Overview

The Media and Cultural Studies at University of California, Riverside provides students with the essential tools to become creative critics of diverse cultural expressions. This interdisciplinary major focuses on a critical analytic skill set that is both local and transnational in its scope. Students examine how media forms like film, video games, and digital cultures intersect with social justice and political movements.

The curriculum is designed to be simultaneously theoretical and practical, encouraging students to engage with the built environment and multimedia platforms. By exploring the political economy and environmental justice, participants gain a deep understanding of how identity markers such as race, gender, and class are represented.

Why Media and Cultural Studies at University of California, Riverside?

The institution offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that bridges the gap between humanities and social sciences. Students benefit from a flexible pathway system where they can tailor their course topics to match individual interests, such as speculative fiction or social documentary. The faculty provides expert guidance to help students plot professional trajectories in digital journalism or media theory.

Facilities and teaching methods at the university support the practice of creative intervention. Students have the opportunity to produce short-form documentaries, graphic arts, and audiovisual projects. This hands-on experience, combined with a strong theoretical foundation, ensures that graduates are well-equipped for the evolving demands of the global creative industries.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 52536 per year
National fee: USD 52536 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Media and Cultural Studies
Art
Music
Creative Writing
Film and Media Theory
Digital Journalism
Social Documentary
Speculative Fiction
Visual and Digital Cultures

Careers with Media and Cultural Studies

Graduates are prepared to participate actively in the creative industries as independent cultural creators and digital journalists. The programme provides a robust foundation for those looking to influence public policy or work within media organisations. The rigorous academic training also ensures that students are fully prepared to continue their learning in competitive graduate school environments.

Potential career paths include roles in multimedia production, policy making, and professional blogging. By mastering both the practical and analytical aspects of the field, alumni can pursue diverse opportunities in global and local media sectors. The focus on social justice and transnational perspectives makes graduates particularly valuable to organisations focused on international communication and cultural advocacy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Immersive Media

Moving Images: Film, Video and New Media

Media Studies: Theory and Practice

Contemporary Critical Issues in Art

Digital Journalism and Society

Music in Movies and TV

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Riverside, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Media Studies & Mass Media View 908 other Bachelors in Media Studies & Mass Media in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

You must have a GPA of 3.0 or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in the A-G courses, with no grade below a C.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need your:

Test scores

Annual income (optional)

Social Security number (if you have one)

Citizenship status

Statewide student ID (optional)

Credit card (or check)

Order Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to be sent.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Out-of-State

52536 USD / year

≈ 52536 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Riverside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Media and Cultural Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Riverside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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