Digital Media and Communication

Digital media and communication is a field integral to every industry and uniquely positioned to influence and shape all dimensions of social and public life. Develop the expertise and skills you’ll need to succeed as a communications professional at the University of Reading.

We live in a rapidly transforming digital world where communication defines who we are and how we belong. Understanding language - spoken and written - is essential to analysing identity, community, and power.

AI is fundamentally reshaping how language is produced and interpreted, and future workplaces will demand professionals who can critically assess not just how these tools work, but how they change communication itself. At the same time, digital influencers increasingly shape everyday life, making it vital to understand platform-based communication, how they build authenticity and self-branding practices, alongside the production of their microcelebrity identities. 

At the University of Reading, you will gain valuable insights in to how digital media and communication work and how to produce creative content. You will also explore how they intrinsically connect to pressing global issues such as politics, migration, gender, and sexuality.  

Our BA Digital Media and Communication course brings together language and technology, creativity and critical thinking, and hands-on experience. You’ll acquire practical skills in using digital platforms such as digital exhibitions, interactive mapping, and multimedia storytelling.

Studying digital media and communication at Reading, provides you with the opportunity to complete a professional communication project by undertaking a work placement, where you can apply your skills in a real-world context. 

A department with a history of excellence

David Crystal OBE (awarded for services to the English language, 1995) set up the first linguistics degree at the University of Reading, and sociolinguistics was born at Reading. The university’s Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has 60 years of excellence in the field.

Choose Reading

• We’re in the top 150 universities in the world for English Language and Applied Linguistics (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
• We are ranked 2nd in the UK for English Language in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. 100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Modern Languages and Linguistics). 

How you will be taught

You’ll be taught in supportive, small groups by leading experts in your subject. 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics). 

Elements of your programme will be delivered via digital technology, which is relevant for the development of your digital communication and content creation skills.

Alternative study options

We also offer a range of English language and linguistics degrees.  

Support for your career

We offer targeted careers support, including specific support for students from under-represented groups.

100% of graduates from English Language and Applied Linguistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Three-year average, based on our analysis of HESA data, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2021/22 to 2022/23. Includes full-time, UK domiciled, first degree English Language and Applied Linguistics responders.)