10 best UK universities to study journalism, media and communications

A degree in communications, media and journalism provides graduates with excellent written skills as well as an ability to work across multimedia platforms. Not only do these courses prepare graduates for careers in journalism and publishing, but the acquired skill set lends itself to film, public relations and social media roles.

Here, we list the top ten UK universities that offer communication and media degrees, with information on entry requirements, the course, as well as the biggest advantage of studying there

The rankings are based on the latest 2020 data from the Complete University Guide, which ranks university courses according to graduate prospects, entry standards, research quality and student satisfaction

10. Southampton University

Entry requirements:  AAB - ABB

The course: Southampton offers a range of film studies courses including Film and Philosophy and Film and Philosophy with a year abroad. First and second-year students are taught how to understand and analyse cinematic theory, while third year students can specialise in a range of modules such as horror on film and sci fi. The department also encourages students to spend a year or semester abroad.

Biggest advantage: There's a lot of choice. Students can take a wide variety of modules from European film to cinematography and screenwriting.

9. Strathcyle University

Entry requirements: ABB (A Levels) ; AAAA (Scottish Highers)

The course:Students have the opportunity to combine the Journalism, Media and Communication BA with other subjects such as Economics, Spanish and Law. Throughout the degree, students are taught the basics of journalism and reporting such as news writing, editing and interviewing.

Biggest advantage: For some combined degrees, such as Journalism, Media and Communications and Psychology, students can undertake international research placements through Erasmus in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

8. Lancaster University

Entry requirements: ABB

The course:  The Media and Cultural Studies programme prepares students for careers in the creative sector such as advertising, marketing and journalism. The degree offers extensive flexibility, with students having the option to take modules such as film studies and Social Media Activism.

Biggest advantage: Students have access to the leading Digital Media Studio, which means they can put their visual storytelling to the test. Experiment with audio podcasts, digital ethnography and more.

7. Swansea University

Entry requirements: 72 UCAS points - around DDD

The course:Swansea offers a range of media and communications courses such as Law and Media and Public Relations and Media. Students have the chance to learn about radio and video production and digital and social media and are taught by  industry professionals

Biggest advantage:Students are encourage to gain first hand experience of media and communication through study abroad semesters in countries such as Hong Kong and the US

6. Nottingham Trent University

Entry Requirements: BBC

The course: Students are equipped with the traditional reporting skills such as media law, court reporting and shorthand, but also dive into transferable multimedia skills such as video content creation and social media. Students are trained across all media platforms - including newspaper, magazine and broadcast - and have the option to take specialist modules in topics such as sports journalism.

Biggest advantage: The degree is accredited by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) and was named the top performing NCTJ accredited undergraduate degree in the UK for five years running.

5. Cardiff University

Entry requirements: ABB - BBB

The course: The course is highly competitive and receives 1000 applications for 125 places. Throughout the degree students take compulsory and optional modules on topics such as data journalism and audiences. Students are encouraged to produce print and digital portfolios, as well as practice their writing skills across broadcast, online, print and magazines.

Biggest advantage: Students study in the new purpose built journalism school and have close links to national media organisations such as BBC Wales and Media Wales.

4. Loughborough University

Entry requirements: ABB

The course: The Bsc Media and Communication degree encourages students to study the historical and contemporary developments across print, broadcasting, film, advertising and digital media. Students are taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars and independent study.

Biggest advantage: If students undertake a placement year they gain a Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS). If they study abroad they gain a Diploma in International Studies (DIntS).

3. Newcastle University

Entry requirements:  AAB

The course: In first and second year, students study a range of compulsory modules including media law and ethics and social and cultural studies. Interested in celebrity culture or crisis and conflict reporting? Newcastle also offers optional modules on both of these, as well as public relations among others. The university has an active media scene - including the award-winning weekly newspaper 'The Courier' - where students can develop their writing and broadcasting skills.

Biggest advantage: Students can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional work placement between years two and three.

2. Leeds University

Entry requirements:  AAB

The course: This degree places particular emphasis on the role of journalism and its relationship with politics as well as the development of investigative skills using data analysis and tools such as Freedom of Information requests. Students receive hands-on training in TV, radio and digital production and are trained in essential multimedia skills such as live blogging and mobile video packages. The degree is also accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

Biggest advantage: The department is equipped with state of the art facilities such as four Hitachi digital cameras, a large green screen and the full range of Adobe production tools.

1. University of Sheffield

Entry requirements:  ABB

The course:  In first year, students take module called Essential Journalism where students learn how to structure news stories, source and use quotes. In their second year, students learn about court reporting and media law and can take optional modules on topics such as investigative and political journalism. Final year students have more flexibility and can explore issues such as free speech and censorship, as well as television production. The course is accredited by the NCTJ and Professional Publishers Association and graduates are well respected within the industry and have gone on to work for leading organisations such as Sky News, Bloomberg and the Guardian.

Biggest advantage: Students can spend part of their degree abroad studying with one of Sheffield’s partner universities in Australia, Canada and Hong Kong.