Overview

Analyzing how digital communication, media industries, and journalism shape public discourse, political systems, and cultural identity is vital to navigating today's global information landscape. The BA (Hons) Communication and Media at University of Leeds, delivered by the School of Media and Communication, provides a comprehensive exploration of media systems, social platforms, cultural production, and audience dynamics. Taught by internationally recognized media researchers and media practitioners, the curriculum combines critical social theory with empirical research methods and practical media production skills. Students investigate key themes including digital culture, media ethics, promotional communication, political communication, and the impact of artificial intelligence on media platforms. The degree offers access to digital media production suites, television and radio studios, and media analytics software. This program is ideally suited for inquisitive, critical thinkers seeking to analyze complex media landscapes and influence communication strategies across digital, public, and corporate sectors.

What You'll Learn

• Core theoretical frameworks in communication studies, media sociology, visual culture, and audience analysis

• Dynamics of digital media platforms, social networks, algorithms, and the ethics of digital culture

• Political communication mechanisms, public sphere theories, media power, and news journalism operations

• Promotional communication principles, public relations strategies, branding, and advertising campaign analysis

• Media research methodologies, including discourse analysis, digital ethnography, content analysis, and audience research

• Practical media production skills spanning audio-visual storytelling, digital content creation, and multi-platform media design

• Specialist elective pathways covering global media, climate communication, media policy, feminist media studies, and gaming culture

• Independent communication capstone research project involving original empirical audience research, digital platform analysis, or media critique

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess an in-depth understanding of global media industries, digital communication platforms, and the socio-political roles of media in contemporary society. They will demonstrate the capability to critically evaluate media content, analyze platform algorithms, and conduct empirical media research using qualitative and quantitative methods. Students acquire strong practical competencies in digital content creation, media project management, and analytical writing through media labs and seminar workshops. Furthermore, learners master the ability to communicate complex research insights and strategic messaging effectively across written, digital, and visual formats. Through specialized option pathways and a major final-year research project, scholars cultivate the analytical precision and creative agility needed to excel in digital marketing, public relations, journalism, media policy, broadcasting, corporate communications, or postgraduate academic research.