Imagine a world with no media – no newspapers, broadcasters, mobile phones or tablets, no social media platforms or apps. Would it be anything like the world we currently inhabit?

This is the sort of question you’ll ask on this course. You’ll explore the ways in which various media shape, influence and even control the way people behave and the way societies are organised. 

ABOUT

On this course you’ll examine the ways in which media and culture shape our societies and the people in them. 

This degree programme offers a great deal of choice in what you study. In your core modules you’ll explore media power and the history of social and political thought. You’ll also develop social research skills and learn how to analyse media, such as TV. As you progress you’ll build on that core foundation of skills and knowledge with optional modules. You’ll choose from topics such as gender and power, digital media and society, animation, journalism, American music, promotional culture, public opinion, digital politics, magazines, Japanese film, and much more besides. You could even choose to study a foreign language, or spend a semester studying abroad, as well as research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing. 

Each year you’ll be able to select the areas and topics that you’re most interested in. You’ll be able to look at how media and culture construct people’s individual and collective identities. Or you can consider how globalisation both affects, and is affected by, media and culture. You can explore the ways music, television and film connect to citizens’ everyday lives. Alternatively, you can study the impact of digital media on social and political processes. You’ll also have the opportunity to acquire journalistic skills or the skills necessary to become a campaigner. 

UEA has a strong reputation for its teaching and research on media and culture. We have specialists in media and cultural studies, the law and economics of media, media policy, and the politics and sociology of media and culture. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

During the course you’ll have the opportunity to take part in study trips, internships and placements in Britain and Europe. You’ll also have the option of a semester abroad in your second year at one of UEA’s partner universities.

AFTER THE COURSE

You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills for a wide array of careers, directly related to your areas of study and well beyond. These might include jobs in publishing, international organisations, parliaments, political parties or the civil service. 

Alternatively, you might choose to enter media, marketing, or advertising industries, or in a non-governmental organisation, a think-tank, or other research organisation. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Examples of careers you could enter include: 

• Teaching 

• Voluntary sector organisations 

• Social media and digital marketing 

• Public relations 

• Civil service 

• Retail management