Employers and Universities: Work with us?
Why study media studies?
Media studies is the perfect subject for anyone interested in the way the media shapes the world around us.
In media studies, you’ll explore how ideas are communicated, influence society and shape cultural norms.
It’s a great choice if you’re considering a career in the marketing, media or publishing industries – as well as providing useful skills for any career path.
‘Media studies looks at how film, TV and even TikTok shapes cultural norms – it’s a great platform for careers from advertising to journalism’
What is media studies?
In media studies, you’ll take an analytical view on the media we encounter every day, including TV, film, music, news, advertising, social media and other online content. You’ll study how these ‘texts’ are produced, how they are consumed – and how they influence our views, attitudes and even our politics.
In media studies, you will:
- Learn to critically analyse and interpret media content.
- Understand the role of the media in shaping public discourse and cultural trends.
- Explore the impact of digital technologies and social media on society.
- Study different media industries and how they operate, from film production to broadcasting.
What employability skills will I get?
In media studies, you’ll take a step back from our cultural world and start to explore what’s going on below the surface. This will equip you with a range of advanced skills, including:
- Analysis – you’ll break down films, adverts and social media to explore how messages are created and understood.
- Communication – you’ll practise expressing your ideas clearly, whether you’re writing reviews, creating content or presenting arguments.
- Critical thinking – media studies helps you question what you see and hear, evaluating bias, purpose and impact.
- Cultural awareness – you’ll explore how media reflects and shapes society, learning how different audiences experience content.
- Research – you’ll investigate media industries, audiences and trends, backing up your work with real examples and evidence.
What subjects does media studies go with?
Media studies goes well with subjects that explore human behaviour, culture and society.
You could pair it with art and design, music, drama or even English literature to develop a more well-rounded critical view of artistic production in different artforms. Alternatively, you could take a more political angle, studying media alongside politics or sociology.
Whatever subject you choose to pair with media studies, we recommend taking at least one facilitating subject – these are A-level/equivalent subjects universities view as more academic. These subjects are widely accepted by higher education institutions, helping keep your options
What degrees do I need media studies for?
Although media studies itself is not usually a requirement for a university degree, it is useful for degrees in:
- Advertising and marketing: Looks at how media can be used to persuade and influence consumer behaviour.
- Film studies: Similar to media studies but focusing on the art and industry of film and cinema.
- Media studies: Surprise, surprise! At degree level, you will continue your study of media theory, production and analysis.
A background in media studies can also help you pursue degrees in communications, digital media, and related fields.
What apprenticeships is media studies useful for?
Media studies is a good basis for apprenticeships in fields such as marketing and communications, particularly the digital specialisms within these areas:
- Advertising and media executive – Help plan and run campaigns across TV, print, digital and social media to reach the right audience.
- Marketing executive – Promote products or services by creating content, analysing trends and supporting campaigns that engage customers.
- Multi-channel marketer – Manage messaging across platforms like email, social media and websites to build strong customer relationships.
- Public relations and communications assistant – Support a brand or organisation by creating positive stories and managing its image in the media.
- Social researcher – Gather and analyse public opinions and trends to help organisations understand audiences and make informed decisions.
What careers can media studies lead to?
Media studies can lead to a wide range of careers in business, communications, the creative industries, marketing and more.
You could use your knowledge of how media influences human behaviour to sell stuff by pursuing a career in marketing or advertising. You’ll understand how different media shapes cultural attitudes in ways that can be used by companies trying to sell products.
Alternatively, you could go down a more creative route, working in TV, film or even videogaming. Some students of media studies begin a career in journalism – particularly music, film or cultural criticism. With a bit of luck and talent, you could even pursue a career as a TikTok influencer!
Roles related to media studies include:
- Advertising copywriter
- Communications officer
- Editor
- Journalist
- Marketing manager
- Social media manager
Top five Career Zones to explore:
- Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations
- Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
- IT & The Internet
- Performing Arts
- Publishing & Media
Other articles in our Why study? series
- Art and design
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Computing
- Design and technology
- Drama
- Economics
- English language and literature
- Geography
- History
- Languages
- Maths
- Music
- Physical education (PE)
- Physics
- Psychology
- Religious studies (RS)
- Sociology
Image credits
Ultimate Palace Cinema, Oxford by Jorge Royan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
