BA (Hons) Media and Communication (with Foundation year)
Course overview
Start date
September 2020
Subject area
Media and Journalism
Attendance
Full-time, 4 years
Full-time, 5 years
Part-time
Learning
On campus, dual delivery
Course summary
This extended course is perfect if you want a degree in Media and Communications, but don’t meet the standard entry requirements.
The BA course looks at the media’s increasing reach and influence, providing you with the knowledge and skills to make sense of this dramatically and swiftly changing sector. Thanks to our close industry links, you’ll have the chance to undertake valuable work-based learning while on placement.
We're proud that, based on recent research carried out by The Times, we're in the top seven courses in the country for media and communication. We like to think we're getting even better.
As one of our students, Shaheen Abdouramane, says, “The course is extremely broad and is adaptable to suit the path you wish to take, whether it's media production, cultural studies, gender, race, journalism, advertising or a mixture of all of them.
“The great thing is that the lecturers are enthusiastic about what they teach and the support is there if you need it.”
Return to campus: dual delivery
In a Covid-secure environment, enjoy learning on our state-of-the-art campuses and flex between online delivery
Find out morePlacement
Optional placement year available
80%
We were rated the best media studies course in London in the 2014 National Student Survey, and statistics show that in 2017 80% of our students went on to work or further study within six months after finishing their degree.
Practical experience
You’ll receive invaluable learning opportunities in the media industry. Our students have recently undertaken work placements at top media organisations such as Time Warner and the Financial Times.
Career prospects
You’ll have the chance to pursue the widest range of interests in the practice and study of media, including TV, radio, film, music, publishing, marketing communications and social and digital media.
Karolina Chojnacka
BA (Hons) Communication and Cultural Studies
During my Foundation year, I learned study skills, step by step, in an engaging way, so when I started the full course, I was better able to focus on the theoretical content, rather than worrying about how to write essays. It was also a great chance to learn with students from different courses and backgrounds.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will be automatically cancelled.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Maintenance Loan
You can apply for a loan to help with living costs such as food, travel and accommodation. How much you can borrow depends on where you live and study, and whether you are currently on welfare benefits. The maximum loan you can apply for is £12,729.
To apply visit gov.uk/student-finance
Supplementary Grants
The government also offer the following additional support:
- Parents' Learning Allowance
- Adult Dependants' Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- All nursing and many allied health students on courses from September 2020 will receive a payment of at least £5,000 a year from the government.
For further information visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England.
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees, which will be paid directly to UEL. There are no up-front fees required. Repayment only starts after you finish your course and are earning over £25,000. If you haven’t finished repaying your loan after 30 years it will automatically be cancelled.
For information visit gov.uk/student-finance
Please note EU students can only apply for their funding using a paper application form.
To download a form visit www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms
All students will receive:
Bursaries Schemes for which you can apply
- Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary - up to £1,500
- Progression Bursary - up to £2,000
- Engagement Bursary - up to £2,000
- Hardship Bursary - up to £2,000
- Helena Kennedy Foundation - £1,500
- Going Global – awards range from £300 - £700
Scholarships Schemes for which you can apply
- Vice Chancellor Scholarship - up to £27,750 over three years
- Dean Scholarship - up to £13,500 over three years
- Civic Engagement Scholarship - £1,000
- EU Scholarship (EU Only) - £1,000
- ELSEF Scholarship - £1,000
- UTC Scholarship - £1,500
- Sports Scholarships - up to £6,000
There are a number of external organisations that offer financial help to
students. Please see the list below list to view additional support options.
Alternatively, you can visit the Scholarship Search website.
Please note that the University of East London is not responsible for
the content of these external sites and is not associated in any way
with the funding schemes and their application processes.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8223 4444
At UEL, we understand that studying in another country is a big financial commitment. If you apply early for an undergraduate, you may be entitled to a scholarship of up to £3,000.You can find out more about the international scholarships here.
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) also run an Emergency International Fund to assist international students in hardship.
You can contact our SMART team on 02082233333 or study@uel.ac.uk
As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, text books, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start- a total of £11,385- in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa here. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money. Please make sure you also factor in the fees for the visa application and immigration health surcharge when budgeting.
* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA pages for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.
Deposits and paying by instalments
International students are required to pay a deposit prior to being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions here.
After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fees policy.
Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements.
Email: international@uel.ac.uk
Entry requirements
- September 2020
-
Degree with Foundation Year
64
New UCAS Points
Access to HE Diploma (QAA approved) with 60 credits overall and 45 credits at Level 3
We will also consider the UEL New Beginnings pre-entry course
Overall IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (or recognised equivalent).
If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English programme. The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 11-week pre-sessional course. Find out more here.
