Great Degrees for Multimedia Specialists

A career in multimedia is ideal for those who are passionate about creativity and design in media products – whether that’s filmmaking, television, podcasting or the development of digital culture.

A bachelor's degree provides a great foundation to launch a successful multimedia career. At LIS, we help you gain valuable interdisciplinary skills that you can easily transfer to other careers in the future. Our bachelor's degree gives you the flexibility to learn core skills sought after in every industry. 

In this guide, we cover a selection of great degrees for multimedia specialists and explore how you can jumpstart your career.

Table of Contents

• What is Multimedia? 
• Why a Degree is Important for Multimedia Specialists
• What Does a Multimedia Specialist Do?
• Excellent Degree Programs for Aspiring Multimedia Specialists
• Do You Need a Certification to Become a Multimedia Specialist?
• Planning Your MultiMedia Specialist Career
• How to Choose the Right Degree for Your Multimedia Career
• Become a Multimedia Specialist with LIS Today

Put simply, multimedia is the combination of different media types, including text, images, video and audio in a digital format. Multimedia creates engaging content, and is used by almost all industries, including;

• Entertainment
• Education
• Communication
• Design and art
• Digital platforms

It plays a key role in marketing and advertising, helping businesses connect to audiences, tell stories and promote their products and services.

While some may opt for the self taught route, achieving a multimedia specialist degree ensures you have all the technical skills required for this profession, from visual communication to technical proficiency in graphic design software and managing media projects.

Employers are more likely to hire professionals with a degree. These qualifications prove you are committed to this industry and want to excel in multimedia. Completing a degree programme will also help you develop a portfolio reflecting your expertise, which is ideal to showcase to potential employers and secure jobs after graduation.

Here are typical skills a multimedia degree programme covers:

• Social Media
• Branding
• Communications
• Media Techniques
• Film Theory
• Digital Arts
• Graphic Design
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Professional Writing

A multimedia specialist creates products for various mediums, outlets and industries using text, graphics, photography, audio, virtual reality (VR) and digital animation. These products are typically deployed on TVs, PCs, smartphones, gaming devices, websites and social media platforms.

While the media type these professionals work on may vary between products, they must oversee project implementation and ensure the final result meets client expectations. Multimedia specialists must also work with various design software, test and adjust products to correct technical issues and document entire creation and production processes. 

Here is what a typical multimedia specialist does:

• Confer with clients to discuss their expectations
• Advise clients on what is technically possible
• Plan and prototype how they will implement multimedia design projects
• Use software such as Adobe Creative Suite to create design ideas
• Develop a final product by working closely with other professionals, such as filmmakers, writers, artists, animators, producers, and programmers
• Showcase final design and projects for client approval

Finding the right degree programme for a career as a multimedia artist can be challenging. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of fantastic degree programs to get you started. 

Arts and Sciences: Interdisciplinary Problems and Methods (BASc) – The London Interdisciplinary School 

Aspiring multimedia specialists can complete a BASc degree at The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) over three years of full-time study. 

Our programme focuses on complex problem-solving, interdisciplinarity, and real-world experience. Unlike traditional pathways, the BASc degree helps students develop creative solutions and innovative ideas for various fields through an interdisciplinary approach.

At LIS, you'll learn from faculty who bring experience from world-class universities like Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford. Our teaching staff includes experts from diverse fields – philosophy, epidemiology, art, journalism, behavioural science, mathematics, and entrepreneurship – creating a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment. Eligible students can work summer internships to gain practical experience and form industry relationships. 

Key Curriculum:

• Qualitative Methods 1A: Learn tools for quantifying an interaction's impact on people. Gain insights and skills in thematic analysis and close reading. 
• Qualitative Methods 1B: Explore visual language as a process with multiple dimensions through photography, videography, and information mapping. 
• Problems 2A: Understand how to think critically about technology innovation and contested developments through technology ethics and data studies. 
• Qualitative and Visual Methods 3: Students choose at least one and up to four of the following modules; Design Thinking, Global Thinking, Thinking Through Writing, Applied Ethnography, Practical Ethics and Communities & Campaigning. 
• Capstone Project: Students will complete an extended interdisciplinary research project based on any problem they are most passionate about. 

Fees:

• £9,000 / a year for home students
• £17,000 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Income from Internships: Students in internships that pay at least the London Living Wage can apply for funding.
• Hardship Grants: Students who experience sudden economic hardship can apply for financial aid. LIS awards these grants on a case-by-case basis.
• Financial Support Bursary: Qualifying learners can apply for annual support between £1,000 and £7,000 to help fund their programme.

Key Takeaways:

• In contrast to traditional degrees, this programme is designed to help students learn core skills across multiple disciplines, giving them freedom and flexibility in their career paths.
• LIS provides career support and well-being programmes to enhance your learning experience.
• There are various opportunities to gain practical experience and work on a portfolio to showcase to potential employers after graduation.

