Program Overview

Introduction to the Media and Communications Foundation Year

The Media and Communication Foundation Year at the University of Lincoln is the introductory year of a four-year degree programme that prepares students for careers in the creative and communication industries. It supports entry into courses such as Creative Advertising, Film Production, Journalism, Media Production, and Media and Communication.

Course Overview

This year-long programme offers a dynamic curriculum blending practical workshops, academic research, and theoretical learning. It is particularly suited for students who are undecided about their specialism, returning to education, new to media studies, or those who have not met traditional entry requirements. The Foundation Year acts as an alternative route into undergraduate study within the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. Upon successful completion, students progress to Level 4 of designated BA (Hons) degree programmes, including Journalism, Sports Journalism, Film Production, Media and Communications (subject to validation), and Media Production. Those who choose not to continue receive a Foundation Year Certificate.

How You Study

The Media and Communications Foundation Year at the University of Lincoln equips students with essential knowledge, practical skills, and academic confidence for progression into degree-level study. Aligned with the university's Student as Producer ethos, the programme emphasises student-led learning through research, enquiry, and collaborative knowledge creation. Divided into three progressive stages, the curriculum scaffolds students' development, gradually integrating them into their chosen disciplines via lectures, workshops, and close collaboration with specialist staff.

Assessment

Assessment within the Media and Communications Foundation Year is designed to evaluate students' achievement of learning outcomes while providing constructive feedback to enhance skills, knowledge, and creative practice. A range of assessment methods supports the development of diverse academic and professional capabilities aligned with degree progression and career pathways. Most modules are assessed through course-work portfolios, which may include digital assets, written work, and reflective commentary.

Entry Requirements

• Clearing offers from 32 UCAS tariff points
• Standard offers of 64 UCAS tariff points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification
• T Level: Pass (D or E on the Core)
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MPP
• 3 GCSEs required at grade 4 (C) or above including English
• The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and does accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
• Non-UK Qualifications: If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please note that equivalent qualifications are considered.
• EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element.

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences.

Career Opportunities

Typical careers in media and communications span a wide range of dynamic and evolving roles across industries. Graduates may pursue careers in journalism, broadcasting, digital marketing, public relations, content creation, and media production, working for media outlets, agencies, or as freelancers.

Special Features

In the majority of currently existing programmes in media and communication, there is an emphasis on studio particularly broadcast work for engagement in TV, film and post-production areas. While these will form part of the Foundation Year at Lincoln, the core offering will be digital, in particular preparing students for a work-place in which generative AI has a significant role to play, providing them with fundamental tools to bring discernment and judgement to the practical deployment of such tools.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from ｣1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees.