BA (Hons) Media Studies Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

What will I learn? You’ll explore the history of media, from institutions such as the BBC and the development of the British Press, to the explosion of media texts and contexts made available by rapid technological and social change. From comic books and animation to documentaries and popular films, you will engage with all aspects of visual culture. Through analysis of television and social media you will examine how media producers engage with issues of race, class and gender. You will gain a deeper understanding of the power of media representation to shape identities and cultures. Through practical and analytical projects, you will refine your understanding and expression, enabling you t

By examining case studies from different time periods, you'll learn about the techniques used in various countries to control the flow of information.

You’ll look at how some media stories use more than one platform, like books, films, games, and more. Discover how transmedia has changed over time and how to make your own stories more immersive and interactive. You’ll work with others to create and present your own transmedia project. This module will help you become a skilled transmedia storyteller, ready for the industry. You’ll also improve your teamwork and research skills by collaborating with others. Most of all, your creativity will bloom as you immerse yourself in the future of interactive storytelling.

You'll grasp the history of broadcasting and the current institutional landscape in the UK and globally. Analysing pressing issues for production, you'll develop your critical thinking. And understanding the legal, ethical and regulatory environment shaping production and broadcasting will inform your own practice. Using a rich skillset, you'll produce an actual radio or podcast project.

You will have access to advanced cameras and editing software to create your own projects, collaborate with your peers and review each other's work. Furthermore, you will learn about industry safety procedures, the relationship between ideas and techniques, and explore your creativity by participating in this filmmaking experience.

You’ll trace the development of film, TV, and digital media, grasping historical impacts and the concept of spectatorship. Look into expert analyses to explore how interactive technologies shape audiences and people. You’ll contextually analyse screen entertainment as an industry, considering economic factors and passive vs active engagement. Through a mix of practical and theoretical work, your projects will showcase your in-depth understanding of the subject. You’ll also evaluate online materials to support your findings. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of screen culture. You can use this to pursue many careers, from media programming to content creation.

Through a study exchange overseas, you'll manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team. The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

Engage with theories and research suited to the subject. Analyse seminal comic book texts, considering the interplay of production elements and audience reception.

You’ll explore emerging technologies to understand how the internet, social media, and ambient media shape, and are shaped by, human behaviour. Consider expert opinions to spark discussions about online communities and the idea of an ‘information society.’ We’ll show you how to find trustworthy sources online, helping you delve into the participation culture across platforms. By making your own digital content, you’ll learn about the impact of what people create and share in our always-connected world. Crucially, by taking part, you’ll improve your ability to use different media platforms and develop your creativity, preparing you for jobs in today’s digital-first workplace.

This module provides an opportunity to put media theory into practice as you develop and shoot your own narrative project. You will learn how to manage your time effectively, progress from concept to final edit, and analyse your creative decisions and cinematic storytelling. This experience is invaluable for anyone looking to plan and produce a film from start to finish.

Analyse the artistic, political, and economic aspects of films in postcolonialism and global cinema. Critically examine different themes and the methods filmmakers use. Understanding the evolution of film production, you’ll learn about the impact of technology on movies both locally and internationally. By looking at how films are distributed and marketed, you’ll learn about the impact of global politics on how films are received. You’ll come to understand international films deeply, developing cultural knowledge. This understanding will enhance your analytical abilities, which are useful for jobs in film programming, curating, and reviewing.

Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you. You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others. This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

In this module, you’ll study how film has evolved and look at today’s challenges. These will help you think about creativity from a justice-focused perspective. This broad approach will give you a clearer view of the ethical guidelines that professionals follow in different fields. With greater critical understanding and ethical duties, you’ll be equipped to make wise career choices, leading with empathy.

You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace. By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies. Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, whic

With guidance from specialists, you’ll deeply explore your chosen topic. You’ll show how carefully and ethically you can analyse information, using your sources to come up with fresh insights. This module lets you really get into a topic you love, honing your abilities to manage research, write academically, and learn on your own. Above all, it gives you the chance to create a significant piece of work that showcases your commitment and talent.

Work in groups to plan and use resources well while refining your technical skills. You’ll take on specific roles, such as directing, cinematography, or editing. Use your production knowledge to operate equipment safely to industry standards. The project you finish will show how well you can apply theory to practice. This real-world experience will be a standout addition to your portfolio and prepare you for a successful career in film and media. You’ll be better prepared for jobs in commercial production.

Research from diverse lenses to build a questioning, reflective grasp of celebrity's principles and boundaries. Hone skills in independent thought, analysis, and articulation of ideas. Use presentations to illustrate arguments around the societal role of fame.

Through theoretical perspectives and case studies, you'll analyse the roles of journalists, politicians, and policymakers in informing or misinforming the public.

You’ll study different animation styles and visual codes and learn how to analyse them. You’ll understand the animation industry, its authors, and national traditions. These will help you see how to use solid facts to support your opinions in academic writing. By looking closely at the art form and its broader themes, you’ll create an in-depth portfolio that shows your critical views. Finish this module with the skills you need to analyse animations on your own.

Explore popular texts that have sparked dedicated fan bases. You’ll learn theories to grasp why audiences get so engaged. Study the roots of subcultures united by favourite movies, TV shows, and merchandise. Look at research on how fans interact, create communities, and set themselves apart. You’ll also get hands-on experience by joining fan groups online to study and support ideas about our strong connections with media. With a mix of critical analysis, real-world examples, and practical research, you’ll uncover the social dynamics of fandom. This module will deepen your understanding of why people become fans and how these communities operate, enriching your knowledge through both study an

Use theory and history to see how literature, film, TV, new media, and journalism present technology, scientists, and science’s place in our world. You’ll learn to tell real science from fiction by evaluating their cultural settings. This will help you see how media shapes our understanding of science. By looking at many examples and carefully thinking about them, you’ll discover how important it is to communicate science creatively.

You'll create professional materials like a CV, cover letters, and online portfolio to showcase your skills to employers. With 40 hours of work in the film and TV industry, you’ll get important experience and meet people who can help you in your career. This module is a great chance to create your own personal brand. You’ll analyse what film studios and production companies are looking for, so you can customise your skills and stand out from the crowd. By the end, you’ll have a collection of work and materials that fit your goals in the film and screen world. Use your creativity to take control of where your career is headed.

You'll examine how comedy interacts with culture, society and industry, comparing scholarly perspectives and blending primary and secondary research, to articulate your ideas in writing. Preparing you to apply insights to your own work, this module offers invaluable tools to think deeply about the art of comedy.

During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network. Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set. By the end

This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans. This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities. After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thin

You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work. This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate. After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experienc

Complete relevant tasks demonstrating your specialised skills and independence. Gain global perspective, reflect deeply on personal growth, and build valued transferable abilities for professional life after university. Return home with experiences that inspire your practice and understanding of art’s global connectivity.

Evaluating international contexts, you'll critically relate on-site activities to your disciplinary knowledge, gaining global insights. Working independently overseas, you'll complete relevant assignments, refining skills transferable to future creative studies and practice. Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies. This invaluable opportunity provides a chance to broaden your creative knowledge while developing adaptability as a global citizen.