[UK Media] Is studying Media only about being a paparazzo?!

In ancient times, humans primarily relied on paper to disseminate information. In the 20th century, the rise of print and electronic media took place, and now in the 21st century, online media dominates the world. Regardless of the evolving forms, one constant is that "Media and Communication" have always been an integral part of human society. However, in Hong Kong, there are always some students aspiring to study "Media" who are misunderstood by reality and discouraged with comments like, "Will you be working for TVB after graduation?" "So, you'll become a paparazzo?" "Are you a political activist?" People echo these misconceptions, but how well do you really understand "Media Studies"? Today, I would like to briefly discuss the career prospects in the field of Media Studies. Taking UK universities as an example, Media Studies courses in the UK are divided into four main categories:

1. Journalism (More practice-oriented discipline)

Journalism programmes have a more targeted focus. In addition to theoretical knowledge, they emphasise hands-on opportunities such as news writing, reporting, and on-camera experience. They mainly cover three mediums: print journalism, broadcast journalism, and web journalism.

Some UK universities have curriculum designs that lean more towards practical aspects, while others emphasise theory. For example, the journalism programme at the University of Leeds provides three weeks of internships during the summer breaks in the second and third years. On the other hand, the University of Leicester does not include internships as a mandatory component within the three years of study. Although both universities are renowned for journalism, besides considering reputation, students should also pay attention to whether the university offers internship opportunities, as this can enhance their future employability. Employment directions for journalism graduates include online portals (Yahoo, Google), TV stations, newspaper reporters, editors, government public relations, etc.

2. Communication (Balancing practice and theory)

Communication programmes encompass practical and theoretical knowledge, including subjects like advertising, marketing, and public relations.Advertising programmes in UK universities are generally divided into two categories. The first category combines marketing and has a more business-oriented focus, emphasising advertising placements and media selection. The main courses include consumer psychology, public relations, and advertising. The other category combines art and focuses on advertising design and production. The main courses include graphic design and web design. Before choosing a school, students must clearly understand whether a particular university's advertising programme is more business-oriented or art-oriented. Otherwise, a student without a background in art might find it incompatible to study an art-oriented advertising programme.

Public relations programmes cover various aspects of knowledge, including psychology, management, behavioural science, communication, sociology, political science, and logic. Depending on the emphasis of different universities, students may also need to take more specialised courses such as law, film studies, or finance.Employment directions for communication graduates include public relations and marketing, corporate marketing, advertising agencies, publishing companies, and TV stations.

3. Media (a more theory-oriented discipline)

Media programmes focus more on theoretical aspects and have less practical relevance to the media industry compared to the previous two categories. They involve the study and research of media content. Typical courses in media programmes include media history, media industry analysis, media evolution, and the current state of the media industry. UK universities generally offer media-related courses such as mass media management, culture and media studies, digital media, and media and sociology.

While studying media, students also learn about sociology, sociolinguistics, history, semiotics, and culture. This field is more suitable for students who enjoy working with texts, have a stronger affinity for academic studies, and lean towards introversion.Employment directions for media graduates include media coordinators, education, politics, non-governmental organisations, public sectors, and new media-related roles.

4. Others

In addition to the three main categories mentioned above, many media programmes have actively incorporated creative media and film studies to cultivate talents in producing, directing, art direction, filming, editing, scriptwriting, and related creative media industries. In today's society, to keep up with the pace of 21st-century information dissemination, there is also a growing demand for these creative media fields.

However, when selecting programmes, students should also note that each school has different proportions of practical and theoretical knowledge. Therefore, before making a choice, it is advisable to carefully examine the curriculum structure and see if it aligns with your preferred style.

The world of Media Studies is vast, and as long as you find your area of interest and delve into it, whether it's writing, filmmaking, advertising, or external marketing planning, you will be able to discover your expertise in this highly developed world of information dissemination.