Media and communication degrees in the UK train students to face the challenges of ever-emerging trends, technologies, and debates. Courses aim to prepare students practically for dynamic careers in media-related industries and to analyse media work critically. Students scrutinise and figure out how the media reflects, represents, and influences the world.
Below are 2025’s top five communications and media universities in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). If you wish to study a communications and media course in the UK, our expert team can help you understand entry requirements, find scholarships and apply successfully. You’re in good hands.
Best Communication and Media Universities in the UK
Find the UK’s top five media and communications degrees (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Communications and Media) below.
1. London School of Economics
The Department of Media and Communication at the London School of Economics is ranked 1st in the UK and 3rd globally. Media courses at LSE provide an intensive, high-quality education with a diverse, inter- and multidisciplinary approach to theoretical developments.
The MSc Media, Communication and Development course at the London School of Economics and Political Science examines the role of media and communication in development processes and their impact on societies worldwide. The course typically covers various topics, including media and communication theory, the political economy of media and communication, media, democracy, governance, and communication for development and social change.
- Suggested course: MSc Media, Communication and Development
- Entry requirements: 2:1 degree or equivalent in social science, or a degree in another field with professional experience in the media and communications field.
2. King’s College London
The Centre for the Study of Media, Communication and Power at King’s College London explores factors changing news provision, political communication, public discourse, and media power in the digital age. The Centre is involved in rigorous empirical research and communicates its findings to promote diversity, fairness, transparency, and accountability in this field.
The Global Media Industries MA explores how cultural, social, economic, and political factors influence media sectors worldwide. It emphasises project management, research, communication, and collaboration skills essential for media careers. The programme starts with a critical overview of perspectives on global media industries, covering industry scope, production, distribution, consumption dynamics, national roles in globalisation, labour implications, and related topics.
- Suggested course: Global Media Industries MA
- Entry requirements: A minimum of high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above.
3. Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London, was ranked 1st in the UK for the quality of research (REF 2021) and the University provides creative, critical and radical study. Goldsmiths houses important research centres in media democracy and political economy and access to media events featuring world-renowned practitioners, thinkers and policymakers.
The MA in Media & Communications at Goldsmiths explores theories, practices, and technologies within media and communication. It offers practical options like journalism and design. Students conduct independent research for their dissertations, choosing topics like body piercing’s impact on self-mediation or social media’s role in forming intimate relationships. Core modules provide a foundation in media theory and encourage interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary cultural processes.
- Suggested course: BA (Hons) Media & Communications
- Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree of at least upper second-class standard in a relevant/related subject.
4. University of Leeds
The Media and Communications BA at Leeds offers a comprehensive understanding of media within diverse social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. It emphasises academic journalism studies while providing optional skill development and research modules. The programme explores global journalism dynamics, including key debates, research methodologies, and impacts of globalisation, political institutions, conflicts, and technology. Students get acquainted with citizenship, diversity, and ethical issues, preparing for careers in media or further academic pursuits.
The School of Media and Communication at Leeds has a strong working relationship with local media companies, and it provides interested students with optional internship and placement opportunities.
- Suggested course: Media and Communications BA
- Entry requirements: IB: 35 overall (16 at higher level, with 5 at higher level in English or 6 at standard level)
5. UCL
The Media BA at UCL explores the rapidly evolving media landscape. The course focuses on understanding issues and debates around the future of digital media and emerging media, emphasising practice-based research and making. Through interdisciplinary approaches, students engage in worldbuilding, interactive media, and moving image production while exploring cultural and social contexts.
Located on the state-of-the-art UCL East campus, the programme will see students gain a broad understanding of how the media is made, how it is experienced, how it functions and how it offers expressive opportunities
- Suggested course: Media BA
- Entry requirements: IB:36 overall, a total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. or 665 in 3 HL subjects.
Communication and Media Careers
Jobs within the Media and Communications sector are extremely exciting, challenging, powerful, and influential for people’s views and lives. Popular career options include roles within Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, Broadcasting, Film and Video Production and Digital Media.
Study Communication and Media in the UK
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