Course overviewThe Media and Communications degree at Keele seamlessly blends theoretical and practical elements, enabling you to explore and appreciate the vital role media plays in our rapidly changing world while simultaneously developing your creative abilities and professional portfolio. The degree equips you with valuable graduate skills across three interconnected areas: critical analysis, creative production, and professional practice.Throughout the course, you’ll master the use of various visual media, film, audio, and digital formats to craft compelling narratives, communicate important ideas, and confidently express your creative voice. You’ll explore everything from storytelling and filmmaking to audience research and the intersection of media with contemporary issues like climate change and politics. With access to dedicated teaching spaces and professional filmmaking equipment, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience. This practical training will enable you to refine your skills and build an impressive portfolio of work.The programme offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor your degree with a range of optional core modules. These options enable you to broaden your understanding of various career pathways and engage directly with the world beyond Keele—whether through work placements, client-based projects, or collaborative efforts to deliver successful festivals and events.Foundation YearOur Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.Work placementsHaving the opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. You may choose to apply for a Work Placement Year that allows you to apply your knowledge and prepare for employment after university through a year long placement. This will enable you to build your confidence in the workplace and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme.There is an option to do a work placement module at level 5 and 6. This could provide you with a platform to work within an organisation, and further develop your professional skills. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with projects and placements, drawing on our extensive network of existing placement partners or using our support to find your own opportunity. This allows you to combine your degree programme with practical experience, apply your learning to real-world situations, and enhance your CV.Study abroadInternational yearEnhance your career prospects with an international year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe.This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society. You can find more information here.Study Abroad (Summer School)In addition to the Study Abroad options of spending a semester or a year at one of Keele’s international partner universities, you can choose a unique 4-week study abroad optional module (15 credits), taking place in the summer before either Year 2 or Year 3: The American South: US Summer School.Your future careerHaving a degree in Media and Communications provides a broad insight into various elements of the world we live in. You will have experience in theory and practical aspects of this industry which will be applicable to a number of different sectors.