Overview

Media and communication shape how people understand the world, and studying them reveals how power and influence operate in a complex and turbulent society. Studying BSc (Hons) Media and Communication at Loughborough University takes a multidisciplinary approach, tracing historical and contemporary developments across the press, broadcasting, film, advertising and digital media. Themes such as political communication, misinformation, persuasion, social inequality, gender, race and sexuality run throughout the degree. Students combine theory about how media construct meaning and identity with practical training in social scientific methods, including interviewing, focus groups, content analysis, surveys and social media and audience data analysis. The teaching draws on the department's connections with the media and communication sector and its socially relevant, evidence-based research. Assessment includes essays, presentations, multimedia research blogs and a final-year dissertation, and a placement year, study abroad and language modules are available as options. The course suits those who want to think critically about media and adapt to a changing industry, and graduates gain analytical and practical skills that apply well beyond the media sector.

What You'll Learn

Media and communication sectors, including digital and social media, television, film, advertising and journalism

Theories of how media construct meaning and shape identity and society

Promotional culture, including advertising and public relations

Media, identity and inequality, including gender, race and sexuality

Digital lives, influencer culture and digital media in society

The media in global context and media and social change

Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Advanced research methods for media analysis

News production and contemporary media debates

An independent dissertation on a media or communication topic

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will understand how the media industries have developed and how they operate today, from traditional press and broadcasting to digital platforms and influencer culture. They will be able to apply key theories to explain how media and communication influence identity, social inequality, politics and public opinion, and to evaluate critically issues such as misinformation, persuasion and representation. Training in qualitative and quantitative methods builds practical skills in interviewing, focus groups, content analysis, surveys and the analysis of social media and audience data, which students can use to design and carry out their own research. Presentations, group work, multimedia projects and written assignments develop clear communication and the ability to build well-constructed arguments. The final-year dissertation demonstrates independent, rigorous research on a topic of the student's choice. Optional modules let students concentrate on areas such as news production, gaming cultures, sport or social psychology, and placement, study abroad and language options help prepare them for careers in marketing, communications, journalism and many other fields.