Mass Communications BA (Hons)



Learn the skills required for a professional career in the changing fields of media and communications.

Overview

Know you’re interested in communications but not a 100% sure what career?  

Edinburgh Napier University has more than 20 years' experience in teaching professional communication. 

Prepare for employment or postgraduate study in disciplines such as mass communications, advertising, public relations, marketing, journalism, media and digital communication, with this broad communications degree professionally recognised by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA). 

Whether you choose to start in year one or join via direct entry from college into the second or third year, the Mass Communications degree will give you the opportunity to explore a variety of career options and find the best fit for you.

Choose choice, choose Edinburgh Napier.

We are a the #1 UK modern university for Communication and Media studies - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

 
Students in campus courtyard

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

W121

Course details

Our Mass Communications programme offers two distinct career degree routes. The first route is pure Mass Communications, and the second is Advertising and Public Relations. this structure allows you to develop the understanding and principles and then go on to specialise in a specific field.

The two degrees in this suite of programmes share the same structure in the first two years. In the third year you will choose one of the two degree strands. This structure allows you to develop the understanding and principles and then go on to specialise in a specific field.

Upon completion you will be awarded with the named degree of the strand you completed.

The course also provides students with the knowledge & skills for postgraduate study in related areas. 

The programme will:

  • develop your transferable skills to prepare you for graduate employment, including your critical, creative, analytical, problem-based learning and communication skills
  • develop your appreciation for academic, philosophical, and professional debates, concepts and theories related to communication
  • prepare you for postgraduate study or employment in mass communications and the professional and creative communication Industries (such as: mass communications, media, advertising, PR, branding/brand management, marketing, digital content creation and management and international communication)
  • enhance your personal and professional growth and develop your interpersonal and networking skills.
  • Link you with industry partners through live project briefs, guest talks and placement opportunities. 
 
 
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    How you’ll be taught

    Students will participate in a variety of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, team work, class discussions, one-to-one supervision, independent study, practical projects, and workshops.  
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    Assessments are designed to reflect the academic and/or professional focus of a module. Students will write essays, develop research portfolios, write learning logs, undertake individual and team presentations, write exams, and develop research projects to set briefs and established professional standards.
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    Work placement

     There is an optional placement module in the 3rd year of the Mass Communications, Advertising & Public Relations programme. In addition a number of 3rd & 4th year modules across all 3 degree routes have Live Projects with small student teams working with external organisations.
  • study abroad

    Study abroad

     There is an opportunity to study abroad for the 2nd trimester of the 2nd year.
  • library

    Facilities

     Our Merchiston campus, situated in the heart of Edinburgh, is home to creative industries students along with engineering and computing.

    This mix of disciplines helps create an inspiring, innovative and collaborative atmosphere. 

    This is enhanced by excellent facilities including newsroom, TV, radio, design and photography studios and soundproofed music studios.  There are also Mac Labs for creative design work.

    Inside you’ll also find the 500-seat Jack Kilby Computing Centre and library, open 24 hours a day in Trimesters 1 and 2, student support services and Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Communication and Practice
  • Global Current Affairs
  • Being Digital

Year 2

  • Popular Culture
  • Social Media and Analytics Project
  • Being Digital 

Year 3

  • Information, Communication, and Society
  • Mass Communications Research Methods
  • Branding 

Year 4

  • Dissertation
  • International & Intercultural Communication
  • Mass Communications Major Project

In addition to core modules studied each year, the programmes are option rich, this allows you to choose from a pool of modules which reflect your personal interests and career goals.

If you might be considering switching across to the Mass Communications or Advertising & PR degree routes after successful completion of the first 2 years, please see the degree listings for these programmes for more specific information.

 
 

RECOGNISED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Mass Communications?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBCC including Grade C in English or other literary subject*.
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: CCCC including English or other literary subject*.

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • CCD including English or other literary subject*.

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H3, H3, H3, H3 at HL including English or other literary subject*.

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D* (Distinction*, Distinction*) in a related subject.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 26 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 5, 5, 5 including English other literary subject*

T Level

Grade Pass

  • T Level must be completed in a English/Literary subject or an A Level in an English subject may be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

 

*Literary subjects accepted: Modern Studies, History, Psychology, RMPS, Latin, Sociology, Theology, Media Studies, Politics, Classics, Philosophy, Geography, A Level Government and Politics, A Level Classical Civilisation, A Level Drama.

Minimum Year 2

HNC

  • Pass HNC with grade B at SCQF level 8 in all graded units.
  • Accepted HNCs - Advertising and PR, Media and Communication, Events Management, Marketing. Other HNCs where the primary subject areas include Advertising, PR or Branding will be considered individually.

 

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass HND with grade B at SCQF level 8 in all graded units.
  • Accepted HNDs - Advertising and PR, Media and Communication, Events Management, Marketing. Other HNCs where the primary subject areas include Advertising, PR or Branding will be considered individually.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test. The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with 6.0 overall and no element below 5.5.  For guidance on the acceptability of other English Language tests please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level. 

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,535
Overseas and EU £16,680 £17,520
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


The University offers a 10% discount on MSc Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes.

Careers

Welcome sign

What can you do with a BA (Hons) Mass Communications course?

This dynamic course will let you enter the fascinating world of mass media and explore the role of communication in shaping society, culture, and politics. Through a blend of theory, practice, and critical inquiry, you'll learn to analyze media texts, understand media industries, and navigate the complex relationship between media and society. You’ll graduate with the relevant skills to enter the main communication industries, including:

  • creative industries
  • advertising
  • corporate communications
  • marketing communications
  • public relations
  • public affairs 
  • corporate & news media
  • Journalism
  • branding
  • brand and reputation management

Throughout the course, you'll explore a wide range of topics, from media theory and research methods to media law and ethics. Through hands-on projects, and collaborations with media organizations, you'll gain practical experience producing content, analyzing media trends, and engaging with audiences across a variety of platforms.

Upon completion, you'll emerge as a thoughtful and informed communicator, equipped to pursue a variety of careers in media, journalism, public relations, or related fields. Whether you aspire to work as a journalist, media producer, public relations specialist, or media researcher, our BA (Hons) in Mass Communications will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and critical perspective to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of mass media.

What does a Media and Communications Officer do?

As a Media and Communications Officer, you will serve as the voice and storyteller for organizations and brands where your strategic thinking and storytelling prowess will shape narratives and foster connections with key stakeholders. In this role, you'll serve as a liaison between organizations and the public, crafting content and messages, managing media relations, and shaping public perception.

Your responsibilities will span from developing communication strategies and messaging frameworks to executing tactics such as press releases, media pitches, and digital media content. You will find yourself collaborating with executives and subject matter experts to craft narratives that resonate with target audiences and advance organizational goals.

Your expertise in strategic communications and media relations will help you to protect and enhance the reputation of organizations and brands. Whether you're managing media inquiries, coordinating events, or producing digital communications, your focus will be on building trust, credibility, and goodwill with stakeholders. Your passion for storytelling and your ability to communicate effectively across various channels and platforms will set you apart as a trusted advisor and advocate for organizations and brands.

Recent graduates at Usher Hall.