Media and Communications

Media and communications sits at the centre of contemporary life, shaping how we understand events, how public opinion forms, how identities are constructed, and how power is exercised and contested. The discipline draws on sociology, cultural theory, journalism studies, film and television analysis, digital media, and political economy, creating a field that is both analytically rigorous and directly connected to the world around us. Understanding how media works has never been more important, as artificial intelligence, social platforms, and shifting news environments transform the landscape of communication.

At the University of Sussex, this three-year full-time programme is built around flexibility, allowing you to shape your study in relation to your interests and ambitions. The programme includes a foundation year, which provides an accessible entry point that builds academic skills and introduces the core concepts of the field. You will explore media theory and history, journalism, digital cultures, visual communication, public relations, and the economics and politics of media industries.

A placement or work experience year is available, giving you direct professional experience in the media or communications sector. A year abroad is also an option, adding an international dimension to your studies.

You will develop critical and analytical skills alongside the practical communication skills, writing, presentation, and digital literacy, that the industry values. Sussex's location, within easy reach of Brighton and London, connects you to a vibrant media and creative sector.

Graduates move into careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, digital marketing, advertising, social media management, content creation, policy, and communications in the public and third sectors. The analytical skills the degree develops are also valuable in research, consultancy, and any field where understanding audiences and shaping messages matters. Postgraduate study in media, communications, or related disciplines is a natural progression for those who want to develop specialist expertise.