Media and Cultural Studies (Placement Year)

Media shapes who we are, what we think and what we value. At Lancaster, we’ve created a course where expertise meets practical skills. New technology and new platforms mean you’ll be preparing for careers in the creative sector and digital journalism that didn’t even exist until recently.

We know it’s important for you to understand the way media is changing, but you also need to be able to apply this knowledge to succeed in this competitive industry. This includes the skills you will learn during your placement year, in which you will work in an organisation potentially related to your interests. And during your studies, you will influence what you create, whether that’s short films, digital content and podcasts, or any media relevant to today’s world.

We’ll look at how media is produced and consumed to help you become a better creator, as well as studying the social, economic and political dimensions of this industry on a global scale. You’ll look at practices and platforms in the ever-changing media landscape to make you aware of the challenges facing professionals.

Our research influences real world conversations. You’ll be learning from experts who testify for parliamentary enquiries, run their own podcast series, or raise awareness of issues like gender inequality through their work.

When it comes to doing your dissertation, you’ll follow in their footsteps. You can complete your dissertation either via writing about research you have carried out or via media practice. Either way, we’ll expect you to thoroughly research your topic and the intended audience.

Your Placement Year Sometimes known as a year in industry, your placement year will take place between your second and final year of study and this will extend your degree to four years.

You'll spend your third year in a paid, graduate-level position, where you’ll work for between nine and twelve months in the type of role that you might be considering for after you graduate. As a full-time employee, you’ll have a detailed job description with specific responsibilities and opportunities to access training and development, the same as other employees.

Our Careers and Placements Team will help you to secure a suitable placement with expert advice and resources, such as creating an effective CV, and tips for applications and interviews. You will still be a Lancaster University student during your placement and we’ll keep in touch to check how you are getting on.

The university will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.