Media studies: Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Programme researcher, broadcasting/film/video - contribute ideas for programmes, source contacts and contributors and collect, verify and prepare information for film, television and radio productions.
• Public relations officer - uses all forms of media and communication to maintain and build the reputation of organisations.
• Media planner - enables clients to maximise the impact of their advertising campaigns through the use of a range of media including radio, TV and the internet.
• Multimedia specialist - combines design and technical knowledge to create information and communication technology-based products such as CD-ROMs, DVDs or websites.
• Runner, broadcasting/film/video - act as general assistants and undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.
• Television/film/video producer - often has the initial idea for a project and then follows it through to completion. Producers are often involved in the marketing and distribution processes and work closely with directors.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Advertising account executive - acts as a link between client and agency. Has overall responsibility for the smooth running of advertising campaigns, ensuring work is produced on time and to budget.
• Advertising copywriter - works in a creative partnership with an art director to conceive, develop and produce effective advertisements.
• Broadcast presenter - the public face or voice of any broadcast show. The actual role varies depending on the type of programme involved.
• Broadcast journalist - generates story ideas or picks up on leads, then pitches the story to the programme editor. The journalist may then research the story, conduct interviews and write the story.
• Information officer - works in a wide range of organisations. Develops the sourcing, supply and distribution of information in support of a group’s particular needs or objectives.
• Magazine journalist - researches and writes news and feature articles suited to a magazine’s reader profile. Roles include news writing, feature writing and sub-editing.
• Market researcher - collects and analyses market research information for use in business, health, social policy and other areas.
• Newspaper journalist - responsible for finding, researching and writing stories for publication in the local, regional and national press.
• Writer - involved in all types of creative writing, including novels, children’s literature, plays and material for screen, theatre and radio, including soap operas, dramas or documentaries.

The relevance of some of these jobs may depend upon the type of modules or course you have studied. Research each job carefully to find out how it matches with your skills and experience. Many of the practical/technical skills required can be obtained through work experience during your degree or after graduation.

Other options

Experience is critical in this field due to its popularity. To gain work experience, contact a radio, television, newspaper, PR or advertising agency to see about opportunities. It may be useful to volunteer in order to get your foot in the door. Part-time and voluntary opportunities may be pursued while on your course during the summer holidays or evenings/weekends. It may also be useful to get involved with your university radio station or publications office.

Think about the type of media/communications you are interested in, as narrowing down your preferences allows you to focus your approach to specific employers. Once you graduate, temporary or introductory posts can help you get started in a particular career area.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.