Digital Media BA
Year of entry 2026
2025 course information- UCAS code
- P390
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Work placement
- Optional
- Study abroad
- Optional
- Typical A-level offer
- AAB including one arts, humanities or social science subject. Excluding general studies and critical thinking. (specific subject requirements)
- Typical Access to Leeds offer
- BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
Full entry requirements - Contact
- mediaug@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Our Digital Media degree offers a blend of practice and theory, teaching you all you need for a future in digital and creative media. After 15 months of leaving our programme 90% of students are in employment or further study, and 95% of those students are in highly skilled work, ranging from Business and Public Sector to IT, Web and Multimedia, and Arts, Literary, Design and Media occupations.
Shape your digital media degree to suit your interests and career plans, whether they relate to creative or technical practice or theoretical analysis of digital media, or a mix of both. You can even undertake a work placement to gain experience of this fast-changing sector.
Our links with the digital media industries ensure great opportunities if you’re looking to research, design, build or manage the digital and creative media products, technologies and services of the future.
Your experience as you move through our degree programme covers four key areas of learning and development: Digital and Creative Media Practice; Critical Analysis and Research; Industry Production and Professional Skills; and Creative Critical Methods.
You’ll build a portfolio of practical projects and learn to analyse the impact of digital media technologies on individuals and society. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a range of technical skills using our industry-standard software, including digital design, programming, animation and post-production, combining these with critical thinking, research and analytical skills.
In your final year you can opt for a Digital Media project where you will take a creative and critical approach to design and realise a practical piece of work informed by digital methods and using modes of digital and non-digital technologies. Your project can be product, campaign, service, installation, and practice research based, and use, for example: app development; moving image; animation; web design and development; digital sensing; digital arts; immersive and interactive tech; user experience, research and interface design; and participatory and socially engaged practices.
Our Digital Media degree is designed to give you the creative and critical skills to engage successfully with digital technology and society as you move into your chosen path of employment.
Specialist facilities
You’ll hone your skills in specialist production facilities, including our digital media lab and editing suites where you can produce digital projects using specialist software (including Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions), and with links to designated maker spaces and the University's new learning innovation hub, Helix. We also have an extensive free loans service for production equipment and spaces such as a cinema, podcast studio, broadcast-standard radio suite and TV studio with green screen to enable you to carry out industry-standard practical work.
Course details
Year 1
You’ll develop key skills in digital media design and production from your first year, as well as an understanding of different theories and approaches in communication and media. At the same time, you’ll examine the cultural, technological, political and economic contexts that have shaped the development of digital media and the research that will shape its future.
Year 2
Year 2 allows you to build on this foundation, as you develop skills in programming, study visual communication and work on real industry briefs. You’ll also develop your research skills and choose from a range of optional modules to tailor your studies according to your own interests and career plans. You can study from a range of options, including media policy, digital storytelling, motion graphics and design, among many other topics.
Year 3
By your final year, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to produce a substantial piece of independent project work, either applying your research skills to complete a dissertation on a media-related topic of your choice or developing your own digital media project, such as a product, service, campaign or creative installation, from initial pitch through to finished output.
At the same time, you’ll gain a good grounding in legislation, policy and regulation surrounding digital media, and select more optional modules in areas ranging from documentary journalism to information design.
Have a look at some final year projects produced by previous students on this course.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Media and Communication Research | 20 |
| Understanding Digital Media | 20 |
| Interface Design | 20 |
| Design for Digital Media | 20 |
| Introduction to Media and Communication Theory | 20 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The History of Communication | 20 |
| Camera and Editing | 20 |
| Introduction to Cinema | 20 |
Year 2 compulsory modules
One of either:
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Programming for Digital Media | 20 |
| Working in Digital Media Teams | 20 |
| Communication Research Methods | 20 |
| Visual Communication | 20 |
| Digital Media and the Senses | 20 |
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Technology in Communications and Media | 20 |
| Podcasting | 20 |
| Digital Storytelling | 20 |
| Digital Cultures | 20 |
| Motion Graphics | 20 |
Year 3 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Governance | 20 |
| Final Year Project, one of either: | |
| Digital Media Project | 40 |
| Communication Dissertation | 40 |
Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| The Documentary and Reality | 20 |
| International Communication | 20 |
| Placement | 20 |
| Feminism, Identity and Media | 20 |
| Understanding the Audience | 20 |
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn under the guidance of academic teaching practitioners and researchers, using a range of teaching and learning methods to give you the knowledge and skills that you need. These methods will include practical classes and workshops, as well as lectures, seminars and tutorials.
In addition, you’ll have a reading list for each module and independent study is a crucial part of the degree, allowing you to develop your own skills and understanding. Your tutors will be available during their office hours to discuss any issues or questions that arise.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods so you can demonstrate different skills. These will include practical production coursework, essays and occasionally exams.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB including one arts, humanities or social science subject. Excluding general studies and critical thinking.
Other course specific tests:
If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) you may receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. In this case, the typical offer would be ABB plus grade A in the EPQ.
Alternative qualification
Access to HE Diploma
Offers are made on an individual basis, typically a Pass with 60 credits overall including 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 should be at Distinction and 15 at Merit level.
BTEC
DDD in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences or Media
Example combination offers
Distinction in BTEC Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in two A Levels
Distinction Distinction in BTEC Diploma plus B at A Level
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
International Baccalaureate
35 overall
(16 at higher level, with 5 at higher level in English or 6 at standard level).
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
AAAABB (pre-2017)
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers
A in an Advanced Higher and AABBB in Highers
AAAABB in Highers
Welsh Baccalaureate
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade. We require two A-levels at grade A, plus your Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales at grade B.
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate
80% overall.
Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year
This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.
The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year.
Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students
If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.
Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
International
Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.
The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
• Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
• Social Science (foundation year) BA
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Applying
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.
Read our admissions guidance and see ‘Application decisions’ for details.
All courses in the School involve rigorous theoretical study, research and presentation. All applicants must therefore provide evidence of completing, or working towards completing, a Level 3 (for example, A Level) Arts/Humanities qualification that demonstrates their ability to research a topic and present high quality written work. In some cases, applicants may also be asked to provide examples of completed essays or assignments in order to assess their suitability.
As part of your application, you'll need to submit a personal statement. Read our guidance on writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Media and Communication
Contact us
School of Media and Communication Undergraduate Admissions
Email: mediaug@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Career opportunities
Digital media communications play a vital role for almost every organisation. This means career opportunities for graduates are rich and varied.
Our graduates pursue a wide range of careers in media, including web design, social media analysis, content writing, online marketing, advertising, graphic design, project management and e-commerce. Many have built careers in well-known organisations, including the BBC, The Guardian, ITV, MTV and M&C Saatchi.
Careers support
Within the School, we offer opportunities for you to attend talks and workshops led by industry professionals to help you gain insight into a career in digital media.
You'll have the opportunity to take specific modules which involve guest teaching from industry specialists, providing real world insight into the digital media industry, as well as great networking opportunities.
Find out more about careers and employability at the School of Media and Communication.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
If you don’t want to spend a full year on a placement, you can still choose to take the optional placement module, which gives you the chance to spend around four weeks working at a company or organisation within the media or a related industry. We have excellent links with the local, regional and national creative industries, ensuring that you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience that complements your learning.