Sociology and Media Studies Lancaster University

Media shapes who we are, what we think and what we value. While studying Sociology helps us make sense of how society works - and why it doesn’t work in the same way for everyone. When combined, these two subjects provide a sophisticated understanding of the world around us and an ability to dissect complex issues. You’ll gain a powerful combination of intellectual and practical skills, ready to succeed in your chosen career.

Why study Sociology and Media Studies at Lancaster?

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

• Find out how social scientists use theories to interpret and engage with contemporary social issues at local, national, and international levels

• Develop advanced skills in critical thinking, data analysis, communication and research design, combined with in-depth knowledge of underpinning theories

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

• 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

How is Sociology taught at Lancaster University?

Social issues rarely fit into neat categories. Questions about inequality, migration, gender, or environmental change are shaped by histories, institutions, power relations and everyday practices all at once. On this course, you’ll be encouraged to study social issues in this connected way – looking at problems from multiple perspectives and exploring how local experiences are shaped by wider social processes.

We bring our ongoing research directly into the classroom to engage you with contemporary debates, methods and findings as they are being developed. You will explore big ideas, not as abstract issues, but as lived experiences that are governed, contested, and researched in specific social contexts. You’ll learn how sociologists frame questions, work with theories to interpret evidence, and draw on data to reveal patterns, inequalities, and social consequences that are not always immediately visible.

By the end of the degree, you’ll have the confidence and skills to engage in lively debates and undertake your own sociological research on topics that matter to you - building towards an independent final-year dissertation on your topic of choice.

What aspects of Media Studies does Lancaster’s course cover?

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.

Media 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.

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

BBB

Access to HE Diploma

24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 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 DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall with 15 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

Merit 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.