Media Industries (Taught)

Become an expert on how diverse media organisations operate, and how they continue to shape global audiences.
The media entertain and inform us, comprising a global industry that employs millions of people. This course will give you an insight into both aspects of the media industries, as you critically analyse their cultural and economic dimensions.
You'll explore the full range of media production, from individual bloggers to global media corporations. Using an international approach and informed by trailblazing theory, you’ll study the development of contemporary media to understand trends like platformisation, influencer culture and content streaming.
Guided by internationally renowned and active researchers in the field, you’ll gain an insight into how television, film, music, online media, newspapers, magazines and advertising are produced, and what it’s like to work in each industry.
The course doesn’t centre on a single subject discipline either, drawing on the likes of communication and cultural studies, economics, sociology, anthropology, business and management studies, human geography, politics, law, literature, and music.
All this means you can tailor your degree to your interests and career path and gain a broad range of skills that set you up for exciting, creative roles.

Why study at Leeds

• Guaranteed industry experience: While studying, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

• Strong industry connections: Our school collaborates with the likes of the BBC, Ofcom, UK Government and European Commission to understand challenges and inform policy – partnerships and expertise that directly inform your teaching.

• Fully equipped facilities: The School of Media and Communication is home to a 58-seat cinema, 80 editing bays, a cutting-edge TV studio and an extensive equipment loan service. You’ll also have access to Helix, the University's learning innovation hub for students, staff, and the local community.

• Home to digital media innovation: Leeds and Bradford continue to lead in promoting digital media through the likes of Leeds Digital Festival, City of Culture, the Channel 4 headquarters, and the National New Media Collection. That means more opportunities and easy access to nationally significant archives.

• Benefit from cutting-edge research: Course content is guided by the work of our Media Industries and Cultural Production research group, which brings together researchers with an interest in empirical and theoretical works that engage with research on media production, policy and regulation.

• Flexible, bespoke module options: A broad range of optional modules lets you tailor your studies in line with your interests and specialism.

Rankings and awards
4th in the UK for Communication and Media Studies, The Time and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
34th in the world for Communication and Media Studies, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
86th best university in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
Recent graduate roles and industries have included:

• Digital Producer, Channel 4

• Brand Manager, Automotive

• Editor, Print Media

• Journalist, Magazine

• Marketing Officer, Retail

• Copywriter, Marketing and Advertising

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.