Course summary

The RIASA London programme provides its athletes with the opportunity to work with world class coaches and mentors and provides a wide range of playing opportunities and pathways (in the UK, US and beyond) to match each athlete’s ability and personality. This sports development opportunity is uniquely combined with the offer to study a wide range of undergraduate and masters subjects and to graduate with not only a US accredited degree but also a UK accredited degree from the outstanding Richmond American University London, in the academic subject of your choice. True or false? How much is fake news influencing our lives already? Who can we trust as conspiracy theories collide on social media with false claims about both COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests? What will be happening in media in 10 years’ time? Whatever the platform, media is at the centre of our daily experience and the ways in which we communicate with each other. This programme will introduce you to a range of theories and research exploring the role of the media in society. You will also learn practical skills to equip you for an exciting career in media, including radio and video production, digital and social media, journalism, public relations, branding, marketing and more, learning from experienced industry professionals and leading academics. Whether you would like work in social media, an independent film streaming service or an international media agency, this degree will provide you with the communication, research, writing and critical thinking skills which are valuable to employers in any industry. An inter-disciplinary approach will provide a breadth of communication topics, such as research and writing, creative expression and scientific reasoning as well as studying the principles and context of communications and media. Guest lecturers will be invited to speak to BA Communications students, providing their insight and experience on the communications world. In the third and fourth years of this programme you’ll be specialising in Media Studies in all its diversity, with a choice of electives from American Television Drama to Photojournalism, Modern Popular Music to Gender in Film. Then this is your chance to put your ideas to the test when you will have the opportunity to pursue an internship with a media company or global organisation in London or internationally. An internship can been life-changing, providing you with the experience to get the first rung on the career ladder. Through our partnership with them, you’ll have membership of The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) – Europe’s largest and most influential PR and communications membership body, which organises training, conferences and events for communications professionals. Top reasons to study this programme:

• Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts - https://www.richmond.ac.uk/about-richmond/the-liberal-arts/

• Gain an in-depth understanding of media within a broader context with our liberal arts approach which encompasses topics such as science, philosophy and international relations

• Develop your ability to interrogate and analyse the media – a key differentiator of this programme is that it connects with broader socio-political news stories that we see every day

• Your critical thinking skills will be informed and developed by practical work in a way that is rare in media undergraduate programmes, skills which are highly transferable when you graduate

• Gain vital work experience through an internship in a wide range of international media organisations in London, the USA and China, perfect preparation for a career in the media or further study

• Chance to study in London, a hub of the global media communications industry