Media and Cultural Studies

Media shapes who we are, what we think and what we value. At Lancaster, we are passionate about understanding media in all its complexity, exploring how media and culture shape our social realities. New forms of media are developing so quickly, you may be preparing for a career in the creative industries that does not yet exist! We will empower you with media literacy skills, theory and understanding that will equip you for a rewarding role in a wide range of industries.

Why Lancaster?

• Learn from world-leading experts in the field, who shape conversation on everything from reality TV show regulations to the Royal Family

• Take advantage of our digital media studio with the latest specialist equipment during your degree

• Add to your creative portfolio out of class by getting involved in our student media societies such as Lancaster’s television station, newspaper, radio station and cinema

• Tailor your programme to suit you, with assessments that range from written research to creative practice

• Develop vital skills in both media practice and critical analysis, skills that future employers need

Bring your ideas to life
Media and Cultural Studies will provide you with a critical understanding of media industries, practices and productions. You will learn how digital media is both reinventing older media forms, like newspapers and television, and producing new digital cultures. You will develop awareness of the transnational differences that structure all our experiences of media in local, national and global contexts, as well as looking at how media is created and consumed to help you become a better creator.

As well as studying media’s social, economic and political power in everyday life, we will help you develop your critical thinking skills in relation to the issues that matter to you, reflecting on your own identity, life and media use. You will be encouraged to develop effective communication skills, think ethically about media power, politics and technologies, and enact positive social change in the world around you.

Your platform, your voice
Our research is world leading. You will be taught by experts on topics as diverse as fandom, media activism, gender and sexualities, artificial intelligence and algorithmic cultures. Our team influences real world conversations, for example, providing evidence to parliamentary enquiries, running podcast series, undertaking news media interviews and raising awareness on a range of issues, such as class, race and gender inequality.

As well as our own academics, you will have the opportunity to learn from influential guest speakers. In previous years we have welcomed guests such as, journalists from the BBC, and The Evolution of Horror podcast presenter, Mike Muncer.

When it comes to doing your final project, you will follow in their footsteps. You may write about research you have carried out during the course or produce a media piece (for example a podcast, journalistic interviews, or a social media campaign). We’ll encourage you to let your imagination run wild! Past students have created music albums, zines and even board games. You’ll be able to showcase your hard work at our Final Degree Show to celebrate the achievements of you and your peers.

Envisioning your future
Studying Media and Cultural Studies at Lancaster will give you a head start in preparing for your future career. We organise bespoke careers’ sessions on employment opportunities in the media and creative sectors, giving you the opportunity to explore potential career options that fit with your personal interests. In the past, this has included workshops with journalists, podcasting masterclasses, creative sessions with media activists, and visits to museums, all of which will help you build on your critical analysis, research, presentation and writing skills, which are valuable to employers across a range of sectors.