Communications: Media Studies BA

True or false?How much is fake news influencing our lives already?Who can we trust as conspiracy theories collide on social media with false claims about both COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests?What will be happening in media in 10 years time?

Whatever the platform, media is at the centre of our daily experience and the ways in which we communicate with each other.

This programme will introduce you to a range of theories and research exploring the role of the media in society. You will also learn practical skills to equip you for an exciting career in media, including radio and video production, digital and social media, journalism, public relations, branding, marketing and more, learning from experienced industry professionals and leading academics.

Whether you would like work in social media, an independent film streaming service or an international media agency, this degree will provide you with the communication, research, writing and critical thinking skills which are valuable to employers in any industry.

Getting the right essential information is key. During the first two years of the degree all Richmond Communications students take the same core courses.

An inter-disciplinary approach will provide a breadth of communication topics, such as research and writing, creative expression and scientific reasoning as well as studying the principles and context of communications and media. Youll be studying in small class sizes with students from all over the world, guaranteeing interesting and lively debate.  Guest lecturers will be invited to speak to BA Communications students, providing their insight and experience on the communications world.

In the third and fourth years of this programme youll be specialising in Media Studies in all its diversity, with a choice of electives from American Television Drama to Photojournalism, Modern Popular Music to Gender in Film.

Then this is your chance to put your ideas to the test when you will have the opportunity to pursue an internship with a media company or global organisation in London or internationally.  An internship can been life-changing, providing you with the experience to get the first rung on the career ladder.

Through our partnership with them, youll have membership of The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)  Europes largest and most influential PR and communications membership body, which organises training, conferences and events for communications professionals.

This programme combines both theory and practice, providing an excellent preparation for a career in the media and, being based in London, is home to many world-leading media organisations.

Like all Richmond  graduates, youll also be able to qualify with two degrees one for the UK and one for the US.

At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.

This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.

Academic Entry Requirements

Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.

• A Levels: 96 UCAS points
• US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)
• International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
• BTEC National Diploma: MMM
• Completion of Year 12-13 International equivalent secondary school qualification with a minimum grade average of grade of C including mathematics and English.

• GCSEs: 5 at grade C or above / grade 4-9 (or equivalent)

We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us [email protected].

The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.

Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.

Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.

Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.

• BBC
• Bloomberg L.P
• EMI Music
• 19 Entertainment
• 20th Century Fox Entertainment
• Sony, Disney Television International
• Omnicom
• Viacom
• Mediacom

You apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).

In order to submit your application you will need the following information

• Details of your education history, including the dates of all exams/assessments
• The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively an electronic copy of your academic reference
• A personal statement this can either be emailed as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online
• An electronic copy of your in process or completed high school (secondary school) transcript and graduation certificate

Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.

When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.

If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.