Media and Communications with Foundation Year

Media and communications is a discipline that takes seriously the central role of media in shaping how we understand the world, form identities, and participate in public life. It draws on sociology, cultural studies, political economy, and linguistics to examine how media texts are produced, how they circulate, how audiences engage with them, and what effects they have on individuals and societies. In an era of social media, algorithmic curation, and the constant proliferation of information, the ability to analyse media critically is not just academically interesting but genuinely important for anyone who wants to understand the contemporary world.

At Keele University, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students who would benefit from additional academic preparation before entering the main degree. The programme equips you with the tools to analyse and research media, while also developing your practical skills in creative communication and storytelling. You will engage with the histories and theories of different media forms and develop your capacity to produce as well as to critique.

The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the broad and accessible character of this programme.

You will develop critical thinking, research skills, creative production capabilities, and the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, making you well prepared for both analytical and creative roles in the media landscape.

Graduates pursue careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, digital content creation, social media management, advertising, publishing, marketing, arts and cultural organisations, and the wider creative industries. The combination of critical understanding and practical skills makes graduates adaptable and competitive across the full range of media and communications roles. Postgraduate study in media studies, journalism, communications, or digital media is a natural continuation for those who wish to specialise.