The stereotype that media studies degrees are 'soft' or 'Mickey Mouse' subjects has been firmly dispelled by a recent report from the British Academy, which reveals they play a vital role in the UK's thriving creative industries. Contrary to long-held criticisms, the study argues that these courses have a profound impact on society and are increasingly essential in navigating a world shaped by new technologies, artificial intelligence, and disinformation.
Despite years of derision from critics who labelled them as 'puffed-up nonsense' or 'an instant turn-off to employers', the British Academy's findings paint a very different picture. The report showcases significant research emerging from these fields, including studies on music's impact on maternal mental health and the development of an evidence-based framework for children's rights in the digital age, in collaboration with Unicef.
Interest in media and communications at university level remains strong, with undergraduate enrolments seeing a 5% growth between 2019 and 2021 – despite a slight 2% dip overall. Postgraduate numbers across these disciplines surged by 72% over the same timeframe, attracting a significant number of international students.
The report also debunks the notion that media studies subjects are confined to lower-tariff institutions, highlighting a growing trend of students opting for research-intensive Russell Group universities and London-based institutions for these courses. Employers value graduates in these fields as 'highly literate in media and digital skills' that are readily transferable across industries – particularly valuable to the creative industries sector, which has outpaced the wider UK economy's growth by 1.5 times over the past decade.
Professor Robin Mansell, an emeritus professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science and advisory group member for the report, stated that these subjects are 'highly popular among young people' and play an 'essential role' in the creative industries, which contribute £108bn annually to the economy. She also highlighted their crucial role in addressing global issues, from fostering media literacy and combating disinformation to guiding the ethical adoption and use of AI tools.