Programme Overview
Students pursuing the specialisation in Media Studies within the BA degree in Communications will focus on the role that television, cinema and new media holds in shaping current society. The aim of this programme is to prepare students to work within the technologically driven, consumer centric and globally interconnected media industry.
This degree provides an interdisciplinary, multimedia approach to the study of communications through the study of the relationship between communications theory and its practice. During the first two years of the Communications degree students take the same core courses across the three available disciplines. During the third and fourth year students then specialise in Media Studies, whilst also having the opportunity to pursue an internship with leading global companies and institutions.
Top 5 reasons to study this programme:
- Explore the role of mass communications in society by studying film, television and digital communications in London – a hub of the global media communications industries
- Benefit from the teaching of our academics and guest lecturers
- Gain vital work experience through an internship in a wide range of leading international organisations in London, the USA and China
- Develop strong communication skills in small classes within an International environment, alongside fellow students from all over the world
- Take advantage of networking with a leading alumni community in London
Modules breakdown
CORE SUBJECTS |
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YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | YEAR 4 |
Foundations of Mass Media and Communications | Intercultural Communications | Mass Communications and Society | New Media |
Foundations of Sociology | Introduction to Visual Culture | Cultural Theory | Senior Seminar 1 |
Foundations of Business (required for MK/PR strand) / Foundations of Photography (required for MS and MP strands) | Political Communications | Senior Seminar 2 |
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Transitions I | Social Research | Senior Project in Communications |
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Transitions II | |||
Quantitative Reasoning | |||
Scientific Reasoning | |||
Creative Expression | |||
Research and Writing I | |||
QFC Level 3 Elective | |||
ELECTIVE MODULES |
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YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | YEAR 4 |
Plus three of the following: | Plus 1 of the following: | Plus 6 of the following OR Internship and 4 of the following: |
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The Language of Art | Video Production | Photojournalism |
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Worlds of Music | American Television Drama | Pop to Present: Themes in Contemporary US Art |
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Introduction to Advertising Practice | Modern Popular Music | PR and Self-Presentation in the Media |
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Communications for PR and Advertising | Masculinities and Feminisms | Fashion and Media |
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Sonic Media Production | Sociology of Culture and Subculture | World Internship in Communications (6 CREDITS) |
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Contemporary London Performance (MP and MS strands only)* | Celebrity and Fan Culture | Internship in Communications (6 CREDITS) |
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Writing Science Fiction (MP and MS strands only)* | Mainstream Cinema: Studies in Genre | Transnational Cinema |
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Rich World, Poor World | Adaptations: Literature and Cinema | International Cinema |
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Introduction to Film Studies | Gender in Film | Picture of Power |
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Film in the Americas | Feature Writing | Media Ethic and Law |
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History of Fashion | Plus 4 FHEQ Level 5 Electives | Global News Analysis |
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Introduction to Writing for the Media | |||
Introduction to the Business of Fashion | |||
Gender and Culture | |||
Plus all of the following: | |||
Research and Writing II | |||
Plus 4 FHEQ Level 4 Electives | |||
Entry Requirements
A Level: 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
English Language Requirements (Non Native English Speakers)
☐ IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in each Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
☐ TOEFL (IBT) 80+ overall with: Listening 17, Reading 18, Writing 17, Speaking 20
☐ Petersons Test of English (PTE) 51
☐ Overall Cambridge English Scale score of no less than 168 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
How to apply
You apply directly using the Common Application ($50.00) or the Richmond One Line Application. 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
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
Application process
Admission is by interview unless you live outside the UK when we may interview you via Skype or by telephone. We may also determine your suitability on the basis of their application and qualifications alone. Find out more about applying.
UCAS Course Code
Full Time 3-4 Years
Including one year at QCF Level 3
(subject to credit transfer)
Contact our admissions team for more details:
admissions@richmond.ac.uk
Please note: Non US students are eligible
Useful Links
Related programmes
BA Degree in Communications: Marketing Communications & Public Relations
BA Degree in Communications: Media Production
BA Degree in Communications: Media Studies
What our students say
I chose the Communications program at Richmond because of the broad variety of subjects covered and the chance to learn from professionals still active in their fields. The number of contact hours and the small class sizes meant I got to know my professors and their teaching styles and they got to know me and my interests, offering a number of networking opportunities. Hearing of their experiences in journalism, film, and the arts was one of the most valuable aspect of the course. The theories covered continue to be applicable in the workplace and class discussions with students from many different backgrounds helped to broaden my horizons and knowledge of the international media. Richmond has given me the tools to be successful in the media industry while teaching me to think outside of the box.
Combine this programme with a Minor
Minor in Accounting
Minor in Accounting and Finance
Minor in American Studies
Minor in Art History and Visual Culture
Minor in Chinese Studies
Where to find us
Richmond Hill Campus
Queen’s Road
Richmond-upon-Thames
TW10 6JP
England
+44 (0) 208 332 8200 (Main Switchboard)
