Contemporary Media Cultures

Contemporary media cultures is a discipline that takes the media we consume, produce and inhabit as its primary object of study. Rather than simply learning to make media, it asks why certain forms emerge and dominate, how media shapes and is shaped by society, politics and identity, and what it means to participate in media-saturated environments. The field draws on cultural studies, sociology, communication theory and creative practice, developing both critical analytical skills and practical media competencies.

At London College of Communication, part of the University of the Arts London, this three-year programme places you in one of the world's most dynamic media cities, with access to the full range of professional and cultural contexts that London offers. You will explore contemporary media cultures through theory and through creative and practical work, developing your ability to analyse media texts and industries while also producing your own media in a range of forms. A sandwich placement year is built into the programme, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial professional experience within the media sector, and the work placement element connects your academic study to the real environments in which media is made and distributed.

Graduates from contemporary media cultures programmes go on to careers across the full breadth of the media and creative industries, including roles in journalism, broadcasting, digital media production, social media management, advertising, public relations, media research and cultural policy. The critical and analytical skills developed through the programme are also valuable in education, arts administration, the third sector and public communications. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in media studies, cultural theory, journalism or a specialist creative practice, building on the foundations developed at undergraduate level.