Media and Communication - HND

Program Overview

Media and Communication - HND

Overview

This course offers an inspiring introduction to the production, theoretical, and professional aspects of media. It gives you a solid and respected platform from which you can progress to further study or present yourself as a competent and credible candidate for employment in the media and communication industries.

What's covered in this course?

We strongly believe in the practical application of theory to real-life situations. We are fortunate to have very strong links with employers in the media industry, who see great value in our approach.

Modules you study include Broadcast Production, Research Methods and Academic Skills, History and Structure of the Media, Media texts and Cultural Contexts, and Professional Studies, in which Birmingham Metropolitan College will support you in securing a two-week placement in a media production business.

Your studies cover key aspects of audio, the moving image, journalism, and television studio practice.

You explore broadcast journalism, photography and photojournalism, radio features and documentary television production, as well as television drama and film studies.

You focus on future employment in a Career Development workshop. You also gain the crucial research and academic techniques to enable you to effectively source, collate and analyse information.

This HND qualification can give you direct entry to the second or third year of our BA (Hons) Media and Communication or BA (Hons) Media Production courses. You would need to successfully complete the HND award and achieve a merit profile across the two years of HND programme for third year entry. Students who achieve a Pass profile would be considered for second year entry.

Why Choose Us?

• You are welcome to come on to BCU’s campus any time you like to access our library, sports facilities, computer rooms and speak to any of our staff about your studies.
• Your teaching will be based on campus at the College, which means that you will also have access to support from College tutors and advisors.
• Lots of our students find that the additional support in College helps them build confidence and even more skills ahead of transferring to study on campus with the University.
• Top 15 for Communication and Media Studies graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2024).
• Delivered at one of our highly regarded partner institutions, Birmingham Metropolitan College, the course is managed, maintained and monitored by the University.
• A placement allows you to absorb the day-to-day realities of a media production business.

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff points.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

• This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

• Qualification| Entry requirements
  • A Level / AS Level |
    • A Level: 48 UCAS Tariff points / DD (or equivalent)
    • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
    • A maximum of three subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate) |
    • 48 UCAS Tariff points
    • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
    • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • T Level | Pass overall (E or above on the core) All subjects accepted but Digital Production, Design and Development and Media, Broadcast and Production preferred.
  • Access to HE Diploma | Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications | 48 UCAS Tariff points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications | 48 UCAS Tariff points
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications |
    • 48 UCAS Tariff points
    • Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher | 48 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate | 48 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma | Pass overall
  • Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media) | Pass overall

International qualifications

• International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall
• EU / International students
  • Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.
  • In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

Mature students

• Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: HND
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 2 years
• Fees: £9,535 in 2026/27

Included in your course fees

• Access to computer equipment
• Printing
• Field trips
• Access to Microsoft Office 365
• Key software
• Key subscriptions
• Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence
• Specialist equipment

Not included in your course fees

• Specialist equipment (mandatory)
• Excess printing (optional)
• Personal stationery and study materials (optional)
• Personal equipment (optional)
• Accommodation and living costs (optional)

Course in Depth

Course Structure

• The HND Media and Communication course consists of five modules:
  • Broadcast Production
  • Publication Production
  • History and Structure of the Media
  • Media Texts and Cultural Contexts
  • Professional Studies

Athena Swan Bronze Award

• Our English and Media courses have been awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award for our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Employability

Employment Opportunities

• Journalism, press and public relations, video and television production and presentation, radio presentation, publishing, photography, and progression on to degree courses.

Facilities & Staff

Facilities

• This course is delivered by Birmingham Metropolitan College at its James Watt Campus.
• Situated on the Aldridge Road, right on the 997 bus route through north Birmingham, the James Watt Campus is an imposing building.
• Spread over two main buildings and five floors, the campus features a fully equipped, professional quality TV studio, beauty salon, gym, media suite and construction workshop.