Lancaster University
Media and Cultural Studies (Placement Year) BA (Hons)
Lancaster University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 65 graduates of Media and Cultural Studies (Placement Year) BA (Hons) and other courses in Media Studies at Lancaster University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Media Studies.

Overall student satisfaction
85 /100
65 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £22017 £19297 £23262
25-75 percentile range £19000 - £25033 £15218 - £24297 £17814 - £29255

Course Description

Why Lancaster?

Prepare for media jobs of the future by exploring how the industry is evolving

Learn from experts shaping conversation on everything from reality TV show regulations to the Royal Family

Combine expert knowledge with practical skills and experience with this distinctive media and culture course

Shape your study – you’ll have the freedom to examine the areas of media that spark your interest

Get involved with our student media societies to gain experience outside the classroom

Media shapes who we are, what we think and what we value. At Lancaster, we’ve created a course where expertise meets practical skills. New technology and new platforms mean you’ll be preparing for careers in the creative sector and digital journalism that didn’t even exist until recently.

Bring ideas to life

We know it’s important for you to understand the way media is changing, but you also need to be able to apply this knowledge to succeed in this competitive industry. Whatever fascinates you will influence what you create on this course, whether that’s short films, digital content and podcasts, or any media relevant to today’s world.

We’ll look at how media is produced and consumed to help you become a better creator, as well as studying the social, economic and political dimensions of this industry on a global scale. You’ll look at practices and platforms in the ever-changing media landscape to make you aware of the challenges facing professionals.

Your platform, your voice

Our research influences real world conversations. You’ll be learning from experts who testify for parliamentary enquiries, run their own podcast series, or raise awareness of issues like gender inequality through their work.

When it comes to doing your dissertation, you’ll follow in their footsteps. You can complete your dissertation either via writing about research you have carried out or via media practice. Either way, we’ll expect you to thoroughly research your topic and the intended audience. We’ll encourage you to let your imagination run wild! Past students have created music albums, board games and even a multimedia cookbook.

Your Placement Year

Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years.

You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate. A very wide range of companies and organisations offer placements across all sectors.

As a full-time employee, you’ll have a detailed job description with specific responsibilities and opportunities to access training and development, the same as other employees.

Our Careers and Placements Team will help you to secure a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews.

You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.

The university will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Media and Cultural Studies (Placement Year) BA (Hons) at Lancaster University

30% Business and public service associate professionals
15% Sales occupations
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Administrative occupations
10% Natural and social science professionals
10% Information Technology Professionals
5% Animal care and control services
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Finance Professionals

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Media Studies

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 7.0
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Media and Cultural Studies (Placement Year), BA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Lancaster University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Lancaster University in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #13 
    • #93 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

See all 34 university rankings of Lancaster University

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University was established in 1964 and is located in the rural setting of Lancaster. The campus provides a series of amenities, including banks and a post office. Academically, all of this university’s courses and programmes are accredited and approved by MARP, ensuring that the curriculums delivered here are set at a high standard. In terms of facilities, students have access to a variety of study and recreational spaces intended to improve their wellbeing, such as Meditation and Tai Chi classes, and Woodland walks.

List of 452 Bachelor and Master Courses from Lancaster University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Lancaster University

undergraduates:
12595
postgraduates:
4065
Total:
16660
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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