: critique communication, media theory, and the creative sectors through detailed analysis and the application of new ideas, all approached with an ethical mindset.
Hands-on media experience: challenge established approaches to industry practice by engaging in real-world projects and hands-on experience in the contemporary media and communications landscape.²
Create content with impact: engage global audiences and create new knowledge and ways of thinking to deliver your message with purpose and power.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Project-based learning: develop skills valued by employers through practical, real-world assessments that go beyond traditional essays to prepare for the evolving needs of employers in the media and creative industries.
Turn passion into professional impact: channel your interests, whether in content creation, storytelling or media activism, into meaningful work that resonates with audiences and drives change.
Create media that matters: produce compelling digital, video, audio and social media content with real-world relevance and impact, gaining hands-on experience in a studio-style environment.⁴
Critically rethink media and culture: learn to analyse, question and reshape the media you consume—challenging narratives, exploring cultural trends and addressing ethical questions from AI to global news.
Join a legacy of innovation: study an established media course—continually updated to stay ahead of trends—while joining a legacy of graduates thriving across journalism, film, marketing and digital media.
Develop highly valued skills: reflecting the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving and powerful presentation and listening skills.

No.5

for Media and Film Studies

Guardian University Guide 2024

Tom's placement year with video game giants Electronic Arts

Third-year Media and Communications student Tom talks about his placement year with EA Games Guildford, and how Coventry University helped him along the way.

Read his story

Graduate Showcase 2025

Check out what our School of Arts and Creative Industries students produced for their final projects to showcase at Coventry University's Graduate Festival.

Attended by hundreds of industry professionals, family and friends, across multiple weeks, our students' work was showcased at our very own Phoenix Film Festival, live performances from our theatre and music students and an on-campus exhibition.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

Journalism BA (Hons)
Media and Communications BA (Hons)

In your first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and final years to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

Multiplatform Skills in the Digital Age – 30 credits

Gain hands-on experience using specialist audio, video and online technologies. Learn how stories are told and how news is gathered, analyse and produce media content and assess sources to learn how narratives shape public discourse and engage communities. You will have the opportunity to apply skills to real-world projects that support the UN's sustainability goals.

Compulsory

The Power to Influence: Media and Responsibility – 30 credits

This module explores unseen local and global forces shaping news, media content and landscapes. It investigates how these influence public opinion and behaviour alongside cultural trends, narratives and political discourses. By examining the intersection of media, technology, law and ethics, you should understand the mechanics of media influence in contemporary society through a hands-on project.

Compulsory

Creating Stories: Narratives and Communities – 30 credits

Develop your storytelling skills across various platforms, with a focus on creating news and communications content tailored to specific audiences. You will have the opportunity to explore the themes and issues affecting diverse communities through the development of practical media projects, while exploring how societal narratives around diversity and cultural identity are shaped. Learn to craft meaningful, audience-driven content that reflects real-world issues. d understand the mechanics of media influence in contemporary society through a hands-on project.

Compulsory

Digital Tribes: Understanding Audiences – 30 credits

This module explores active online communities, both local and global, and examines how digital tribes form, interact and influence culture. It gives you the opportunity to understand digital audiences, online engagement, and influencer cultures within a media landscape increasingly shaped by personalisation and user-driven content. You will be introduced to media audience research methods as you design and create a real-world project.

Compulsory

In your second year, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen.

You will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: careers in the industry, new technologies, and the world of public relations, amongst others.

Modules

Content Creation and Cultural Contexts – 30 credits

Explore the intersection of culture, identity, creative innovation and the economy of media in the fast-moving digital landscape. Examine how digital platforms are influenced by algorithms, content trends and consumption. Through impactful projects and critical reflection on cultural and societal contexts, critically address strategies for engaging diverse audiences using emerging technologies. 

Drawing from areas such as critical theory, cultural studies and digital media ecologies, consider topics, including cultural representation, digital identity and creative approaches to media innovation. Examine the broader implications of digital disruption and innovation.

Compulsory

Influencers and Brands:  Digital Media Making – 30 credits

Explore how content creators, influencers, and brands work together to shape digital culture, build communities and drive trends. Learn how to create engaging content across platforms, with a focus on social media, branding, and online identity. Study digital strategies, key theories, and emerging trends like viral content, meme culture and user-generated media to understand the fast-changing world of online communication.

Compulsory

Networking, Professionalism and Self-branding in the Media – 30 credits

Build your employability for a fast-changing media industry by developing professional skills, networking, and exploring career paths in media, journalism and communications. Learn how to create effective CVs, portfolios and LinkedIn profiles, while also focusing on self-management and reflection to support your career growth.

