• Undergraduate

Media and Communications BA (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London?
  • Our media course was ranked #1 in London for overall student satisfaction in this year's NSS
  • UWL is the top London modern university for Communication and Media Studies, Complete University Guide 2024
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Our Media and Communications degree is a dynamic and constantly evolving course that will suit anyone interested in being part of the creative industries.

You can choose from a broad range of subjects, and cater to your particular interests – and whatever you focus on, we’ll give you practical industry-standard skills, underpinned by critical knowledge and creativity. 

Come and study with us on a course that allows you to choose your own specialisation from a diverse range of options, all taught by experts in their fields. Develop your thinking and making skills and graduate with an incredibly versatile set of attributes - ready for a wide range of jobs in the media.

On this course, you will cover areas such as:

  • video & audio production, advanced production
  • ethical and philosophical media debates
  • advertising, documentaries, social media
  • audiovisual essays and writing/presenting
  • screenwriting and multimedia content 
  • live radio and TV production
  • media theories of AI, fake news, technology
  • experimental sound and graphics
  • creative entrepreneurship and industry placements.

If you’re interested in making, thinking about, producing, analysing, adapting, writing, watching and discussing media then this course is for you! Come to an open day to see our modern facilities and chat with our course team of specialist researchers and experienced practitioners.

See what our current students are producing by following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Mixcloud and Instagram.

View some of our students' recent work.

A group of students study around a table

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Media and Communications with us?

Why study Media and Communications with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

Work experience was extremely beneficial in giving me invaluable experience outside of a classroom environment. You can read all the text books you want, but nothing substitutes for actually learning first hand.

Michael Panter
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Our library contains e-books, TV and cinema reels, music, podcasts and an image database.
Audio student practices in one of UWL's radio studios
Industry focused teaching
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The curriculum is organised around unifying blocks. In each semester you can focus on developing your craft and critical skills on a specific theme/format, without feeling dispersed among many unrelated assessments.

The course features two customisable pathways - halfway through your studies, you have the opportunity to choose either the Media Production strand or the Media Studies strand. 

Real industry work experience is guaranteed. Whatever the pathway you choose, there is a minimum of 40 hours of industry work placement, facilitated by the school's Placements team.

To ensure a top-notch learning experience, you have access to industry-standard studios, facilities and equipment (that you can book out!) to develop your projects.

You can learn from a diverse group of established media practitioners and researchers in the field of Media and Communications. Take advantage of their practical and theoretical knowledge and professional links in the UK and abroad.

On top of all this, the University of West London is a great place to study. Our campus is located in the heart of London’s media centre, close to two tube stations in the beautiful borough of Ealing.

Compulsory modules

  • Media and Communications: Theories and Debates

    In this module you will be introduced to the key theories, concepts and debates about the relationships between media forms, institutions and audiences. Some of the key themes covered in the module include representation, institutions, audiences and effects. The media forms studied will be drawn from film, broadcasting, photography, advertising, the internet and the printed press. 

  • Video Documentary Production

    This is an intensely practical module, which lays the foundation for video work later in L4, and in modules at L5 and L6, as well as for future employability. You will learn the basics of filming, including camera operation, lighting, and recording sound. You will also learn the basics of editing, including sound mixing for video, structuring and scripting, and how to research stories for video.

  • Introduction to Media Ethics

    This module is an introduction to the field of media ethics and its repercussion in terms of policies and laws. You will critically analyse and participate on a range of historical and topical debates in the areas of policy and ethics in the field of media and communications, such as ‘freedom of speech’, ‘fake news’, ‘the role of the state’, ‘civil society’ and ‘digital citizenship’.

  • Video Production

    Learn the basics of video production and film grammar, developing your skills as a filmmaker. Using hands-on exercises, you will learn photography, video, lighting, sound and scriptwriting.

  • Live Radio Production

    This practical module will provide a foundation of live radio production skills. The module will take you through a range of radio aspects that are both behind the mic and production focused.

  • Podcasting

    Dive into the world of audio production and storytelling through podcasts. Enhance your voiceover skills, audio recording, sound design and web design/publishing skills.

During Year 2, you will complete the listed compulsory modules and one optional module.

Additionally, you will choose ONE course pathway - either Media Production OR Media Studies - to follow until the end of the course.

Each pathway contains two compulsory modules and a choice of one optional module. See below for more information.

Compulsory modules

  • Industry Experience

    The aims of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to:

    • identify potential professional opportunities and goals

    • develop the skills and personal networks to make effective applications

    • develop a real-life understanding of contemporary industry/organisational practice

    • identify core competencies to support your future career

    • cultivate a critical understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in a work-based situation

    • develop your online professional presence and add elements to your portfolio of practical work (while refreshing key production skills).

  • Integrated Marketing Campaigns

  • Media Production Pathway - Year 2

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Audio Documentary
    • Media Content Production

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Worldbuilding
    • Critical Approaches to Digital and Social Media

  • Media Studies Pathway - Year 2

    Media Studies Pathway

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Worldbuilding
    • Critical Approaches to Digital and Social Media

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Audio Documentary
    • Screenwriting
    • Media Content Production

Optional modules

  • Research, Data and Insight

    On this module you will learn how to deliver creative strategy that is rooted in insight from common types of consumer research. These include qualitative and quantitative data, consumer research, data presentation, data-led decision-making, USP, advertising objectives, target audience, strategy, proposition, tone of voice, and reach.

  • Visual Media Cultures

During Year 3, you will continue with your chosen pathway of either Media Production OR Media Studies from Year 2. Please open the respective module below for more information.

Compulsory modules

  • Media Production Pathway - Year 3

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Media Project (major)
    • Research Project
    • Creative Entrepreneurship
    • Video Essays

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Experimental Communications
    • Experimental Sound

  • Media Studies Pathway - Year 3

    Media Studies Pathway

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Dissertation (Media)
    • Media Project (Minor)
    • Bodies, Identities, Futures
    • Video Essays

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Creative Entrepreneurship
    • Media Philosophy
Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

 

Looking for BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BA (Hons) Media and Communications with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for students in the fields of film, media and design are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A man helping someone on a Mac whilst a photo shoot takes place in the background

Once you graduate you could go on to work in:

  • film
  • television
  • radio
  • advertising
  • journalism
  • public relations
  • literary agencies
  • publishing.

You may decide to specialise in a related area or explore a new subject. Please see our postgraduate courses for a range of options.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Media and Communications Studio Production Project

Green Screen TV Studio

UWL Media and Communications students engaging in green-screen filming within the television studio.

ARTSFEST

A college of student work.

Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Film, Media and Communication ARTSFEST page.

Find out more

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.