BA (Hons) Media Production – Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University's Media Production BA (Hons) degree may be the right option if you want to complete a degree programme focusing on media production. Students can opt to study for three years full-time or four years with a foundation year. This degree is aimed at students who don't have experience in media, teaching them critical skills for a successful career in this industry.

Throughout your degree, you will work with the university's creative agencies to participate in live briefs and media takeovers. Students can also enjoy lectures from guest speakers and trips to film events, festivals, and exhibitions. 

Key Curriculum:

• Creating Your Brand
• Post-Production: Editing Stories
• Your Brand Online
• Podcasting
• Media Work

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £17,750 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Carers Bursary: Eligible students recognised as carers for their immediate family may receive £1,200 in financial support. 
• Estranged Students Bursary: Qualifying students regarded as 'irreconcilably estranged' by student Finance England can apply for a £ 1,500 bursary. 
• Support Grant: This support grant is available for students who experience sudden financial hardship while studying.

Key Takeaways:

• Students who don't satisfy the entry requirements for this degree can choose to complete a foundation year.
• There are diverse scholarships and bursaries available.
• This degree programme is ideal for students specialising in modern media production. 

BA Film & Television Studies and Media and Communications – University of Exeter

The University of Exeter offers a BA Film & Television Studies and Media and Communications degree to help students gain in-depth knowledge of film and television as a cultural, social, and global phenomenon. While this programme requires three years of full-time study, students can extend their programmes to four years and spend a year studying abroad or completing a work placement. 

The University of Exeter provides special lectures and seminars by academically renowned industry experts, such as writers, filmmakers, and artists. Students will have opportunities to attend poetry readings, social events and film screenings, which will help them network and share knowledge and ideas. 

Key Curriculum:

• Significant Debates in Film Theory
• Professional Writing
• History of Communications
• Humanities in the Workplace
• Social Media and Society

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £24,700 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• Global Excellence Scholarships: Students with impressive academic track records can apply for a scholarship worth £7,500. 
• ATE Bursary: Qualifying students with a household income of £25,000 and below may be eligible for financial support between £1,310 and £2,200 throughout their studies. 
• Hardship Funding: Some learners who experience sudden severe financial difficulties can apply for financial support.

Key Takeaways:

• A wide range of scholarships and bursaries are available for students from all backgrounds.
• The tuition costs for international students are much higher than those of other similar pathways.
• Students have ample opportunity to develop industry connections and relationships with aspiring professionals.

Media and Communication BA (Hons) –  University of East London

The University of London’s Media and Communication BA (Hons) degree allows aspiring multimedia specialists to gain valuable insights into this field. You can opt to study three or four years full-time, four to five years with a foundation year, or six years part-time. If you choose to complete a foundation year before kickstarting your degree, you'll gain the critical skills needed for a successful career.

Alternatively, students can participate in a placement year and gain hands-on experience working with real-world businesses. This university also supports students through career resources, well-being programmes, and work-based learning opportunities. 

Key Curriculum:

• Aesthetics and Technologies 1: Practice as research
• Mental Wealth: Professional life - Agency 1
• Digital Research Methods
• European and World Cinemas
• Understanding Digital Cultures

Fees:

• The University of East London has not published information about its fees.

Financial Aid:

• Vice Chancellor's scholarship: Eligible students who reflect the university's values can apply for up to £27,750 over three years. 
• Dean Scholarship: Students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence may be eligible for Up to £13,500 over three years. 
• Hardship Bursary: Learners from low-income families suddenly facing financial hardship can receive up to £3,000 toward their study expenses.

Key Takeaways:

• Various resources are available to help students develop industry connections and job opportunities.
• Students can choose from a wide range of study formats, making it easier to adapt to their schedules.
• There are many scholarships and bursaries available to students. 

Media and Communications, BA Hons –  The University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich offers a Media and Communications BA Hons degree for three years full-time, four years with a placement, or six years part-time. These flexible options accommodate students from all backgrounds. You can expect to learn multimedia and communications from critical, creative, and academic approaches. 

This programme fosters a thriving learning environment through small class sizes, independent learning, guest lecturers, and assessments after each module. At the end of every year, The University of Greenwich hosts an annual exhibition showcasing the skills of its students across various disciplines, such as Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism, Animation, Media, and the Creative Arts.

Key Curriculum:

• Media Technologies
• Media Context 
• Advanced Projects 
• Creative Communications
• Critical Audio-Visual Practice

Fees:

• £9,250 / a year for home students
• £17,500 / a year for international students

Financial Aid:

• EU Bursary: National EU students can apply for financial support for their full-time undergraduate program. 
• Commuter Bursary: Students from low-income households can receive support for up to 50% of their monthly commuting costs. 
• Greenwich Progression Bursary: Eligible learners can apply for £3000 financial assistance toward their degree program.