Compulsory

ScreenLab: Visual Storytelling – 30 credits

Explore evolving relationships between screen cultures, visual storytelling and society. Engage with key approaches to the investigation of narrative techniques, audio-visual language and cultural representation. Examine film language, cinematic techniques, narrative construction and unconventional storytelling formats through innovative digital interfaces, including screenlife and other emerging digital forms.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This moduler² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Your final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from your first and second year. Your studies could culminate in a dissertation, the production of a documentary film, or by launching a curated exhibition based on your independent research of an area of interest to you.

You will have the opportunity to choose between two specialist modules, ‘Global Networks and Communities’ and ‘Political Communication’ to total 120 credits in your final year.

Modules

Media Trendspotting: Research Tools and Tactics – 30 credits

Impact: Media Campaigning and Activism – 30 credits

Develop skills to design and deliver media campaigns that drive social change. Study effective tactics used by charities, NGOs, and activists to raise awareness and influence public opinion. Explore the history, ethics, and challenges of media activism while learning how to create powerful messages and evaluate campaign impact.

Compulsory

Persuasion: Public Relations and Marketing – 30 credits

Learn key public relations and marketing skills through live projects that create real-world impact. Explore how to shape public perception, manage crises and build brand awareness. Develop storytelling, content creation, and campaign planning skills, while understanding audiences, using media tools, and reflecting on ethics.

Compulsory

The Futures of the Creative Industries – 30 credits

Explore how new technologies and trends are reshaping media production, consumption, and careers in the creative industries. Through practical projects and global case studies, you’ll gain real-world experience and deeper insight into evolving industry practices. Develop your personal brand, portfolio and creative identity, and learn how to present your work confidently to prepare for diverse future career paths.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching methods may include: 

scenario-based learning 
collaborative workshops 
guest speakers, creative brainstorming  
skills sessions 
one to one tutorial guidance.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course is assessed using methods that vary by module. Assessment methods may include: 

interactive digital essays 
podcasts 
viral video challenges 
collaborative public facing projects 
real world field assignments 
immersive simulations  
written critiques 
industry mapping 
articles and news content 
social media marketing campaigns.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Our course is designed to reflect the increasingly international context of media and culture; this is reflected strongly in the course curriculum. Modules such as ‘Living in the Digital World’ heavily embed a specific attention to global issues both in terms of approached topics, international seminars and field activities.

We aim to provide a field trip² in the first year which will be in the UK (subject to availability costs of trip are included within course fees) and an international field trip² in either the second or final years, subject to availability, meeting visa requirements and additional costs both of which are reviewed annually to ensure the choices are both timely and in response to previous student experiences. Recent field trips have included: Reykjavik, Oslo, Berlin, Aarhus, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Prague and Geneva. Our course field trip projects involve researching real life case studies touching upon a wide range of creative industries, screen and digital media related issues, documenting and reflecting on the research and finally creating both a presentation event as well as crafting a media artefact.

Please note that all UK and international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You may be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Coventry University has invested in modern arts facilities with Ellen Terry, Delia Derbyshire and the Tank forming your primary learning locations⁴. All within a minute's walk of each other in the city centre you will have access to purpose built studios and a well-stocked Media Loan Shop. Here you can borrow an extensive range of specialist, professional equipment, including 4K and HD video cameras, DSLR cameras, tripods, audio equipment and lighting. Kit within the Media Loan Shop is allocated on a first come first served basis via the booking system which you will get to know well!

Two male students presenting in a TV studio to a camera in the foreground.

Television Studio

You’ll have access to our on-site television studio The Tank, offering specialist equipment such as large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre-optic wiring throughout.

Male student setting up a photography light in a studio.

Photography Suite

This specialist facility is available to media students to take and process photos in a professional environment. There is also support for printing, high-end scanning and film processing.

Exterior front of the Ellen Terry building.

Media Loan Shop

Our media loan shop provides you with access to the equipment and support you need to excel in your studies – from basic audio recorders to professional cameras and expert advice from our technicians.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Social media manager 
Content strategist 
Digital marketing specialist 
Brand storyteller 
Copywriter / Scriptwriter 
Digital content designer 
Visual content producer 
Digital journalist  
Influencer/Vlogger 
Community outreach coordinator 
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officer 
Event planner 
Campaign manager (for advocacy or political causes) 
Public relations officer 
Corporate communications specialist 
Crisis communications advisor
Media relations coordinator
Nonprofit communications officer.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Further study

There is also the chance to go onto master’s level study upon successful completion of your undergraduate degree.

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
AHU085

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and membershipsons

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Media and Communications BA (Hons)

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Tom's placement year with video game giants Electronic Arts

Graduate Showcase 2025

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Portfolio

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

Portfolio

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

Television Studio

Photography Suite

Media Loan Shop

Careers and opportunities

Further study

Discover Phoenix+

How to apply

You may also like

Browse Media and Journalism courses

Media Production BA (Hons)

Journalism BA (Hons)

Digital Media BA (Hons)

Your next steps

Discover Uni stats