BA (Hons)
UCAS CODES: 4 YEARS – P300
NEW: 4 YEARS WITH FOUNDATION – RF07
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.
We talk to Dr. Sam Brooker and student Leah on the benefits of studying Communications: Advertising & PR / Media Studies BA (Hons) at Richmond, The American International University in London.
About the programme
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. You’ll 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 you’ll 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, you’ll have membership of The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) – Europe’s 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, you’ll also be able to qualify with two degrees – one for the UK and one for the US.
What you will study
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach which is 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.
Find out more about the Core Curriculum >>
YEAR 1Modules
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YEAR 2Modules
Electives
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YEAR 3Modules
Electives
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YEAR 4Modules
Electives
Integrated Internship
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A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.
Communications: Media Studies (BA) with Foundation
There are many reasons why taking this programme with a Foundation option could be the ideal choice; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have tried other options such as apprenticeship and want to change direction or have been living abroad.
Whatever your starting point, studying this programme with a Foundation option offers you a great opportunity to gain both a UK and US degree and start the adventure of a lifetime, studying with us in the world’s top student city.
This is what our Foundation option can offer you:
Entry requirements
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.
Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.
4 YEARS
4 YEARS W/ FOUNDATION
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 enquiries@richmond.ac.uk.
For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.
Fees & funding
Undergraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
UK |
EU / INT |
US |
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| 2022/2023 | 2022/2023 | 2022/2023 | |
| Undergraduate Programmes | £9,250 | £14,750 | $38,000 |
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Employability
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.
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.
Study abroad
All students at Richmond University have the opportunity to study abroad. You can either study at one of our campuses for a semester to a year or study overseas at any of our partner locations across the world giving you an unique experience.
How to apply
You can 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
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.
What our students say
Register for an Undergraduate open event at Richmond >>
Sign up and find out about our programmes, generous scholarships and what life is like at Richmond.
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“This is a fascinating time to study media. Conspiracy theories, # activism, calls for diverse representations, social media influencers – all place media at the centre of a changing society. For anyone with ambitions to work in the media and communications industries, our media studies degree provides essential skills and critical knowledge of the dynamic media environment past, present, and future.”
– Dr Sue Pell, Programme Leader
“My favorite part about the BA Communications program was how attentive my professors were to my work. The professors, to me, felt like friends and I could easily come with questions as they helped guide me in the right direction. Not only that, but they pushed me and allowed me to be freely creative. In my career now, as a journalist and photographer, that mind-set has allowed me to work as a multi-faceted artist, and to this day I fully remember the work I put in as a student and they can still be used as great examples in my field.”
“While I didn’t major in Communications: Media Studies, I did take a great deal of the media studies courses because they met with some of my core requirements. I found the program to be very useful. The professors came from a variety of backgrounds and different countries, giving me an expansive exposure to different ideas and concepts. The curriculum also helped me later on in my professional life. The demanding course material fostered a strong work ethic and drive that I have since carried into my working life.
Since graduating from Richmond, I have had the amazing opportunity to intern and work for institutions like The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, The Smithsonian’s branch in Pittsburgh, The Senator John Heinz History Center and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
I have had the remarkable responsibility of working for global film festivals and conducting research in world renowned archives.
“I truly believe my time at Richmond aided me in my ability to perform the tasks and jobs I have held since graduating.”