Level 2 equivalences such as Level 2 Functional Skills in English / Maths, Level 2 Key Skills in Communication / Application of Number and Level 2 Adult Literacy / Adult Numeracy
Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined on the course page. Our pre-entry Information Advice and Guidance Team are able to provide further advice on entry requirements and suitability for study.
What you'll learn
This is a course that’s strong on both theory and practice. As you undertake a wide-ranging exploration of all areas of 21st century media and communication, you’ll be encouraged both to think and to create.
You’ll engage with media production work across all levels of the degree, producing content in various forms, from computer-based photography to music and sound.
Our modules also offer specialist areas of study in TV, radio, film, music, publishing, marketing communications and social and digital media.
In your second year, you’ll have the chance to work in a group, studying London through a media lens and producing work such as our students’ innovative online blog this year. Then, in your final year, you’ll complete either a written dissertation or a production project.
Throughout the course, you’ll have a chance to broaden your knowledge through a variety of talks by industry professionals and you’ll have the chance to attend special events as well as visits to exhibitions and galleries.
There’s no better place in the country to study media and communication than London and we make every effort to ensure you get the full benefit from studying in this dynamic city.
What you'll study and when
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
- Academic Development (Core)
- Social Media Project (Core)
- Ways of Looking (Core)
- Narrative and Creativity (Core)
- Group Film Project (Core)
- Professional Development: Mental Wealth (Core)
- Documentary 1: Documentary and representation (Core)
- Aesthetics and Technologies 1: Practice as research (Core)
- Media Cultures (Core)
- Mental Wealth – Professional Life: Agency 1 (Core)
- Narrative 1: Narrative fiction (Core)
- Convergent Media Industries (Core)
- Documentary 2 (Core)
- Employment and Enterprise (Core)
- Narrative 2: Advanced Narrative (Core)
- Mental Wealth – Professional Life: Agency 2 (Core)
- Digital Research Methods (Optional)
- Photographing the City (Optional)
- European Cinema (Optional)
- Celebrity and Influencer Marketing (Optional)
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three.
- Final Project Development (Core)
- Final Project Completion (Core)
- Aesthetics and Technologies 2: Professional Practice (Core)
- Mental Wealth – Professional Life: Freelancing at UEL (Core)
- PR, Promotion and Publicity (Optional)
- Content Design and Execution (Optional)
- Understanding Digital Cultures (Optional)
- Transmedia and Digital Futures (Optional)
How you'll be assessed
We’ll assess you through a wide range of coursework including essays, reports, written projects and presentations and various kinds of production work.
There are no examinations on any core modules. We’ve designed our assessments carefully to offer engaging and appropriate choices of topics and tasks and to support you in developing your own specialist interests as you progress.
You’ll undertake an individual research or production project in your final year, which offers you the opportunity to develop your research and networking skills.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through both academic investigation and production work, overseen by a supportive team of distinguished academics in the media field.
Our teaching team are experts in their fields and produce a wide range of published research in the area of media and communication. We’re committed to innovative teaching and providing our students with the best possible support. You’ll benefit from visits by eminent and influential guest speakers from the media sector, including the BBC.
Our Docklands campus provides a lively, creative environment where your studies are aided by superb production and editing facilities, including Apple and PC labs, edit suites, a recording studio, radio station, photography darkroom and multimedia production software.
Beyond the University, opportunities abound. The course includes a module called Media Industries and Work, which supports our exciting work placement opportunities. In recent years, our students have had the chance to work at Pride magazine, Time Warner, The Voice and the Financial Times, as well as television, post-production and PR agencies.
And where better to savour all these opportunities than in London, at the very heart of the media and communication industry?
As Course Leader Kathy Walker says, “If you’re looking for an exciting and innovative programme which helps you to understand the way the media works and role of the communication industries in the 21st century, there’s no better place to study than UEL.”
Your future career
Our Media and Communication graduates are in high demand from employers. Why? Because this course equips you with an attractive combination of academic rigour, versatility and practical skills.
Added to this, you’ll gain the specialist knowledge you need to work in a variety of media careers. Our students have gone on to jobs in television, film, journalism, publishing companies, advertising and public relations as well as careers in teaching and education.
Our course is also an excellent stepping stone to postgraduate study and research, including UEL’s PhD and master’s programmes, or to further training in other areas such as communications management, marketing, marketing communications, education and law.
As one of our graduates says, “My course at UEL gave me just the varied academic background I needed for my MA in Communications Management.”
Official government statistics underline our success when it comes to preparing you for the world of work. According to Unistats, 85 per cent of our students are either in employment or undertak-ing further study within six months of competing their degree.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal
