21Jun
Undergraduate This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
Goldsmiths, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
This is a four-year degree at Goldsmiths. If you successfully achieve the progression requirements of the foundation year, you can continue with the full-time three-year BA (Hons) Media & Communications which brings together media practice and communications theory. It covers a broad spectrum of critical perspectives on the media and will introduce you to a range of contemporary media practices. Why study the BA Media & Communications with Foundation Year (Integrated degree) at Goldsmiths
- There are no formal entrance requirements, you just need to demonstrate a lively interest in the world of the media - so it's an ideal choice if you're returning to education or don't have the qualifications to apply directly to the BA Media & Communications degree.
- You'll develop an understanding of media theory and media practice, and the confidence, skills and creative foundation to thrive at undergraduate level.
- You'll be introduced to a broad spectrum of critical perspectives on the media and a range of contemporary media practices.
- You'll develop your skills in creative approaches to media and communications.
- The programme includes a study skills module, where you'll get to develop your academic writing and research skills.
- You'll be taught by highly experienced tutors and technicians in studio settings, using industry-standard facilities.
- You'll study in one of the world's top media, communications and cultural studies departments, where you'll be taught by leading industry professionals.
- We believe in the importance of both critical thinking and creativity. That’s why you’ll spend 50% of your time learning critical theories, and 50% of your time gaining practical skills.
- On practice modules, you'll be taught by industry professionals engaged in TV, film, journalism, audio, photography, scriptwriting, short fiction, illustration, interactive media, animation, and media campaigning.
- Our forward-thinking theory modules will give you the opportunity to question the norm and learn about the media landscape of the future with topics ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Race and Technology.
- You'll be taught using industry-standard practice facilities, including TV/film, radio and photography studios, digital video and audio editing suites, and animation software and hardware.
- You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a work placement in the media or creative industries as part of the programme and be given dedicated support to help you find the right role for you.
- You'll be taught alongside students from all over the world and with diverse cultural experiences that enrich the department and the learning experience.
- You'll develop skills that you can use throughout your career whether in the media industries or elsewhere. Our recent graduates have gone on to have successful careers in and outside of the Media industry, ranging from television producers and podcasters to teachers and researchers.
Modules
The degree consists of 50% media theory and 50% media practice. We aim to provide an inspirational learning experience in which theory and practice influence and enrich each other in the production of original creative and intellectual work. This programme is not just about studying media – it goes beyond that and explores how technology and human life are connected and how media is influenced by society. We look at different philosophical ideas about technology and human existence, and we also study how media is made from a sociological perspective. It's an exciting and comprehensive programme that looks in depth at interesting topics. We look at issues of identity through critical race studies, queer theory and critiques of post-feminism. We investigate global screen cultures and also the role of news in democracy. All of this, together with critical, creative practice in production equips our students to be the thinking media practitioners of the future. Year 0 (Foundation year) It is structured into the following three areas: Learning to Learn (Study Skills) Media Theory Media Practice You will study the following modules: Media Theory Photography TV & Video Radio Video Animation Year 1 (credit level 4) Theory In your first year you'll study five theoretical modules that introduce you to the major fields of study. You take the following compulsory modules: Film and the Audiovisual: Theory and Analysis Key Debates in Media Studies Media History and Politics Media Arts Culture and Cultural Studies Practice Over the duration of your first year you will take 'Introduction to Media Practice' which will introduce you to our media production areas. You will select four practice areas from our list of eight: animation, audio, creative writing, filmmaking, journalism, illustration, interactive media and photography. You will spend five weeks in each of these areas, helping you explore and experiment with these media practices, enabling you to pick one to specialise in throughout the rest of your degree. Year 2 (credit level 5) Theory In the second year, you'll explore the major fields of study in more depth through a range of core and optional modules. You take the following compulsory modules: Media, Modernity and Social Thought Psychology, Subjectivity and Power You'll also study optional modules to the value of 30 credits from a list provided annually by the department. This will include: The Goldsmiths Elective The Goldsmiths Project Practice You will begin working in your practice specialist area over the year, helping you to make a more ‘in depth’ approach to media production - learning about technique, storytelling, the creation of meaning, and how you can use your creativity to make an impact in media and culture in your chosen specialist field. You will take the following modules: Media Production Specialism 1 Media Production Specialism 2 Year 3 (credit level 6) Theory You'll study optional modules to the value of 45 credits from a list provided annually by the department. Practice In your third year you will build on all your specialist skills and knowledge from the second year to devise, research and make a major final project. You will be given platforms to showcase this developing work in public forums such as publications, websites, galleries and screenings aimed at helping you build an audience for your work in preparation for entry into the creative industries. This will culminate in an opportunity to participate in a degree show. You will also carry out a work placement, giving you an opportunity to utilise your skills and apply them directly in the creative industries. Media Production - Final Project Work Placement Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment method
The pass mark for the Foundation Year is 50%. However, students must achieve 60% in all sections of the programme to proceed onto the BA Media and Communications. Students achieving between 50%-60% will be awarded the Goldsmiths Foundation Certificate in Media and Communications. You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays, as well as seen and unseen written examinations.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- PP39
- Institution code:
- G56
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
There are no formal entry requirements, but you should demonstrate an interest in, and aptitude for the subject.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 |
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
To find out more about fees and funding, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office https://www.gold.ac.uk/ug/fees-funding/
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW