BA (Hons) Media and Communication

Overview

Media and communication have the power to change the way we think and act. As mobile network coverage now reaches 85% of the world’s population (UNCTAD 2021), media and communication industries are reaching and influencing a bigger, more connected audience than ever before.

We offer research-led media and communication teaching on the platforms you are passionate about. This is the perfect degree choice if you want to bring about positive changes within the media and communication industry and its role within a global society. Glasgow Caledonian University is highly regarded for the quality of teaching, research and facilities it provides. The Complete University Guide features us in their Top 20 UK universities (15th from almost 100 institutions) for media and communications (2022).

Communication, cultural and media studies research

Communications, culture and media research is joint first in Scotland for its outstanding impact (Times Higher Education). Communications, culture and media research is ranked fourth in Scotland (Times Higher Education). 100% of our communications, culture and media research impact is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021). 73% of communications-related research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021). Find out more.

What you
will study

Course
Information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BA (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow	PP93	Enquire Apply

All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 114

Scottish Higher: ABBB or equivalent incl Higher in English or Media Studies

A Level: BBC or equivalent incl A Level in English or Media Studies

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in English or Media Studies

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in English or Media Studies

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND Media and Communication, HND Advertising and PR, HND Practical Journalism with AB/BA in the graded units or Next Gen HND in TV/Radio achieved with Merit

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent)

Additional information

English language

If you are from a majority English speaking country, you may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Full details of the English language tests we accept are available on this page.

Relevant experience (RPL)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Assessment methods

During your degree, you will be set a number of essays and other research assignments as well as being involved in writing blogs and working with social media. You will be expected to work in studios, to industry commissions and to live client briefs. Team-based assignments help develop a broader set of skills and professional behaviour. You will start to identify areas of strength and areas for personal development and professional resilience. We use varied assessment methods as this is most reflective of the competitive industries you will work in. We value your ability to be creative, independent, to show leadership and to work as part of a team.

You will learn from, and work with, experienced academics. You will be taught in lecture settings and smaller seminars, labs and workshops. Industry guests are invited to give lectures and share the latest industry knowledge and tips for success.

BAFTA albert in Education and DPP partnerships

You will benefit from our partnerships with the Digital Production Partnership and BAFTA albert in Education. You can also earn additional certification for the completion of sustainable screen practice content such as carbon literacy and the digital skill set required to operate the albert.org carbon calculator. This is now a requirement for the majority of all major UK broadcasters such as Sky, BBC, and ITV.

Facilities

There is no better learning environment than the one you feel comfortable in. You will become familiar with the many industry-standard facilities and specialist equipment on campus. Our trained technicians and teaching staff will help, and you will soon grow confident in your practical abilities and knowledge.

TV production studio and gallery	You have access to a purpose-built TV studio and gallery on campus. The TV studio is equipped with HD JVC cameras, green screen, autocue and graphics/titling software. Play in from remote studio with Chroma Key as well as gallery play in from Avid server. Full talkback for presenters and camera positions. There are Panasonic Tapeless, CCD HD cameras and Vinten pro tripods. You have access to mobile journalism mojo kits. These include Steadicam camera gimbals, iPhone, tripod, Rhode lapel mic, Sennheiser handheld mic, headphones and multiple apps. You will use Avid Media Composer digital editing suites. We also provide Nikon 360 cameras, Canon Digital Stills cameras, lighting kits, rifle mics, boom mics, and other ancillaries.
Editorial and radio production suites	There are two computer and production labs on campus. PCs are equipped with the same specialist kit that you find in the newsroom.
Radio presenting and production suites	There are two soundproof Clyde Broadcast Synergy Bronze digital radio studios on campus. Both equipped with Burli radio news network editing and separate control booths. Editing suites come equipped with Adobe Audition digital audio, Tascam DR-40 Linear digital audio recorders and Marantz digital audio recorders.
Production studio	We have flexible open video studio space on campus with blackout walls, green screen, 6-colour background system and lighting rig.

Media and communications in Glasgow

The creative industries in Scotland are worth £3.7 billion (Scotsman, 2017). Our graduates are highly successful and well regarded within Scottish media industries as well as the creative and communication sectors. Glasgow itself is well known for its media and cultural creativity. The city is home to the Scottish newspaper headquarters. BBC Scotland and ITV television studios are a short walk from campus and the area is an increasingly popular movie location.

Research-led teaching

Communication, cultural and media studies research

* Communications, culture and media research is joint first in Scotland for its outstanding impact (Times Higher Education)
* Communications, culture and media research is ranked fourth in Scotland (Times Higher Education)
* 100% of our communications, culture and media research IMPACT is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021)
* 73% of Communications-related research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF2021)

Student experience

In the 2022 National Student Survey, this course received an overall satisfaction level of 74% – an outstanding recommendation provided by final year students on the quality of teaching and learning on this programme.

Top 20 UK University

The Complete University Guide rank GCU in their top 20 list of UK Universities for Communications and Media Studies. League tables can play a big part when choosing a university and we know our accessible facilities and approachable staff make this a great place to study.

Why GCU?

During your studies, you'll develop the knowledge and understanding to allow you to become a responsible and ethical leader. You'll study critical and cultural theory as well as make practical use of industry-standard facilities here on campus and benefit from opportunities such as work placements and study exchanges in the US, Canada and Europe.

You'll benefit greatly from the digital practical skills offered by the BAFTA albert Education Partnership, a leading think-tank on sustainability for film and television, founded by industry leaders including this university, to contribute towards the transformation of the film and television industry.

You'll also benefit from being part of the Creative Media Network; benefits include masterclasses and networking events.

Graduate success

As a graduate, you will join successful alumni working locally, across the UK and internationally. Our graduates are working in digital media, communications, film and television. Some have gone on to become senior communications officers, PR executives and journalists. Others go on to postgraduate taught study and research.

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Overview

Communication, cultural and media studies research

What youwill study

Course Information

Find out more

What you
will study

Course
Information