BA (Hons) Media, Culture, Communication Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University
BA (Hons) Media, Culture, Communication at LJMU. You'll engage with core theory and research methods alongside applied practice, working with real media projects, analysing cultural texts, and developing professional communication skills.
About this course
Explore hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at LJMU. One course is all it takes to shape your future. Find yours and apply today. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Media, Culture, Communication is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at LJMU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Media studies graduates from this provider, typical earnings around £24,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Media & Communications, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 4 modules
- Preparing for Academic SuccessCore30 credits
Module details
This module provides you with the integrated skills required for academic success. It will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the terminology and expectations associated with higher education study and you will learn to identify, understand and demonstrate academic research, writing and referencing techniques.
- Investigating LiverpoolCore30 credits
Module details
This module will provide you with the necessary skills to develop a Liverpool focussed research project from your subject perspective. You will identify and locate relevant source material; outline how this source material can be used as a foundation for your research project and write a coherent piece of academic work which evidences understanding of Liverpool.
- War: Conflict in the Humanities and Social SciencesCore30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to key themes and perspectives in Humanities and Social Science through the cross disciplinary study of representations of, and responses to, war. It will include regular assessment tasks in order to support a structured approach to learning.
- Peace: the Pursuit of Harmony in Humanities and Social ScienceCore30 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop your understandings of society at peace through a multi-disciplinary approach in humanities and social science. The assessment tasks will enable you to focus on a subject area which will facilitate your selection of a pathway for Level 4.
Year 1 6 modules
- Media TextsCore20 credits
Module details
This module will enable you to analyse the social, cultural and political importance of the mass media in precise ways. Centrally positioned as leisure resources and tools of citizenship, the media have a major impact on how we understand our world, ourselves and other people.
- Media Institutions and AudiencesCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the study of the institutions that produce our media and the audiences that consume them. We will consider broadcast media institutions and examine the tensions that are created when trying to serve the public interests of citizens and the private interests of shareholders.
- Studying CultureCore20 credits
Module details
What exactly is 'culture? How have people defined it, or made judgements about it? Why is it important to our everyday lives? How have researchers tried to study culture and what it means to people? This module aims to answer these questions!
- Professional WritingCore20 credits
Module details
Professional writers produce content for audiences. On this module you will develop your writing skills to a professional standard to produce an original portfolio of writing, containing a feature, review, news story and podcast. You will also critically reflect upon your work and the influence of your practice on the content you have produced.
- Introduction to Media and Cultural IndustriesCore20 credits
Module details
This module will introduce a range of key debates and approaches to the study of media, culture and communication. It will assist you in developing the conceptual and critical language necessary for studying media and cultural practice.
- Communicating Politics and ProtestCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to a range of techniques for the analysis of political activism and political communication. It pays particular attention to new and emerging methods of communicating information on a variety of social and digital media platforms.
Year 2 6 modules
- Media and Cultural TheoryCore20 credits
Module details
Media and Cultural Theory offers you the opportunity to trace the theoretical roots of our subject area and to develop skills and knowledge around theorising, critique and analysis. We take key terms such as hegemony, post-feminism, structuralism and postmodernism and seek to understand how they came to be so vital to the study of media, culture and communication.
- Public CommunicationCore20 credits
Module details
Public Communication is a work-based learning module about advertising and its role in awareness raising, communicating information and persuasion. We will introduce you to the study of advertising as persuasive communication and you will examine both theoretical and popular responses to advertising as a cultural form and develop critical analytical skills to deconstruct it.
- Analysing Entertainment MediaCore20 credits
Module details
Analysing Entertainment Media is a module that focuses on contemporary popular television, the institutions that produced it, the content it offers and how we consume it according to a range of socio-cultural contexts. You will explore key scholarly work in Television Studies and examine this work in relation to a range of case studies.
- Research MethodsCore20 credits
Module details
This module enables you to use primary sources in the investigation of historical and contemporary cultural and communication practices, focusing on how digital archives can enhance your approaches to research.
- Mediating Popular CultureOptional20 credits
Module details
From Spotify to podcasting, the rise of digital media technologies has seemingly led to an ever-expanding range of ways to engage with popular culture. This module questions how far these developments have led to transformations in our experiences of popular cultural texts.
- Public RelationsOptional20 credits
Module details
The module examines a distinct field of communications practice, that of public relations
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study how media, culture and communication shape society and influence audiences. Year 1 introduces theories of media power, representation and industries, alongside practical production skills in camera, audio and editing. Year 2 develops your expertise in digital cultures, research methods and either journalism or strategic communication, depending on your interests. Years 3–4 let you specialise in areas such as film & TV, games & interactive media, PR & advertising, social media, or journalism, culminating in an industry project or placement alongside a dissertation or substantial media production. You'll usually move from foundational theory and hands-on technical skills towards independent, specialist work grounded in real-world media practice.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're curious about how messages travel through culture, how audiences respond to media, and what shapes public discourse. You'll need strong written communication and the ability to think critically about texts, images and digital platforms. If you enjoy research, creative problem-solving, and collaborative work, analysing real-world media campaigns or producing your own projects, you'll find the blend of theory and practice engaging. You should be prepared for sustained independent study, particularly in your final year project.
Careers & job market
Across Media & Communications courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduates typically earn between £22,000 and £28,000 in their first year after graduation (national figures, 15 months post-graduation); earnings vary with role, sector and location. The field offers routes into journalism, broadcasting, advertising, digital media, cultural institutions, public relations and research, though competition for entry-level positions is common.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Bachelor's degree (BA Hons) taught in English at Liverpool John Moores University, a public university based at its City Centre Campus. The course is recognised as a nationally-recognised UK degree-awarding body. LJMU holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 97% |
| another higher-education qualification | 1% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| a foundation course | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at LJMU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Media & Communications graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,500 | £22,000 – £28,000 | 2045 |
| 3 years after | £20,000 | £17,000 – £23,500 | 105 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £20,500 – £31,500 | 105 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 2,045. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in media & communications · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Media & Communications nationally
National figures for Media & Communications graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 2,045. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Media & Communications courses at the same study level.
Compared with 541 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Job market & outlook
How Media & Communications graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Media & Communications graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Media companies
- Agencies
- In-house comms teams
- Broadcasters & charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Media & Communications graduates.
Media Operations, VP (Parental Leave Cover)WPP MediaMedia Relations ManagerCommonwealth War Graves CommissionMedia ManagerUS Tech SolutionsMedia Planning and Buying CoordinatorBurberryMedia Sales ExecutiveService ServiceMedia Planner/BuyerDifferent Technologies Pty Ltd.Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
Most graduates were in work or further study, with a median salary of £24,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 85% · continued 88%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Liverpool John Moores University
Media, journalism and communications across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City Centre Campus
5,301 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Media & Communications right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to LJMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by LJMU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check LJMU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with LJMU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at LJMU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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