Last Updated on December 23, 2022
College
London College of CommunicationStart date
September 2021Course length
3 yearsUCAS code
P302
With an emphasis on the social and cultural impact of digital media forms, BA (Hons) Media Communications examines the technologies, practices and policies that drive modern media communications.
Apply to start in September 2021
This course has places available for UK applicants only. Read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September.
We are no longer accepting applications from international students for 2021/22 entry to this course. We don’t yet know if places will become available before the autumn term. If they do, we will reopen applications. Please check this page for updates.
For a full list of UAL courses open for 2021/22 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.
Why choose this course at London College of Communication
- You will develop critical thinking and writing skills, and knowledge across: digital media, moving image, photography and podcasting.
- Work collaboratively on project briefs set by industry professionals, enabling you to engage in project management, pitching of ideas, and furthering your personal and professional development.
- The course covers a mix of media theory and creative practice ensuring that graduates are fully equipped to target careers in the media and communications industry.
- You will explore the benefits of the culture of connectivity for individuals, community and brands, and its implications for social and political life.
Open Days
To find out how to apply to this course starting in September 2021, attend our online Clearing Open Day on Wednesday 28 July at 2pm.
Book your place.
A recording of our latest online Open Day for this course is available, watch online.
Course overview
This degree course responds to the continuing transformation of media communications.
Intersecting media platforms have brought about the production of new forms of content, targeted at both general and niche audiences. The attention of these audiences is now a prime commodity.
What can you expect?
You can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of current theories of the media, with an emphasis on the social and cultural impact of digital media forms, e.g. social and interactive media.
The rapid growth of media platforms, such as open source software and social network sites, creates new opportunities for participation and changes dramatically the way users communicate and exchange information.
This degree will encourage students to develop a critical understanding of these communication technologies through content production and by stimulating debate.
Applied skills such as image manipulation, editing and working with layout software will be taught, so that you’re able to produce audio-visual texts for diverse platforms.
Work experience and opportunities
You’ll become familiar with camera and audio recording equipment to create and store original material. Different styles of writing are also practiced so that you will be proficient in drafting accompanying text, whatever the context.
You will leave the course able to select the best platform to disseminate content to intended audiences and have the ability to successfully pitch and present your ideas.
On a theoretical level, the BA (Hons) Media Communications will engage you in the latest debates concerning the cultural, social and economic issues that shape the way meaning is produced and circulated, and the many issues that intersect within this academic investigation.
Course Structure
The academic year for this course is divided into 2 blocks.
The 1st block is of 15 weeks’ duration from late September to mid-February. In accordance with the University timetable, there will be a four week holiday in December.
The 2nd block is also of 15 weeks’ duration from mid-February to the end of June with a four week holiday for Easter.
Mode of Study
BA (Hons) Media Communications runs for 93 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 33 weeks.
Contact us
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Course units
In common with all courses at the University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Media Communications qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.
Year 1
Introduction to Media Communications (20 credits)
This unit will introduce you to the basic theories and concepts in media communications. You will develop fundamental skills around media analysis, interpretation and creative thinking.
Digital Media (20 credits)
In this unit you will be introduced to the theory and practice of digital media production through an exploration of present and future media technologies leading to a digital media project.
Media Technologies and Platforms (20 credits)
This unit will give you an insight into contemporary media industries to enhance your understanding of how diverse media platforms and technologies fit socially and culturally in a global society.
Audiences: Traditions and Futures (20 credits)
You will develop your understanding of what an ‘audience’ is in the contemporary culture of convergence. You will explore this creatively through a film project.
Visual Communication (20 credits)
This unit explores the importance of visual forms in contemporary media and communications to question notions of representation, surveillance, and user participation, among others. You will also be introduced to the practice of photography and digital image editing.
Optional unit (20 credits)
You will also choose an option unit, which in the past has included:
- Global Media Cultures (20 credits)
- Advertising Theories & Contexts (20 credits)
- Branding & Digital Marketing (20 credits)
Year 2
Mapping Social Media (20 credits)
This unit focuses on the collection and interpretation of data from social media platforms to enhance your understanding of critical engagement with digital tools and the ethical issues associated with this. You will present your social media data research through a web solution.
