BA (Hons) Media and Digital Culture

University of Essex

Course Overview

Media and digital culture have become increasingly intertwined in our daily lives, shaping the way we consume information and interact with one another. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for us to critically engage with media content and understand its impact on society. By developing media literacy skills, you can better navigate the vast amount of information available online and discern between credible sources and misinformation. This will empower you to make informed decisions and participate in meaningful conversations within the digital landscape.  

With the University of Essex' BA (Hons) Communication and Digital Culture, you will explore how the media shapes social and cultural life, how digital and internet cultures transforms personal and networked interactions, and the relationship between the media, mass politics, and governance. You can develop the skills to go beyond simply arguing about them, and instead find the evidence needed to answer them.

This degree, under IACT’s UK Transfer Degree (Media & Communication) programme, offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends essential theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing you for the challenges of the modern world. Taught by a global creative faculty, this programme allows you to spend 2 years at IACT and 1 year in the UK.

Learning Outcomes

  • Experience a lively environment with many possibilities to pursue a variety of topics
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of new media, cultural theory and popular culture, and their increasing significance in contemporary culture and society
  • Acquire new skills using industry-standard equipment

Why choose
University of Essex?

The University of Essex puts students like you at the heart of their mission. We want to support you to achieve outstanding outcomes; and prepare you to thrive in your future lives. Our on-Campus, 200-seat Lakeside Theatre has been established as a major venue for good drama, staging both productions by professional touring companies and a wealth of new work written, produced and directed by our own staff and students. We are ranked one of the top 30 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2022) and was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2018 for our determination to do things differently. Essex was ranked number 1 in the UK for film studies (Dance, Drama and Cinematics, Times Good University Guide 2019), and 7th in the UK for Creative Writing in the Guardian University Guide 2024, At Essex, you will be provided with a global approach to the study of film and creative writing in a distinctive and vibrant academic community. 

How Do I Get In?

  • IACT College Foundation in Media Studies –minimum CGPA 2.0;
  • IACT Diplomas – minimum CGPA 2.0 
  • A-Level – minimum of grade D in 2 subjects 
  • STPM – minimum of grade C in 2 subjects and an average CGPA of 2.0, OR 
  • UEC – minimum of grade B in 5 subjects 
  • SAM, AUSMAT or CPU - 5 subjects with a minimum score of 50%, OR 
  • Matriculation Foundation – minimum CGPA of 2.0
  • Other qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Education Malaysia

English Language Proficiency

  • SPM 1119 (GCE-O Level) – C6 
  • IGCSE English – Minimum Grade C 
  • IELTS – Band 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 for each component
  • Other approved English tests 

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COURSE MODULES

Year 1

- Computer Graphics 
- Media and Cultural Studies 
- Media Ethics 
- Media History 
- New Media Studies 
- Photography 
- Print Journalism 
- Public Relations Practices 
- Research Methods 
- Writing for the Media 

Year 2

- Advertising and Marketing Communications 
- Communication in the Globalised World 
- Creative Communication 
- Film Fundamentals 
- Online Marketing 
- Popular Culture 

Year 3

As per the subjects offered by the university in UK/Australia

Elective Modules*

Choose 1 Track

Track 1: Public Relations
- Corporate Communication 
- PR Campaign and Strategies 

Track 2: Journalism
- Convergent Journalism 
- Publication Production 

Track 3: Digital Video Production
- Scriptwriting 
- Video Production 

Track 4: Advertising and Marketing 
- Advertising Campaign Management 
- Cross Cultural Studies for Marketing and Advertising 

Track 5: Digital Marketing
- SEM and SEO 
- Digital Content Marketing 

*Subject to availability 

MPU Modules

- Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (Malaysian students) / Malay Communication 2 (International students) 
- Philosophy and Current Issues 
- National Language A / Academic Writing 
- Malaysian Constitution and Society
- Serving our Society (S.O.S) 

Tuition Fees:

Malaysian Students

Year 1: RM21,000
Year 2: RM21,000
Year 3: As per partner university

International Student: RM52,000

Recommended Courses.

BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communication, University of Sunderland

This course focuses on communication and media practice, encouraging you to be entrepreneurial and professional, with a diverse set of sought-after creative skills.

BA (Hons) Film and Creative Writing, University of Essex

In this course you will be taught by film professionals with extensive industry experience. You will also gain hands-on practical training in all aspects of film production, including camera work, editing, lighting, scriptwriting, and production management.

BA (Hons) Journalism and Communications, University of Gloucestershire

This programme will develop your journalism and communications skills, while nurturing you to become a work-ready graduate who will have the skills, knowledge and confidence to forge a successful career in the media industry