Media, Culture and Society

The BA Media, Culture and Society at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which media and cultural practices shape and reflect society. This interdisciplinary degree provides students with a deep understanding of contemporary media landscapes, including digital media, television, film, print, and emerging communication technologies. Throughout the course, students critically analyze the social, political, and economic impacts of media industries and explore issues such as representation, identity, power, and influence within various cultural contexts.

The programme covers a broad spectrum of topics, including media theory, cultural studies, political communication, and media production. Students develop essential skills in media analysis, research methods, and digital media production, allowing them to critically evaluate media messages and create their own content. The coursework involves a mix of lectures, seminars, practical projects, and independent research, encouraging active engagement and critical thinking.

Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as media and communication, cultural analysis, or media industries, tailoring their studies to align with personal interests and career aspirations. The programme emphasizes the importance of understanding media's role in contemporary society and prepares graduates for careers in media production, journalism, public relations, cultural management, and related fields.

The university's vibrant academic community and state-of-the-art facilities provide an enriching environment for learning. Additionally, students benefit from guest lectures, industry placements, and collaborative projects that connect academic insights with real-world applications. Upon completing the degree, graduates are equipped with the knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience to excel in diverse media and cultural sectors. This programme fosters critical awareness and creativity, empowering students to become informed and engaged participants in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

In your first year all your modules are compulsory. For BA Media, Culture and Society your optional modules can be chosen from within our Department of Sociology in your second and third year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
During your second and third year you will have 90 credits of compulsory modules and you will take a further 30 credits of optional modules. In your final year you will write a dissertation worth 30 credits as part of your compulsory element.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Media, Culture and Society;
Sociology and the Modern World;
Researching Social Life 1; and
Introduction to Film

Year 2

New Media and Contemporary Cultural Change;
Continuity and Controversy in Sociology;
Researching Social Life 2; and
one media studies option

Year 3

Mass Media and Modern Life;
Current Disputes in Sociology;
Research Project; and
one sociology or media option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

Media, Culture and Society at the University of Essex offers an in-depth exploration of the interconnected worlds of media, cultural practices, and societal structures. The programme is designed to develop students’ critical understanding of how media shape social identities, influence political processes, and reflect cultural values. It combines theoretical approaches with practical analysis, encouraging students to examine contemporary media forms such as digital platforms, television, film, and print media, alongside cultural phenomena and societal trends.

The curriculum covers key areas including media theory, cultural studies, communication processes, and the social impacts of media technologies. Students will analyze message construction, audience reception, media regulation, and the role of media in democracy and social change. This programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, drawing on sociology, anthropology, politics, and media studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of media's role in society.

Students benefit from the university’s strong links with media industries and cultural institutions, enabling opportunities for work placements, internships, and collaborative projects. The programme incorporates the use of current media technologies and encourages critical engagement with digital and social media platforms, preparing graduates for careers in media production, journalism, policy analysis, and academic research.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical assignments, fostering a vibrant learning environment. The programme also promotes research skills, critical thinking, and effective communication, equipping students with the ability to analyze complex media issues critically. Assessment methods vary and include essays, presentations, exams, and media projects.

Graduates of Media, Culture and Society are well-positioned for diverse careers in media organizations, cultural institutions, governmental agencies, or to pursue further academic research at postgraduate level. The programme’s focus on contemporary media issues and societal challenges ensures that students develop relevant, transferable skills aligned with current industry and academic demands.

Overall, the programme aims to produce informed, reflective, and adaptable graduates capable of engaging with the media landscape's evolving challenges and opportunities. It is suitable for students passionate about understanding the power of media and culture in shaping societal developments and seeking to contribute meaningfully to media and cultural discourses.