Convergent Media: From Radio to Podcasting (20 credits)
This unit will offer you the opportunity to create and edit sound recordings for the purposes of producing a podcast show targeted at a given audience.
Digital Cultures (20 credits)
Develop an in-depth understanding of the culture of networked connectivity and evaluate the possibilities for new forms of online and offline collaboration. You will also explore the political and economic implications of digital cultures on society.
Professional Industry Practice (20 credits)
The focus of this unit is on your personal and professional development. You will have the opportunity to research a chosen sector within the media industry and develop an understanding of ways to target it, in order to help support your personal and professional growth and employability.
Promotional Media Communications (20 credits)
You will study the contemporary culture of promotion by looking at the media context in which promotional activities, such as branding and advertising, are situated within the rise of consumer culture. The unit will also allow you to explore effective ways of framing a message through a practice-based project.
Collaborative Project (20 credits)
This unit will offer you the opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other courses and/or disciplines across the College on a set brief, with a view to help you develop strong team working skills, project management, and presentation skills.
Optional unit (20 credits)
You will also choose an option unit, which in the past has included:
- Behavioural Insights (20 credits)
- Film Theory and Cinematic Practice (20 credits)
- Media Relations (20 credits)
Year 3
Live Project (20 credits)
In this unit you will engage in a practice-based project for a given organisation by responding to a set project brief. The unit offers you the opportunity to consolidate and further advance your creative skillset.
Media, Regulation and Power (20 credits)
This unit explores theoretical considerations of the role and function of contemporary media and its complex relationship to social, cultural and political developments.
You will study these through media’s own determining role in influencing public opinion, pushing ethical boundaries and exploring the political economy of emerging platforms.
Digital Futures (20 credits)
This unit explores the future of our digital media technologies. Using a range of forecasting methods and techniques you will develop informed predictions of change and our digital ‘futures’.
Major Project (60 credits)
You can choose between a theoretical or a practice-based dissertation to work a research topic from across the interdisciplinary field of media and communications.
Programme specification
Download course specification (PDF File 295.1 KB)
Course dates
Autumn term
Monday 27 September 2021 – Friday 10 December 2021
Spring term
Monday 10 January 2022 – Friday 18 March 2022
Summer term
Tuesday 19 April 2022 – Friday 24 June 2022
Learning and teaching methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Computer based or supported learning
- Workshop sessions
- Project work
- Individual and group work.
- Industry guest speakers will contribute where appropriate.
Assessment methods
- Report and essay writing
- Practical workshop and computer based activities
- Individual and group projects and project appraisals
- Oral and seminar presentations/Seminar Notes
- Dissertation (or equivalent)
Entry requirements
Home/EU/International
BA (Hons) Media Communications welcomes applications from candidates applying direct from A-level or other equivalent qualifications, but will also consider applicants who have completed a foundation or Access to HE course, or a BTEC National Diploma in a related subject.
Applicants who have not completed an appropriate educational qualification but do have substantial work experience in the industry may also be considered.
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
96 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:
- A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences).
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
- Merit, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Creative Media and Journalism, Business/ Business Studies, IT & Computing, Media).
- Merit at UAL Extended Diploma.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Journalism, Digital and Creative Media, Marketing, Humanities and Social Sciences).
- OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum
And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
APEL – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience;
- The quality of the personal statement;
- A strong academic or other professional reference;
- A combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
English Language Requirements (International/Home/EU)
IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English language requirements page for more information.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.
Selection criteria
The details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:
- A demonstrable interest in the discipline of media communications.
- An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach (through research and practice) to this area of study.
- Commitment to the study and development of your own creative practice and subsequent career opportunities.
UAL Language Development
We offer English Language Development for Overseas students. See how we can help you with your studies.Learn More
Personal statement advice
This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in media communications, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.
You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC.
You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.
State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.
Please note: This course does not require a portfolio as part of the application.
