DEGREE GUIDE

Communications

What do Communications degrees involve?

Communications degrees teach you how to convey ideas effectively across different media, industries, and audiences. You will explore key areas such as media studies, public relations, digital communication, marketing, and journalism. These courses help you develop strong writing, presentation, and critical thinking skills while understanding how communication shapes society, businesses, and global trends. You will also learn how to craft compelling messages, analyse audience behaviour, and work with digital tools to create engaging content. With opportunities for hands-on projects, media collaborations, and industry placements, you’ll gain the experience needed for careers in PR, media, corporate communications, and content creation.

Example
Modules

Understanding Media and Communication: Explore how media like TV, radio, film and social platforms shape society, examining who controls them and how messages are created.

Researching Media and Communication: Learn how to investigate media using critical theory and methods like interviews, content analysis and discourse study.

Working with Words: Build strong academic and professional writing skills to communicate clearly, creatively and effectively in media contexts.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are available at many universities, particularly in PR, media or marketing roles.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some institutions.

BA (Hons) Communication and Media
BA (Hons) Media, Communication and Cultural Studies
BA (Hons) Strategic Communication
BA (Hons) Communication and Public Relations
BA (Hons) Communication and Society

Communications is often taught as part of degrees in Marketing and Journalism

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Communications degrees are interdisciplinary, drawing from media studies, sociology, psychology, and linguistics. There are no required subjects – universities look for strong writing, analysis, and critical thinking.

Subjects that can strengthen your application:

English Language or Literature – builds strong communication skills
Media Studies or Film Studies – useful but not essential
Psychology, Sociology, or Politics – valuable for understanding people and contexts
Modern Foreign Languages – show linguistic and analytical ability

✨ At least one essay-based or analytical subject shows you're ready for the degree.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Media, Business, or Public Services. These are widely accepted, often for direct entry
T-levels in Digital Business Services or Media, Broadcast and Production may be accepted

✨ Some Communications degrees are more theory-based, while others include practical media or marketing components. Check the course description carefully to match your strengths and interests.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most courses require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Strong written communication is essential, so English is especially important.

If your school offers Media Studies, IT, or Sociology, these can support your interest, but they’re not required.

💬 Interviews
Most Communications courses don’t require interviews. Some universities may invite you for a short chat or an applicant day to explore your interests and goals.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no national admissions tests for Communications degrees.

🔍 Work Experience or Portfolio
Not usually required, but if you’ve been involved in school newspapers, podcasts, media clubs, or social media projects, include them in your personal statement; they show initiative and passion for the subject.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Media, Communications or Social Science
If you’re changing subjects or didn’t meet standard entry requirements, a foundation year can help you build the academic and practical skills needed for a Communications degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Media, Social Science, or Humanities)
Access courses in these areas are widely accepted. Look for courses with essay-based units and communication-focused content. Aim for Merits and Distinctions.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships in Marketing, Digital Communications, or Public Relations can lead to university entry—especially when combined with academic qualifications or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Communications degree

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

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Interests that would make a Communications degree a good match for you

Careers a Communications degree could lead you to