Communications is concerned with understanding media institutions, products and technology. A degree in this subject area could be for you if you have an interest in people and how they act individually and collectively, and are continually asking questions about the world around you.

Although media studies and communications programmes are generally theoretical in emphasis, many courses incorporate a practical element, giving students first-hand experience of the latest multimedia technologies and meaning that they can confidently enter a variety of careers.

Studying Media and Journalism
In the past, the standard route into media professions was to study a degree in the humanities, such as English or history, before undertaking on-the-job training. Now you can take a qualification to learn about the media world, its structures, dynamics and ethics, as well as media law. This won’t necessarily stand you in better stead than the traditional route, however, as the research, analytical and essay-writing skills you gain on the latter often have more in common with actual media work than the business practices taught on vocational degrees, all of which can be picked up on the job.

Where university can really help is in the opportunities it will give you to pick up real experience by working on student newspapers, radio stations and film projects that may be part of your course or part of Students’ Union activities. For careers in the media, work experience is vital and can make all the difference when you come to apply for jobs.

Studying Education
The UK’s education system is constantly evolving in order to meet the requirements of students, teachers and parents alike. Achieving a successful national curriculum has never been more acutely under scrutiny than it is today.

There is always demand for good teachers, and while the majority of students choose to do their teacher training after their degree as a PGCE, remember that you can also do a first degree giving you qualified teacher status in three years so you can begin your teaching career sooner.

Career Paths
Media studies students, if they wish to pursue a career directly related to their degree, enter print media by working for a publishing house, newspaper or magazine, or they may enter radio, film or television.

• Journalist

Trainee journalists write news and features for newspapers, magazines or broadcasting media. Employers will want to see a demonstrable dedication to journalism so some evidence of writing experience – on a student newspaper, for example – is always helpful. Many media graduates go on to gain a formal qualification from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) if their course is not already accredited.

Salary guide
Starting salaries can be as low as £12,000 as competition is always intense. This figure increases depending on the publication and level of experience, with many established journalists earning over £40,000. The industry uses (and relies on) lots of freelancers, who, with a few years’ experience, can charge £100-£150 a day. See National Union of Journalists, www.nuj.org.uk and The National Council for the Training of Journalists www.nctj.com

• Social Worker

Social workers help disadvantaged and vulnerable people to integrate and function within their community and homes. They often specialise in work with young people and their families, elderly people, alcohol and drug abusers, or those with mental health problems  or physical disabilities.

Salary guide
Salaries for a social worker start at around £20,000 to £28,000, rising to £50,000 for senior posts. Job prospects are good, although the work can be very stressful and involve unsocial hours. See British Association of  Social Workers www.basw.co.uk

• Primary School Teacher

Primary school teachers work with children aged between five and 11. They can work in independent or state schools, but to teach in a state school you must gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by doing Initial Teacher Training (ITT). You can get QTS by doing either a BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) with QTS or a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree course. Or you could decide to do a non-teaching degree and then qualify afterwards by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).

As a primary teacher, you would be responsible for a class and teach most of the areas covered by the National Curriculum. You would normally also have a specialist subject, which you may coordinate throughout the school.

Salary guide
The main salary range from September 2010 was £21,588 to £31,552 a year (£27,000 to £36,387 in inner London). Teachers who reach the top of the main scale may apply to be assessed to progress to the upper pay scale. Particularly skilled teachers may go on to become advanced skills teachers (ASTs) in England and Wales, or chartered teachers in Scotland. See Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR), www.gttr.ac.uk