University of Sussex
Sussex House
Brighton
BN1 9RH
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Course contact details
Undergraduate Enquiries
Email:ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Phone:01273 876787
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Media and Communications
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
8th in the UK for our research outputs in Communications, Cultural and Media Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
=16th in the UK for Communications and Media Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
16th in the UK for Communications and Media Studies (Complete University Guide 2025)
About the course
How do the media shape the social, cultural and political landscape? If you’d like to find out, this course is for you. Supported by our experts, you’ll explore the role the media play in reflecting – and moulding – the world around us.
This BA combines theory and practice. In the classroom, you’re taught critical and historical studies of media. Using our professional facilities, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own audio, visual and digital content. You’ll enjoy 24/7 access to a newsroom, various editing suites and a professional sound studio.
During your studies, you’ll:
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develop study skills including time management, note taking and essay writing
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learn to be a critical thinker
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gain hands-on experience
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take electives from other subjects – from business to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.
The combination of study and practical work gives you the skills needed for a career in the world of media. And where better to do all this than in Brighton, one of the country’s fastest growing hubs for all things digital and media related? Our graduates have gone on to roles in journalism, advertising, publishing, press and public relations, and education.
About Sussex
Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.
Location
Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.
Modules
See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- P306
- Institution code:
- S90
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Sussex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- P306
- Institution code:
- S90
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - ABB
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 (or grade B).
You should also have a broad range of GCSEs (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma would normally be in Creative Digital Media Production ( or the former BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) in Creative Media Production).
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 (or grade B).
You should also have a broad range of GCSEs (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 24 credits at Distinction.
The Access to HE Diploma should be in Humanities or Social sciences.
You must have GCSE (or equivalent) in English at grade 5 (or grade B).
Scottish Higher - AABBB
You will need Scottish National 5 in English at grade B.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
This score should be from the full IB Diploma.
Extended Project
We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Admissions at ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Including at least 5.5 in each component. We accept IELTS One Skills Retake. We do not accept IELTS Online. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Including at least 59 in all four skills. We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 80 | TOEFL (iBT), including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing. We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition. |
Please see our English language requirements. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/international-qualifications/english-language-requirements
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Sussex, we recognise that not everybody has the same support to help them get to higher education. At Sussex it’s important to us to have a diverse, inclusive university community with a range of voices and experiences. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education ensuring that we have fair access to all regardless of background. A contextual offer is a reduced grade offer which is given to students who meet certain eligibility criteria.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27300 | Year 1 |
| International | £27300 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Note that your fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis as the Government reviews the fee levels.
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