BA (Hons) Media Production Bachelor's degree at Southampton Solent University
BA (Hons) Media Production at SSU. You'll move between core media theory, hands-on production practice and specialist modules of your choice, supported by research and professional skills training.
About this course
BA (Hons) Media Production is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at SSU, based in East Park Terrace. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Media studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,000. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 100% (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.
Year one 4 modules
- Branded Storytelling: Photography and Creative DesignCore
Module details
Opening module introducing keystone concern of creating content that connects by building photography and creative design skills. Explores importance of branded storytelling in image-first world, addressing real-world challenges such as creating authentic narratives, bringing brands to audiences, and delivering compelling integrated visual and written content across relevant platforms.
- Stories and Power: Audio and Podcast ProductionCore
Module details
Explores storytelling in context of audio production, podcast production, and building compelling soundscapes. Focuses on how media have societal, political and commercial impact, and can challenge existing power structures. Considers audio as powerful medium for engaging with contemporary social issues, challenging dominant narratives, and amplifying marginalised voices.
- Videodrome: Stories with ClientsCore
Module details
Flagship first year video module introducing key production techniques and storytelling strategies in video production and editing. Skills targeted at producing content for live clients engaged with professionally and collaboratively in development of video content. Work with range of clients to develop professional flexibility in style of content and ability to engage with needs of different clientele.
- The Content ConsultancyCore
Module details
Develops ability to function as media or marketing consultant by applying journalistic and or content creation principles to real-world commercial and community challenges.
Year two 4 modules
- Scripted StorytellingCore
Module details
Opportunity to nurture original creative story from inception to final delivery in production of own scripted, self-contained audio-visual project. Introduces every step of creative workflow in fictional content creation: ideation, scriptwriting, content capture, and editing, alongside key aspects of production management including casting and production design.
- Serial StorytellingCore
Module details
Positions student as showrunner of own audio and/or video series of short-form content. Introduces ecosystems and algorithms of dominant and marginal media platforms before packaging proposal and creating content that connects with particular platform's audience. Brings together marketing with content creation through creation of pilot episode to showcase series proposal.
- My Story: Authenticity and IdentityCore
Module details
Exploration of own original voice as professional and creative media practitioner. Investigates narrative strategies that successfully communicate authenticity and originality. Builds own online branded portfolio and develops own passion project that speaks to own original and authentic creative identity in medium of choosing.
- Social CurrencyCore
Module details
Examines essential role of digital communities and data-informed strategy in contemporary media, communications, and content creation. Groups take ownership of social media channels for course brand, developing targeted, evidence-based campaigns and marketing plans, using real-world data to track, iterate, and refine approach.
Final year 3 modules
- The Innovation LabCore
Module details
Enables critical evaluation of current trajectory of technological innovation within news journalism and media, including legal and ethical implications of advanced technologies like AI and algorithms, preparing to lead change by generating and presenting informed, ethical, and creative solutions for evolving global media environment.
- Thinking Like a CreativeCore
Module details
Critically evaluate personal strengths and professional capabilities through direct industry exposure (placements) and real-time research, leading to deeper understanding of specific career requirements. Use structured reflection in action to identify skill gaps and opportunities and create personal development plan (PDP) and portfolio in progress that charts transition to employment.
- Final Major ProjectCore
Module details
Creative freedom to define own creative media project and shape and deliver the project. Welcomes submissions in audio, video, photography, alongside imaginative combinations or innovative submissions in emerging media. Opportunity to make own creative signature statement about own creative identity.
Modules 2 modules
- The Media EventOptional
Module details
Enables mastery of strategic and collaborative process of event management by designing and executing engaging live (IRL) event. Learn to critically reflect on four stages of event planning and complexity of event roles, providing in-depth analysis of future viability of IRL events in professional sector.
- The Professional LaunchpadOptional
Module details
Practice-led module as culminating experience to prepare for transition into creative industries. Bridges academic learning with industry
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 usually start with media theory, production skills and the working media industries. In Year 1, you'll learn how audiences and representation shape communication, develop practical competence in camera, audio, editing and platform-specific writing, and explore how broadcasting, publishing and digital platforms operate commercially. Year 2 typically deepens your understanding through modules on digital cultures and social media, alongside practical training in journalism or PR and strategic communication. You'll also study research methods tailored to media, covering audience analysis and ethical practice. By Year 3, a course like this normally moves towards specialisation and industry engagement. You'll usually select from options such as film and television, games and interactive media, social media strategy, PR and advertising, or journalism. Most students complete an industry project or placement alongside a substantial dissertation or production portfolio.
Who it's for
You're drawn to storytelling through moving image and sound. You think visually and narratively, and you want to understand not just how to make media, but why certain approaches work. You're equally comfortable learning production software and debating media's cultural impact. Studying this will feel collaborative, you'll work on group projects alongside individual work, and practical, with access to studios and editing suites shaping much of your learning. You're ready for a degree that balances craft with critical thinking.
Careers & job market
Across Media & Communications courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or postgraduate study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £22,000–£28,000 at 15 months, rising to £22,525–£31,800 after five years. Your specific earnings and career path will depend on the sector, employer and role you pursue.
University & format
This BA (Hons) Media Production is a three-year full-time degree taught in English at Southampton Solent University, located at East Park Terrace. Southampton Solent is a University of the United Kingdom, recognised as a national degree-awarding body. The university achieved Gold in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in 2023. The course carries the UCAS code CMP1.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Year in industry. 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 | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
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 (code CMP1). 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at SSU →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 | £23,000 | £20,000 – £27,500 | 30 |
| 3 years after | £19,500 | £14,000 – £24,500 | 310 |
| 5 years after | £26,000 | £20,500 – £32,000 | 325 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 30; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 45; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,000. 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 8.8 out of 10: NSS 72.6% · in work or study 90% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Southampton Solent 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 East Park Terrace
3,609 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 SSU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £25,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 SSU’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 SSU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SSU
Common questions
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