Keele University

What you'll study

This joint programme brings together media practice and theory with foundational business management modules. You study production and communication alongside organisational and commercial contexts to develop both creative and managerial competence.

• Core media modules typically cover media theory, digital storytelling, journalism and documentary practice, audio and video production, screen studies and new media technologies.
• Practical skills modules focus on camera and editing, podcasting, web content creation, social media strategy and portfolio development. Projects are often assessed by practical coursework and media productions.
• Business management modules commonly include principles of management, marketing, accounting for managers, organisational behaviour, operations and strategic management relevant to creative and service sectors.
• Integrated modules explore media industries, media policy and regulation, branding and audience analysis, and the commercial realities of running media projects or companies.
• Research and professional development options support dissertation projects, industry placements or consultancy projects. You can develop a final-year project combining media production with a business plan or market analysis.
• Structure typically progresses from broad introductory modules in the first year to more specialised and independent work in later years. There are opportunities for optional modules, work placements or a year abroad depending on the route you choose.

Entry requirements

Typical entry expectations include A-levels or equivalent qualifications with a mix of subjects demonstrating academic ability and communication skills. Keele commonly asks for standard university entrance tariffs rather than a single prescriptive subject list, but successful applicants often present qualifications such as:

• A-levels (or equivalent) with satisfactory grades in two or three subjects; subjects related to media, English, humanities or social sciences are helpful but not always mandatory.
• International Baccalaureate or recognised vocational qualifications accepted according to UCAS equivalencies.
• GCSE requirements generally include English and Mathematics at a minimum passing grade.
• Mature students or applicants with substantial relevant experience in media, creative industries or business are considered, often with a portfolio or evidence of practical work.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet Keele's English language requirements via an approved test or recognised qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across the creative and commercial sectors. The combination of media and business management skills is particularly valued in environments that require both creative production knowledge and commercial awareness.

• Typical entry-level roles include content producer, digital marketing executive, social media manager, production assistant, junior account manager in advertising/PR, and communications officer.
• With experience, graduates can progress to roles such as media manager, marketing manager, commissioning editor, creative director, brand strategist or project manager in cultural organisations.
• Skills developed on the degree—content creation, audience research, budgeting, pitching and strategic planning—are also applicable to entrepreneurship, freelance production or consultancy work.
• Many students use the degree as a foundation for postgraduate study in media, marketing, business management or related conversion courses.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a campus-based learning environment with interdisciplinary teaching and close contact between staff and students. The university emphasises small-group seminars and supportive supervision for independent projects.

• On-campus facilities support practical media work and group collaboration, with resources for audio‑visual production, editing suites and library collections geared to media and business study.
• Keele's liberal arts approach encourages students to combine subjects across disciplines, helping you shape a degree that balances creativity and commercial skills.
• The university has established links with regional industries and offers careers support, employability workshops and opportunities for placements or live client projects to gain real-world experience.
• Studying at Keele also provides access to broader student services, societies and events that help build networks useful for media and business careers.