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple study options allow students from all backgrounds to apply for this programme.
• This pathway significantly focuses on practical training and helping students develop hands-on experience.
• There is a limited selection of financial support available. 

If you have a bachelor's degree, you don't necessarily need a certification to become a multimedia specialist. 

However, completing a course will help you expand your skills and stand out in the job market. Continuous learning shows potential employers that you are dedicated to the industry and passionate about multimedia, making you a more attractive hire.

If you want to progress your skills beyond multimedia, consider any of our short courses at LIS. Our online courses cover everything from communication and leadership to problem-solving and critical thinking.

Here are our short courses at LIS:

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Learn critical leadership skills and how to solve complex problems and manage various departments. 
• Risk and Reputation: Understand how leadership works through interdisciplinary methods. Learn about how online communities impact today's media-driven world. 
• Systems Thinking for Sustainability: Gain a deeper understanding of how systems thinking influences sustainability and what this means for organisations making sustainable decisions. 

To become a successful multimedia specialist, you must carefully plan your career. Here are the skills you need to excel in this industry and the job outlook.

Critical Skills Needed for a Career in Multimedia

If you want a successful career in multimedia, you must have the skills employers seek on your resume. Expanding your skill set boosts your chances of landing a job after graduation and, ideally, a competitive salary. 

Here are the top technical and creative skills every multimedia specialist must have:

• Design Principles: Multimedia specialists must have expert knowledge of various design principles in graphic design, motion graphics, and animation and be able to think creatively to bring ideas to life. 
• Proficiency in Design Tools: Multimedia specialists must know how to use various software platforms to bring multimedia projects to life. 
• Video Editing: How to edit videos on various platforms is essential for multimedia professionals. They will have to edit graphics, animation, and videos regularly. 
• Photography: Specialists will use photography in various ways for their projects. This includes creating multimedia assets, capturing moments, taking headshots, and documenting events. 
• Project Management: Multimedia specialists may work on multiple campaigns simultaneously and must be able to manage these projects and different deadlines.
• Communication: Professionals in this field will communicate with various stakeholders and teams, making interpersonal skills critical. They should understand how to communicate their project plans and maintain positive client relationships. 
• Teamwork Collaboration: Professionals in the multimedia field will lead teams and collaborate with departments, making collaboration a critical skill. 

The Average Salary for Multimedia Specialists

The average salary for a multimedia specialist in the UK is £31,500 per annum. Professionals with extensive experience in this field can earn up to £45,000 annually, while entry-level specialists can expect to earn approximately £27,064 annually. 

As students gain industry experience and develop connections, they will find it easier to land jobs with a higher earning potential. 

Will Multimedia Specialist Jobs Grow?

Media roles in the UK are experiencing a decline, with new permanent roles decreasing by 49% in 2024. This highlights how critical it is for students to gain the crucial skills required for this field and acquire further qualifications to give them a competitive advantage in the job market. 

Students must stay ahead of industry trends, prioritise continuous learning, and stay in tune with new technologies to increase their chances of landing a job after graduation.

Picking the right multimedia specialist degree is challenging. Here are the top factors to consider to put you on the right track. 

Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition is a critical factor in choosing the right multimedia specialist degree. Students must opt for a degree programme they can afford for their studies. 

Whether you are a local UK student or international, evaluate your expenses and create a foolproof plan on how you intend to cover these costs. Students should consider costs associated with accommodation, food, study materials, and additional expenses they must cover. 

Financial Aid

While some students may be able to self-fund their degree programs, many universities offer scholarships and bursaries. It's easier to fund your studies through these options than student loans because of the high interest rates these loans come with. 

Speak to potential universities about the available financial support options to determine which programme is the best for you. 

Practical Training

Multimedia specialists must develop a strong portfolio throughout their degree program. As a result, only consider degree pathways that foster practical training, giving you first-hand exposure to real-world problems in this industry and how to manage day-to-day responsibilities. 

Some degree programs also allow students to gain experience by attending workshops, learning from interactive content, and working on projects. 

Industry Networking

Another critical factor in choosing the right multimedia specialist degree is networking opportunities. 

The degree programme you select must help you through career support and resources, like access to job boards, job interview preparation, and resume building. 

To break into the multimedia industry, students should strive to gain a bachelor's degree at minimum. The degree pathways covered in this guide offer all the critical skills needed for a thriving career. 

At LIS, we help students launch a multimedia career through an interdisciplinary degree program. Through projects and an internship, you can gain real-world experience. We provide all the tools and resources you need to break into the industry quickly.

Ready to become a multimedia specialist? Contact LIS to get started.