Study media and communication and you will face the challenge of keeping pace with the latest trends, technologies and debates. Media and communication degrees aim to prepare students for work in media-related industries, and train them to critically analyze the ways in which the media reflects, represents and influences the world.
Media studies courses may vary significantly in their content and approach to the subject, but most offer a combination of practical preparation for various media careers, alongside opportunities to analyze media representations from different perspectives – including moral, political and historical. For instance, as well as gaining practical skills such as film production or copy-writing, students may also have the opportunity to explore issues such as media representations of gender or race, or of a particular culture or political conflict.
The slightly broader field of communication studies extends beyond areas typically considered within the “media” domain, to explore human communications in all kinds of environment and context. This includes not only careers in media such as journalism, marketing and entertainment, but also business and management, education, politics, international relations, law and more.