BA (Hons) Media and Communications Bachelor's degree at West London
BA (Hons) Media and Communications at West London. You'll develop professional skills alongside your studies, preparing you for work in a field that spans broadcasting, digital platforms, publishing, public relations and beyond.
About this course
BA (Hons) Media and Communications is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at West London, based in Ealing / Brentford. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Media & Communications, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Video Documentary ProductionCompulsory
Module details
Intensely practical module laying foundation for video work. Learn basics of filming including camera operation, lighting, and recording sound. Learn basics of editing, including sound mixing for video, structuring and scripting, and how to research stories for video.
- Introduction to Media EthicsCompulsory
Module details
Introduction to the field of media ethics and its repercussion in terms of policies and laws. 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 ProductionCompulsory
Module details
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 ProductionCompulsory
Module details
Practical module providing a foundation of live radio production skills. Range of radio aspects that are both behind the mic and production focused.
- PodcastingCompulsory
Module details
Dive into the world of audio production and storytelling through podcasts. Enhance your voiceover skills, audio recording, sound design and web design/publishing skills.
- Thinking Through Film: GenreCompulsory
Module details
Introduces you to a range of cinematic and television genres, including horror, action, fantasy, science fiction and comedy. Explore the visual, structural and thematic conventions that define genre and cinematic style, and examine why these conventions are considered culturally and industrially significant. Consider how genre conventions both reflect and shape social values, identities and power structures. Through a critical lens informed by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), evaluate ho
Year 2 9 modules
- Industry ExperienceCompulsory
Module details
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.
- Integrated Marketing CampaignsCompulsory
- Audio DocumentaryOptional
- Media Content ProductionOptional
- ScreenwritingOptional
- WorldbuildingOptional
- Critical Approaches to Digital and Social MediaOptional
- Research, Data and InsightOptional
Module details
Learn how to deliver creative strategy that is rooted in insight from common types of consumer research. Includes 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 CulturesOptional
Year 3 6 modules
- Media Project (Major)Compulsory
Module details
Develop a Media Project over two semesters. Substantial piece of work that draws on the skills and concepts learned in all the previous modules on the course. The Multimedia Project outcome will be an artefact (such as an audio/visual documentary, podcast or website) on a topic and format of your choice.
- Research ProjectCompulsory
Module details
Staged development of a research project, an extended piece of written work equivalent to a minor dissertation, which encourages practitioners to conceptualise and theorise their process and products in greater depth. Submitted as part of a portfolio of approximately 4,500 words, which will also include developmental stages.
- Creative EntrepreneurshipCompulsory
- Video EssaysCompulsory
Module details
Teaches the concept of practice-led research and reaffirms the reflective practitioner/critical creativity theme of the course. Ties together knowledge and practice developed by the students across their degree, with a particular focus on re-uniting the two strands at the end of their studies in a complementary way; requiring them to work together by drawing on their specific skills.
- Experimental CommunicationsOptional
- Experimental SoundOptional
Module details
Research, develop and execute audio concepts that challenge the limitations of the radio/audio soundscape. Include reference to gaming, interactive sound design and other digital media.
Level 6 2 modules
- Advanced Media Content ProductionCompulsory
Module details
Equip students, who have not previously studied level 4 or level 5 practical modules, with advanced skills in media content production. One of two advanced skills modules, focusing on the production of video - short form, long form and live content - and image-based content production.
- Advanced Audio ProductionOptional
Module details
Equip students, who have not previously studied level 4 or level 5 practical modules, with advanced skills in audio production. One of two advanced skills modules; this one focusing on the production of audio content.
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
This part-time degree combines theory and practice across the breadth of contemporary media. You'll usually start with foundations in media theory, representation and how broadcasting, publishing and digital platforms work economically. Year one also covers production fundamentals, camera, audio, editing and writing for different formats. As you progress, you'll deepen into digital cultures, social media dynamics and research methods including audience analysis. You'll then choose a specialism such as journalism, PR and advertising, film and TV, social media, games and interactive, or production portfolio work. In your final year, you'll typically undertake specialist options, an industry project or placement producing real work with a media organisation, and a dissertation or substantial media production.
Who it's for
You're interested in how media shapes society and culture, and you want to understand both the theory behind communication and the practical craft of producing it. You're drawn to asking questions about audiences, representation and influence. You may have strong writing or analytical skills, or you're keen to develop them. Studying part-time suits your circumstances, whether you're balancing work, caring responsibilities or other commitments. You're looking for genuine engagement with media production and critical thinking, not just classroom learning.
Careers & job market
Across media and communications courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Starting salaries typically range from £22,000 to £28,000; after five years, graduates earn between £22,525 and £31,800. These figures reflect national outcomes data and vary widely depending on specialism, employer and individual progression.
University & format
The University of West London is based in Ealing and Brentford. This BA (Hons) is studied part-time and taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; degrees are nationally recognised. It holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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 P306). 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 Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. 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 West London →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.
- 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.
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.Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of West London
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 Ealing / Brentford
2,092 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 West London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,250 / 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 West London’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 West London and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at West London
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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