Media and English Literature, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our BA Media and English Literature programme at Swansea University is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates the critical, theoretical and practical strengths of two complementary disciplines.

This degree is designed to equip you with the analytical, creative and professional skills necessary to engage with, and contribute to, the cultural and communication industries of the 21st century.

The programme will enable you to explore the historical and contemporary significance of literature and media in shaping individual and collective identities.

Through the lens of English Literature, you will engage with texts from a broad range of periods and global contexts, developing a strong understanding of literary form, cultural history and critical theory.

In parallel, Media will introduce you to the dynamics of digital communication, journalism, public relations and media production, underpinned by a strong theoretical foundation in mediatisation and media literacy, with many opportunities to apply this theory in practice. This is done through assessments that reflect professional competencies, work experience opportunities and placements.

The programme fosters your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and creative expression. Throughout your studies, you will analyse literary and media texts in their cultural and political contexts, while also producing original content across a range of platforms. You will benefit from research-led teaching, and engagement with industry professionals and cultural organisations.

Why Media and English Literature at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay, on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will be studying with two high-performing departments.

Media at Swansea is ranked:

  • 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*

English at Swansea is ranked:

  • 11th in the UK for Research Impact (REF 2021)
  • Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)

*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your Media and English Literature Experience

This degree is designed for you if you are passionate about storytelling, culture and communication, and want to understand how words, images and ideas shape the world around us.

From premodern texts to digital media, you’ll explore how literature and technologies reflect and influence society. You’ll study literature from a wide range of historical periods and global contexts, while also developing skills in media production, branding, public relations and digital storytelling. Whether you’re analysing a novel, creating a podcast or pitching a campaign, you’ll be encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and create with purpose.

You’ll engage with urgent global challenges such as climate change, social justice and cultural representation, while learning how literature and media can respond to these issues, and how your own work can make a difference.

The programme blends critical and creative practice, enabling you to:

  • Produce media items (e.g. podcasts, video essays, campaigns) that are informed by literary and cultural theory
  • Reflect on your own creative processes in relation to historical and theoretical contexts
  • Engage in portfolio-based assessments that combine research, production and reflection
  • Think critically about how knowledge is produced and communicated

As you progress through the degree, you’ll cover more complex topics in more detail, moving from foundational skills to producing advanced independent work:

  • At Level 4, modules introduce core concepts in both disciplines and encourage you to explore connections (e.g. narrative, genre, representation)
  • At Level 5, you will begin to specialise, and apply theory in more depth, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration (e.g. adaptation, identity, media ethics)
  • At Level 6, major capstone modules allow you to draw on your learning from across the entirety of the programme, to produce a self-directed project

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BA.

Media and English Literature Employment Opportunities

Whether you’re aiming for a career in publishing, media, education, communication, the arts or in the wider creative industries, this degree will equip you with the skills, confidence and insight to succeed.

With employability embedded across the curriculum, you’ll develop a strong professional profile, and will leave with a wide portfolio of work, and experience with industry-standard tools.

You will have the opportunity to engage in informal placements, which give you the chance to enhance your transferable and sector specific skills.

Our graduates are truly international, and are employed around the world, with careers in:

  • Journalism
  • Media
  • Business
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing and Digital Marketing
  • TV and Radio
  • Publishing
  • Communications on an employed or freelance basis

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Media and English Literature, BA (Hons)

Media and English Literature, BA (Hons)

Media and English Literature with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)