Film & Media and Journalism Studies

Film, media and journalism studies together cover the full landscape of how stories are told, circulated and consumed in contemporary society. Film and media studies bring critical and theoretical tools for understanding moving image culture, broadcasting, digital platforms and the industries that produce them. Journalism studies focuses on the practice and ethics of reporting, the relationship between media and democracy, and how news is gathered, verified and published across different formats and platforms.

Studied together, the combination gives you both the analytical perspective to understand media systems and the practical skills to work within them.

At the University of Stirling, this four-year full-time programme develops your critical understanding of film and media alongside your knowledge of journalism practice and its theoretical underpinnings. You will study film history and aesthetics, media theory, journalism ethics and law, and the changing landscape of news and digital media. The course includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to experience media education and media industries in an international setting, which deepens your understanding of how journalism and media vary across political and cultural contexts.

Graduates from film, media and journalism programmes work across broadcasting, print and digital news, documentary production, public relations and communications, content creation, advertising, film and television production, and media policy and regulation. The critical thinking and communication skills the degree develops are also transferable to careers in research, campaigning, education and the public sector. For those wanting to pursue journalism in particular, the degree provides the knowledge and portfolio foundation for further professional development, while postgraduate study in film studies, media, or journalism is a well-established option.