Media and Communication with Foundation Year

University of Portsmouth
Undergraduate BA (Hons) Full-time 4 Years Digital media, production, and technologyMedia studiesPR and communications

A-Level Entry

DEE - EEE

UCAS Points

48 - 56 points

About this course

This is a Connected Degree

Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

With our BA (Hons) Media and Communication with Foundation Year degree course, you'll dive deep into the inner workings of media: its present and future, its pivotal role in how we communicate and perceive the world, and the networking industries and institutions that structure communication.

Experience the many facets of media communication, from its underpinning theories and marketing functions to hands-on media production. The course has award-winning expert researchers and film producers teaching it, strong industry links in TV, film and journalism, and chances to intern in fascinating areas of the media industries, so you’re always learning the current and best practices in academia and professional practice.

You'll gain a flexible range of specialist skills that will allow you to pursue careers in film and TV production, camera departments, sound recording and post production. You can also sidestep into journalism, scriptwriting, advertising, marketing, or public relations.

Foundation year

If you're new to studying media or don’t meet the required grades for the full degree course, our Foundation Year will bridge that gap. You'll expand your knowledge of media and communication and develop the preparatory skills you'll need for entry into Year 1.

If you have the required grades, you can skip the Foundation Year and start at Year 1.

Course highlights

  • Shape your course from second year, choosing optional modules that meet your speciality and career ambitions

  • Build your industry experience by taking a one-year placement – either with a company or self-employed

  • Familiarise yourself with professional equipment and facilities used widely in media production – including multi-camera television studios, industry-level film and cinematic cameras, and innovative colour correction hardware

  • Expand your professional network and knowledge by attending guest lectures by visiting professionals

  • Enhance your collaboration and team-working skills by working with students from other courses and schools in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

  • Demonstrate your technical proficiency to potential employers by achieving industry-recognised Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) qualifications

    Careers and opportunities

    Media communication is a staple of every industry. When you graduate with a Media and Communication degree, you'll become a vital, versatile asset for any employer and any field.

    Graduate areas

    You'll be able to work in areas such as:

  • post-production

  • film and TV directing

  • scriptwriting

  • marketing

  • advertising

  • journalism

    You can also go into freelancing.

    Graduate roles

    Job roles you'll be suitable for include:

  • PR and communications officer

  • social media assistant

  • assistant editor

  • visual media co-ordinator

  • TV researcher

  • camera assistant

  • first or second assistant director

  • sound and vision engineer

  • film/video producer

  • stills photographer

  • production manager

    When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.

  • Entry Requirements

    A-Level Grades DEE - EEE
    UCAS Tariff Points 48 - 56 points
    BTEC MPP - PPP

    Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 4 Years

    Qualification: BA (Hons)

    Location: Portsmouth

    Sandwich

    Duration: 5 Years

    Qualification: BA (Hons)

    Location: Portsmouth

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    1121 Production managers and directors in manufacturing
    2126 Aerospace engineers
    2122 Mechanical engineers
    1133 Public relations and communications directors
    3417 Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators
    3116 Planning, process and production technicians

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    4 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Portsmouth
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Digital media, production, and technology, Media studies, PR and communications