Books to Read Before Applying for a Media Degree: A Student’s Guide to Essential Academic Texts
- Mastering Media
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Books to Read Before Applying for a Media Degree: A Student’s Guide to Essential Academic Texts
If you’re planning to apply for a media degree in the UK, you might be wondering: what books should I read before applying? Whether you want to study journalism, film, digital media, or public relations, showing that you’ve engaged with key academic texts can make your personal statement stand out and give you a strong foundation for your course.
Reading widely not only helps you understand what the course will involve but also gives you critical insights to discuss in your application and interviews. To help you prepare, here’s a guide to some of the most important books across different media disciplines that will impress admissions tutors and deepen your knowledge.
Media and Communication
If your focus is on Media and Communication, start with foundational texts like “Culture, Media, Language” by Stuart Hall and colleagues. This collection explores how media shapes culture and society, an essential theme for any media student. Another must-read is “Semiotics: The Basics” by Daniel Chandler, which introduces you to the language of signs and symbols in media. These texts will give you a strong theoretical grounding to mention in your personal statement.
Film and Television Studies
For those interested in Film and Television Studies, classic guides like “Film Art: An Introduction” by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson will help you understand how films are structured and analysed. To get a broader cultural and historical view, try “The Film Experience” by Timothy Corrigan and Patricia White. Reading these books will show that you’re serious about understanding cinema beyond just watching it.
Journalism
Planning to study Journalism? “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel is a key text that lays out the principles of responsible journalism. Pair this with “News: The Politics of Illusion” by W. Lance Bennett to gain insight into how news is shaped and its wider impact. Including these in your personal statement can highlight your awareness of both the ethics and challenges of journalism.
Digital Media
If Digital Media is your chosen path, consider reading “Software Takes Command” by Lev Manovich to explore how digital tools influence media creation. “Remediation: Understanding New Media” by Jay David Bolter and Richard Grusin is another important book that explains how new media constantly reinvents old forms. These texts show your interest in how media evolves with technology, a hot topic in digital media courses.
Advertising and Public Relations
For Advertising and PR hopefuls, “Advertising: The Uneasy Persuasion” by Michael Schudson offers a critical look at advertising’s role in society, while “Public Relations: Strategies and Tactics” by Dennis L. Wilcox and Glen T. Cameron covers practical and ethical aspects of PR work. Mentioning these books demonstrates both critical thinking and practical understanding in your application.
Film and Television Production
If you want to get hands-on with Film and Television Production, “The Filmmaker’s Handbook” by Steven Ascher and Edward Pincus is a comprehensive practical guide covering the entire filmmaking process. “Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics” by Michael Rabiger is also a great resource for understanding visual storytelling. These show you’re ready to dive into the technical and creative sides of production.
Broadcast Journalism
Broadcast Journalism applicants should explore “Broadcast Journalism: Techniques of Radio and TV News” by Andrew Boyd to understand the skills needed in TV and radio newsrooms. “The Broadcast Journalism Handbook” by Chris Frost offers further practical insights into the profession. These books reflect a clear commitment to the broadcast medium.
Media and Cultural Studies
For Media and Cultural Studies, “The Cultural Industries” by David Hesmondhalgh and “Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice” by Chris Barker provide foundational knowledge about how culture and media interact. Reading these shows you appreciate the wider societal implications of media, a key angle for these courses.
Games Design and Development
If you’re applying for Games Design, “Game Design Workshop” by Tracy Fullerton is a hands-on introduction to creating games, while “Rules of Play” by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman explores the fundamentals of game mechanics. These books show you understand both the creative and technical challenges of game development.
Music and Sound Production
Finally, for Music and Sound Production, texts like “The Mixing Engineer's Handbook” by Bobby Owsinski and “Modern Recording Techniques” by David Miles Huber will introduce you to the technical skills involved in audio production. These works demonstrate your commitment to mastering the craft.
Why Reading Matters for Your Media Degree Application
Engaging with these books before you apply does more than just help you write a stronger personal statement. It prepares you intellectually for the academic challenges ahead and helps you decide which specific area of media excites you most. Universities value applicants who show curiosity, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn beyond the syllabus.
So, if you’re wondering what books to read before applying for a media degree, start here. Pick a few that excite you, take notes on key ideas, and use them to demonstrate your passion and readiness in your application. It’s a smart way to stand out and start your media journey on the right foot.
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