Robert Gordon University offers a BA (Hons) Media degree which incorporates both the theoretical and practical aspects relating to media. It will help you build a portfolio of production output and provide you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a specialist career in media.
Our strong links with industry ensures the course content remains current and relevant for the real world of contemporary media. There is strong practitioner input, including guest speakers and live client projects. Our professional placements provide you with industry training in social media marketing, audience segmentation and content creation. You will have the opportunity to enhance your practical experience through your involvement in RGU Film, RGU TV, RADAR Magazine and working in the student radio station.
2nd in Scotland for career prospects in Media (Guardian University Guide 2024).
Top 3 in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in Media Studies (National Student Survey 2023, excluding colleges, small, specialist and private providers).
Year 1
You will be introduced to the function and operation of the media industries and the main theoretical frameworks for media analysis. You will design and produce practical media content and start to develop both your production and critical thinking skills through the Introduction to Filmmaking and Visual Culture and Design modules.
Year 2
Year 2 contains a strong combination of theoretical and practical modules. You will continue to develop critical theory skills in Media Semiotics and Discourse and industry-specific knowledge in Integrated Marketing Communications and Introduction to Media Law. Key production skills are acquired in Documentary Discourse and Practice, Web Design and Digital Filmmaking.
Year 3
In Year 3 you will continue to develop your specialist knowledge and have the flexibility to tailor your own study. You may complete a six-week, 12-week, or year-long work experience placement; undertake an academic term at one of our partner institutions abroad (continuing students only); or choose a taught, on-campus route which includes a focus on freelancing and research-based skills.
Year 4
Your final year will focus on specialist modules that provide a thorough grounding in media strategy, cultural theory and media representation. These include Celebrity Culture, Commercial and Corporate Filmmaking and Postmodern Culture. You will work with a supervisor to develop a research project on a topic of your choice, which will develop your research, analytical and interpretive skills. You may choose to follow a conventional or practice-based research route.
Our sustainability commitment
Sustainability issues are embedded across all stages of the BA (Hons) Media degree. Throughout the course, students explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals of responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) and gender equality (Goal 5) through discourse that relate to the circular economy, the future of application development and other media innovations, gender equality in the media and the sustainability of lifestyle branding and consumption. The fostering of an inclusive, critical discursive space enables students to develop their argumentation and complex problem-solving skills allowing them to apply these to both the current and future forecasting debates concerning sustainability in the media. The foregrounding of critical thinking with practical production skills ensures that graduates are responsible and accountable industry-ready practitioners.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 5, 12 and 13. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will learn through a range of delivery modes including lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical-based activities. The nature of the course is interactive: you will apply theory to practice, and consider a range of problems, issues and case studies. Academic modules are typically delivered by a lecture followed by a seminar where you can discuss or apply the thinking to relevant tasks. This may involve analysing texts or giving oral presentations. The practical classes will involve creative ideation, storyboarding, filming and editing. Modules, such as narrative filmmaking, may include input from appropriate industry experts.
HOW LONG IS A BA (HONS) MEDIA COURSE?
A Media degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills is obtained.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 35-40 students per group, 4-5 hours per week
- Seminars - 15-25 students per group, 4-8 hours per week
- Tutorial - 15-25 students per group, 3-6 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 6-8 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 2 hours per week
Independent Study
In addition to lectures and tutorials, you will spend approximately 20-30 hours per week outside of the class working on your own. This involves undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for assignments, team meetings and researching and writing course assignments.
Staff Delivering on This Course
All staff teaching on this course have significant experience in their specialist areas and have strong industry experience in the areas of Media and the Arts. Some staff are active in research in areas such as Media Representation and Discourse, Postmodern Culture, and Social Media Analysis.
Our staff have either achieved Fellowship/Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 5 portfolios
Year 2
- 3 written assignments, including essay
- 3 portfolios
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essay
- 3 portfolios
Year 4
- 3 written assignments, including essay
- 3 portfolios
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
In Year 3, you will have the invaluable opportunity of undertaking a six-week, twelve-week or year-long placement where you will gain practical experience, put your skills and knowledge to the test and establish links with potential employers. Previous media placements have included Aberdeen Journals, Scottish Rugby, Original 106, International Youth Festival, Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen Performing Arts.
You can choose to source your own placement or access our Placement Office, who will support you in sourcing and validating a suitable position.
Study Abroad
In Year 3 you can study with partner institutions in Europe or worldwide as part of the Study Abroad programme (continuing students only). This is dependent on similar Media programmes being offered by partner institutions. For more information, please visit:
Job Prospects
The media degree leads to a wide range of rewarding careers and is expanding further with the growth of digital media. This course will prepare you for a career in a variety of areas such as the creative industries, documentary production, social and digital media, commercials, corporate video production and web design.
Is Media a good career choice?
Previous BA Media graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Television and Radio Researcher
- Web Designer
- Social Media Marketing Officer
- Advertising Account Executive
- Journalist
- Video Production
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Media degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBBC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- GCE A Level: BCC to include English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include English at H2 (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level English (or a written subject requiring the use of English) at grade 5.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include English or a written subject requiring the use of English at B.
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3.
Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers
Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16490 |
| Year 2 | £16490 | |
| Year 3 | £16490 | |
| Year 4 | £16490 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5660 |
| Year 2 | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £5660 | |
| Year 4 | £5660 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5660 |
| Year 2 | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £5660 | |
| Year 4 | £5660 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £15860 |
| Year 2 | £15860 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £15860 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £15860 | |
| Year 4 | £15860 | |
Additional Costs
- Shorthand tuition (external provider) - approx £155
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.