Media studies is a multi-faceted subject area that is constantly developing with the times. It covers every element of the media industry, from cinematography, radio and print journalism to advertising, social media and viral trends.
Enrolling on a media studies or a media communication degree abroad is a great way to learn about the methods used by creative minds and businesses across all media platforms. You will learn how to develop these skills to ensure your practice stays relevant in the modern world.
Students of media studies will need to be creative and technologically minded with great communication skills. Whether you want to develop a career in social media, cinematography, journalism, or even market analysis, a degree in media studies will teach you to manipulate your skillset in a way that can be used in almost any workplace.
Subjects related to media studies include advertising, filmmaking, journalism, marketing communications, mass communication and public relations.
An undergraduate media studies or media communications degree will typically last two to four years, depending on your study destination, degree and study mode. A postgraduate media studies degree will usually take one to three years. Media studies courses are normally taught as a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and group workshop sessions. Individual projects and presentations will be a key part of your learning experience and assessment.
Some media degrees will also include a work placement or industry experience to improve your practical knowledge and understanding. Media degrees can be studied at certificate, diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and even PhD level.
Some areas that you may cover in a media studies degree include:
1. Consumer attitudes
2. Ethics within media
3. Global media
4. Journalism
5. Media design and production
6. Media entrepreneurship
7. Social media production and consumption
Visual media Areas you may choose to specialise in with your media studies degree include cinematography, editing, journalism, radio and TV, publishing and social media.
To study media studies or media communication overseas, you will need to meet some basic requirements. In a subjective subject such as media, these can differ significantly between institutions. However, very broadly speaking, media studies undergraduates will commonly need:
1. Three A-Levels (or equivalent)
2. Grades equivalent to BBC at A-Level / International Baccalaureate score of 30 points
At the postgraduate level, you will usually need to have achieved a 2:1 or 2:2 in your undergraduate degree. If you are concerned about not attaining these results, don’t worry! There are many institutions globally that will accept candidates with lower grades.
The above serves only as a generalisation. Prospective international media studies students will usually need an IELTS (or equivalent) score of a minimum of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5 to study at an undergraduate level. This requirement may rise to 6.5 at the postgraduate level. Always check with your prospective university as to the acceptance and applicability of your current qualifications.
If you are wondering what jobs are available for media studies graduates, you’ll be pleased to learn that a degree in media equips you well for many careers. Whether you aspire to work in a corporate, creative or even self-employed sphere, you’ll find a range of professional options open to you.
Due to competitive markets, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in media studies do not typically earn a significant starting salary. However, with experience and/or additional qualifications, wages increase significantly. In the USA, starting salaries in the media and communication industry do not usually exceed USD 25,000 and are often much lower. However, the median salary across the whole sector is USD 50,000, with the capacity to earn significantly more, depending on your experience and role. Popular jobs for media graduates include:
1. Digital content manager
2. Journalist
3. Marketing manager
4. Market researcher
5. Media researcher
6. PR representative
7. Radio broadcaster
8. Social media manager
9. Writer
Typical employment environments for graduates with a media studies degree include communications agencies, marketing companies, media companies, news agencies, PR agencies, publishers and TV/radio.
Media studies will also often provide you with the skills to undertake self-employed or freelance work, which, with time and dedication, can be a lucrative career option.