Media and Cultural Studies (Study Abroad) Lancaster University

Media shapes who we are, what we think and what we value. At Lancaster, we are passionate about understanding media in all its complexity, exploring how media and culture shape our social realities. New forms of media are developing so quickly, you may be preparing for a career in the creative industries that does not yet exist! We will empower you with media literacy skills, theory and understanding that will equip you for a rewarding role in a wide range of industries.

Why Lancaster?

• Learn from world-leading experts in the field, who shape conversation on everything from reality TV show regulations to the Royal Family

• Take advantage of our digital media studio with the latest specialist equipment during your degree

• Add to your creative portfolio out of class by getting involved in our student media societies such as Lancaster’s television station, newspaper, radio station and cinema

• Tailor your programme to suit you, with assessments that range from written research to creative practice

• Develop vital skills in both media practice and critical analysis, skills that future employers need

Bring your ideas to life

Media and Cultural Studies will provide you with a critical understanding of media industries, practices and productions. You will learn how digital media is both reinventing older media forms, like newspapers and television, and producing new digital cultures. You will develop awareness of the transnational differences that structure all our experiences of media in local, national and global contexts, as well as looking at how media is created and consumed to help you become a better creator.

As well as studying media’s social, economic and political power in everyday life, we will help you develop your critical thinking skills in relation to the issues that matter to you, reflecting on your own identity, life and media use. You will be encouraged to develop effective communication skills, think ethically about media power, politics and technologies, and enact positive social change in the world around you.

Your platform, your voice

Our research is world leading. You will be taught by experts on topics as diverse as fandom, media activism, gender and sexualities, artificial intelligence and algorithmic cultures. Our team influences real world conversations, for example, providing evidence to parliamentary enquiries, running podcast series, undertaking news media interviews and raising awareness on a range of issues, such as class, race and gender inequality.

As well as our own academics, you will have the opportunity to learn from influential guest speakers. In previous years we have welcomed guests such as, journalists from the BBC, and The Evolution of Horror podcast presenter, Mike Muncer.

When it comes to doing your final project, you will follow in their footsteps. You may write about research you have carried out during the course or produce a media piece (for example a podcast, journalistic interviews, or a social media campaign).

Envisioning your future

Studying Media and Cultural Studies will give you a head start in preparing for your future career. We organise bespoke careers’ sessions on employment opportunities in the media and creative sectors, giving you the opportunity to explore potential career options that fit with your personal interests. In the past, this has included workshops with journalists, podcasting masterclasses, creative sessions with media activists, and visits to museums, all of which will help you build on your critical analysis, research, presentation and writing skills, which are valuable to employers across a range of sectors.

Study abroad

The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree. You will study in your third year at one of our international partner universities.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB

Access to HE Diploma

30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Distinction overall

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.