Explore the best UK universities for Media and Communication in 2026. Find top courses with creative teaching, vibrant student life, and excellent career pathways.
Best Universities for Media and Communication: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Leeds | 88 | 92 |
| 2 Silver | University of Glasgow | 85 | 90 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Manchester | 87 | 88 |
| 4 | University of Leeds Beckett | 84 | 86 |
| 5 | University of Salford | 83 | 85 |
| 6 | University of Sussex | 85 | 84 |
| 7 | University of Westminster | 80 | 83 |
| 8 | University of East Anglia | 81 | 81 |
| 9 | University of Brighton | 78 | 79 |
| 10 | University of Lincoln | 80 | 78 |
1. University of Leeds Gold
2. University of Glasgow Silver
3. University of Manchester Bronze
4. University of Leeds Beckett
5. University of Salford
6. University of Sussex
7. University of Westminster
8. University of East Anglia
9. University of Brighton
10. University of Lincoln
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Media and Communication rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what matters most to media students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Media and Communication Universities Explained
University of Leeds
Known for strong media courses, creative opportunities, and active student societies.University of Westminster
Offers industry connections and practical learning in media production and communication.University of Sheffield
High student satisfaction, excellent teaching, and a supportive campus community.University of Manchester
Diverse social scene combined with strong academic and research output in media studies.Goldsmiths, University of London
Renowned for innovative courses and creative student culture.University of Birmingham
Balanced academic excellence and opportunities in communication research.University of Sussex
Great student satisfaction and vibrant campus life with media-focused clubs.University of Glasgow
Affordable living with strong support services and academic quality.City, University of London
Strong industry ties and practical media training.University of Exeter
Excellent teaching quality paired with a friendly, close-knit student community.Career Prospects After a Media and Communication Degree
Graduates pursue roles in journalism, public relations, digital media, marketing, and content creation. Explore related courses like Journalism and Marketing.
Media and Communication Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Entry requirements typically include A-levels or equivalents in relevant subjects; UCAS points generally range from 100 to 140, varying by university.
Cheapest Cities to Study Media and Communication in the UK
Sheffield, Glasgow, and Leeds offer great value for students combining cost of living with quality courses.
Best Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Manchester, Leeds, and London provide lively social scenes and lots of student activities.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Sheffield, Glasgow, and Sussex rank highly for student support services.
Not Sure About Media and Communication? Consider These Alternatives
Try Drama, Theatre and Performance, Journalism, or Marketing for similar creative fields.
Summary: Which Media and Communication Uni is Right for You?
Balance course content, campus vibe, social life, and career support to find your best fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Media and Communication
Top UK universities for Media and Communication include University of Westminster, Goldsmiths, and University of Leeds, all known for excellent teaching and industry connections.
University of Westminster consistently ranks highly for Media and Communication thanks to strong student satisfaction and graduate employment rates.
Yes, it opens doors to careers in journalism, public relations, marketing, and digital media, with many opportunities for creative and strategic roles.
Entry requirements vary, but A-levels in English, Media Studies, or related subjects are often preferred. Always check specific course details on university websites.
Graduates work in journalism, advertising, social media management, public relations, content creation, and broadcasting.
Demand is steady, especially in digital media, marketing, and communications roles, where graduates with strong media skills and creativity are valued.
Starting salaries usually range from £20,000 to £28,000, with growth depending on sector and experience.
Courses with a strong focus on practical production and technical skills, such as film production, may be more demanding.
Graduates commonly work in media agencies, broadcasters, marketing firms, digital platforms, and PR consultancies.
Yes, it is well-regarded, especially when combined with practical experience and strong communication skills.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked
