Course summary
Bringing together media practice and communications theory, this degree covers a broad spectrum of critical perspectives on the media, and will introduce you to a range of contemporary media practices. Why study BA Media & Communications at Goldsmiths
- 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 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. Introduction to Media Practice 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
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These 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
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:
- P300
- Institution code:
- G56
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBBC
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 33 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
T Level - M
Additional entry requirements
Other
Your personal statement should address your interest in the content of the programme and in particular the 50% theory and 50% practice nature of the programme.
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
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
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW