Society, Culture and Media

Society, Culture and Media at the University of East Anglia offers an interdisciplinary degree that explores the complex relationships between society, cultural practices, and media technologies. This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how media influence social identities, cultural norms, political processes, and everyday life. Students will engage with a wide range of critical perspectives, including sociology, media studies, cultural theory, and communication analysis, enabling them to develop a nuanced grasp of contemporary social issues and media phenomena.

Throughout the course, learners will examine topics such as media representation and identity, the impact of digital technology on society, popular culture’s role in shaping social values, and the dynamics of power and ideology in media contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical skills, encouraging students to critically analyze media content, conduct research, and produce media outputs. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the role of media in social change and exploring issues such as diversity, inequality, and media ethics.

Students will have opportunities to participate in workshops, media productions, and research projects, fostering both academic and practical competencies. The programme also provides pathways for work experience and internships, helping students to apply their knowledge in real-world environments and prepare for careers in media, communications, cultural industries, or further academic study. Faculty members are active researchers in their fields, offering expert guidance and up-to-date insights on current media and societal trends.

Graduates of the Society, Culture and Media programme are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths, including journalism, public relations, media analysis, cultural consultancy, or further postgraduate study. The University of East Anglia’s vibrant academic community and extensive resources support students in expanding their academic and professional horizons. With a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility, this programme aims to produce graduates who are insightful, informed, and capable of engaging thoughtfully with the rapidly evolving media landscape and societal challenges.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14430 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £12,300

Course Content

Year One

In Year One, as subsequently, language modules make up the compulsory component of the programme. You then have scope to choose from a range of options which normally include: Study, Research and Communication Skills; Language, Culture and Interpersonal Communication; Media Culture, Media Power; Interrogating Culture; and Discourse and Power.

Year Two

Core honours language study makes up at least one third of your study for the remaining two years spent at UEA, more if you are studying two languages to Honours level. In Year Two, you also have the compulsory module Translation Issues in the Media. For your remaining study, you choose two modules from a wide range of options which normally include a translation/intercultural communication strand – Translation and Adaptation, Subtitling and Dubbing, Translation Work Experience or Intercultural Communication in Practice, for example; a cultural strand and a media strand – The Construction of News, Cultural Theory and Analysis, Publishing, and The Economics of Film and TV, The Media and Identity World Cinemas. There is also one module of free choice.

The Year Abroad

Year Three is spent in a country where your Honours language is spoken. For further information, please click on the Study Abroad tab above.

Final Year

In your Final Year, alongside your core Honours language study, you take a further Translation module and choose from modules such as Interpreting, Translation Theory and Practice, Subtitling and Dubbing, Politics and Popular Culture, World Cinemas, Translation Work Experience, Intercultural Communication in Practice, Multiculturalism, Analysing Media Discourse, Publishing, and Language and Society..

Your choice of options is made in consultation with your Adviser, who will ensure that it not only reflects your interests, but that it is also academically coherent.

Honours Language Work

In each year, you have on average 8 contact-hours per week in your Honours language (more if you study Spanish or Japanese from beginners level). The Honours language teaching is closely related to the study of contemporary society in the country (or countries) where your Honours language is spoken and your experience of learning language at UEA will include a combination of lectures, seminars and conversation classes. It will cover grammar, translation from and into Spanish or Japanese, reading and listening comprehension, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, lexical exercises and oral work. You will also spend a significant proportion of time working independently using subject-oriented teaching dossiers, radio, TV, films, transcripts, newspapers and online resources while keeping abreast of current affairs and cultural life at home and abroad. Our Language Centre has a digital language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, an interpreting suite for advanced language training, live satellite television broadcasts, a large, multi-media self-access resources room with a wide range of DVDs and reference books, up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.
You will acquire specific expertise in the traditional language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as transferable skills such as time management, self-discipline and self-motivation, intercultural awareness, flexibility and resourcefulness, mediation skills, IT literacy and teamwork.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32
• Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB
• Access Course: Please contact the University for further information.
• HND: Please contact the University for further information.
• European Baccalaureate: 75%

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
• PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The School does not currently interview all applicants for undergraduate entry as standard, however we do offer the opportunity to meet with an academic individually on a Visit Day in order to gain a deeper insight into the course(s) you have applied for.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.

Deferred Entry

We also welcome applications for deferred entry, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

It is generally expected that you should have at least a Grade B at A Level, or its equivalent, in the language or languages that you intend to take at honours level.

In the case of Spanish or Japanese studied from Beginners' or Spanish, French or Japanese from post-GCSE level, we require evidence of foreign language learning ability, such as a good grade in a foreign language at GCSE.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

If you have alternative qualifications that have not been mentioned above then please contact the University directly for further information.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at Grade C or above at GCSE level.

Assessment

For the majority of candidates the most important factors in assessing the application will be past and future achievement in examinations, academic interest in the subject being applied for, personal interest and extra-curricular activities and the confidential reference. We consider applicants as individuals and accept students from a very wide range of educational backgrounds and spend time considering your application in order to reach an informed decision relating your application. Typical offers are indicated above. Please note, there may be additional subject entry requirements specific to individual degree courses.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

The Society, Culture and Media program at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive exploration of contemporary social issues, cultural practices, and media processes. This interdisciplinary course is designed to equip students with critical skills for analyzing the complex relationships between society, culture, and media in a rapidly changing world. The program combines theoretical frameworks with practical insights, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of media industries, cultural identities, and social inequalities. Throughout the course, students engage with diverse topics such as communication theories, media ethics, political communication, global cultural flows, and digital media. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities, preparing graduates for careers in media production, journalism, public relations, cultural management, or further academic study. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and strong links with industry professionals provide students with valuable internship and networking opportunities. Academic staff are experienced researchers and practitioners who facilitate an engaging learning environment. The program also encourages students to undertake independent research projects, participate in seminars, and collaborate with peers on various media-related initiatives. Graduates of the Society, Culture and Media program are well-positioned to contribute effectively to contemporary media and cultural sectors, armed with a solid foundation in both theory and practice. The university supports student development through dedicated academic mentoring, career advice, and access to a vibrant campus community, ensuring an enriching educational experience that prepares students for diverse professional paths or postgraduate study in related fields.