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Journalism (with Integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS

Course summary

Why study the BA Journalism (with Integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths This programme is for curious, creative, engaged students, interested in exploring society, exposing injustice and unearthing the truth to inform, inspire and empower. Rarely has journalism been more urgent and in need of a generation equipped to report on our rapidly changing world and help shape a positive future. You'll be guided by our diverse team of award-winning media professionals and world-leading academics, who will help you find meaningful stories and your voice.

  • This is a four-year degree. If you successfully achieve the progression requirements of the Foundation Year, you can continue onto our full-time three-year undergraduate degree in Journalism.
  • There are no formal entry requirements for this programme, 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 Journalism.
During the foundation year:
  • 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 the same industry-standard facilities as the undergraduate degrees.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you'll progress onto Year 1 of the degree
  • Study in one of the top Media, Communications and Cultural Studies departments globally. We are ranked second in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (REF, 2021) and 16th in the world (third in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings by Subject.
  • Learn a range of cutting-edge skills that will equip you to work across different journalistic platforms from print and digital to broadcast.
  • Develop data journalism skills and learn how to use them to create compelling infographics.
  • Work in professional broadcast studios, both TV and radio/podcasting, to produce news bulletins and long-form programming. You’ll learn a range of exciting skills on camera and behind the scenes, including filming, interviewing, scripting, presenting and editing.
  • Whether you’re passionate about politics, the climate emergency, social justice, culture, sport, fashion, music and beyond, we will teach you how to find stories around every corner you turn and draw them out of the people you meet.
  • At the end of your studies, you’ll produce a multimedia feature on a subject you care about, where you will bring together all the skills learnt.
  • Publish your work on a live local news website (EastLondonLines) while you study. You will report on issues and events happening in the heart of some of London’s most diverse and dynamic boroughs. Hear what industry experts have to say about our local news website.
  • Alongside practical training, you will study theory as part of our commitment to critical approaches to the media.
  • At a time when journalism has become increasingly uncritical, we believe in the figure of the journalist as a public intellectual. You’ll learn how to situate journalism within a wider cultural, political and global context, how to ask the right questions and think critically about how the world functions and the role of journalism within it.
  • We take a global, decolonial approach to journalism so you can contribute to fostering transnational dialogue and develop ways to counter inequality.

Modules

Year 0 (Foundation Year) You will study the following modules: Media Theory Photography TV & Video Radio Writing for the Media Year 1 (credit level 4) All modules in Year 1 are compulsory: Introduction to Power, Politics and Public Affairs Introduction to Multimedia Journalism News and Culture Key Debates in Media Studies Introduction to coding and digital methods for journalism Broadcast journalism 1: Audio and Video Year 2 (credit level 5) You will take the following compulsory modules: Multimedia Journalism Data Journalism and Visualisation Journalism and Society Media Law and Ethics Feature Writing Broadcast Journalism 2: The Magazine Show Year 3 (credit level 6) You take one compulsory module: Final Multimedia Project and Portfolio Optional modules You'll then take optional modules to the value of 60 credits (2-4) from an approved list provided by the department each year. These include practicial and theory modules from across the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies. Recent examples of optional modules include: Photo-journalism Podcasting Arts and Fashion Journalism Work Placement Dissertation Contemporary Feminist Media Cultures Digital Audiovisual Media: New Aesthetics and Practices Structure of Contemporary Political Communications Race, Empire and Nation Embodiment and Experience Social Media in Everyday Life: A global perspective Mediating Violence: Feminist, Queer, Decolonial Perspectives Music as Communication and Creative Practice Virtual and immersive media experience Race and Technology Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Assessment method

The pass mark for this Foundation Year is 50%. However, students must achieve 60% in all sections of the programme to proceed onto the first year of BA Journalism. 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

Application codes

Course code:
P501
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 formal entry requirements for this programme, but you should demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for the subject in your personal statement. We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit 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/
Journalism (with Integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS