Overview
In a rapidly growing digital media world, effective communication is key. Communication employers need creative professionals with expertise in digital media and communications. The global digital media market is expected to grow by 12.8% annually until 2030 (Source: Grand View Research 2023).
This degree is ideal for those looking to work in the creative digital industries. Our BA (Hons) in Digital Media and Communications is shaped by the latest trends and technologies needed by employers. You'll have the practical skills to create stand-out digital content. You’ll also understand the ethical, legal and theoretical dimensions of the industry. You will be a valuable asset to any organisation that relies on the power and reach of digital media.
Focus on practical skills
We combine storytelling creativity with digital production skills. You’ll learn techniques in:
- still and moving image production
- copyediting
- motion graphics
- computer game design
- analytics in marketing campaigns
- storytelling
You’ll be ready to put your practical training to work as soon as you graduate.
Industry-level media facilities
Use our industry-level equipment and media facilities for radio and television production, including a state of the art newsroom. Here you’ll develop practical skills in a fast paced real world environment.
Specialise in filmmaking and radio
Gain experience with our filmmaking society where you can create and produce video content. Our student-run radio station offers opportunities to develop your skills in audio production and broadcasting.
Award-winning animation students
Our Digital Media students have consistently been winners and nominees for Best Animation category of the RTS Scotland Student Television Awards.
Top reasons to study with us
Prizes or awards
Students on this media and communication degree are eligible for the following prizes and awards.
The Kat Lindner Prize recognises exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate student work. It focuses on applied research or placement projects based around field work, creative practice, voluntary or community projects in the field of gender and LGBTQ+ studies and feminism. The prize is awarded annually and is open across the whole university.
The Thomas Dunn Prize is awarded for the best academic performance by a graduating student.
The Dee Amy-Chinn Prize is awarded for the best undergraduate dissertation in the area of gender or feminist studies.
The Jonathan Witchell Prize for Best Radio Features Production is a memorial prize.
The Mediaspec Radio Prize is awarded to the best individual student of radio in 4th year.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
AABB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP Access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation pages.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Our digital media course is designed to make you graduate as a creative and skilled professional.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Teaching is delivered in a variety of in-person formats.
This includes:
- traditional lectures
- student-led seminars
- lab sessions
You will develop key skills in communication, creativity, and intellectual engagement.
You will benefit from close collaboration with lecturing staff as well as with other students.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed based on a combination of exams, essay writing, and practice-based outputs. Typically, modules are assessed by coursework, with the weighting varying depending on the nature of the material taught and the module outcomes specified. Your degree classification will be based on work done in Year 3 and Year 4.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
|
2026/27 |
|
|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 |
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | £9,535 |
| International (including EU) students | £19,500 |
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Our Digital Media and Communications degree provides a versatile foundation for a wide range of careers. There are diverse career paths and high demand for media communications graduates (Source: Prospects).
Skills acquired this degree are also highly valued in the education and educational technology sectors.
What do Digital Media and Communications graduates earn?
Entry-level salaries start at around £22,000 to £25,000. There is potential for growth depending on your career path. For example, the average salary for a journalist or periodical editor is around £36,000. An experienced social media manager could earn £30,000–£45,000. Managerial and director roles can see incomes of up to £60,000 across several fields.
(Source: Complete University Guide)
Where our media graduates work
Many of our media graduates have established successful careers in film, media and journalism. This includes roles in:
- press and publishing
- arts and cultural industries
- advertising
- public relations
- market research
- community media
- animation
- motion graphics
- graphic design
- scriptwriting
- directing
Career support
Our Faculty Employability and Skills Officer and Careers Service ensure you'll be well-prepared for the world of work. They will help provide the right opportunities to prepare you for your career ahead.
