Program Overview

Integrated Degree in Media & Communications, Journalism, and Promotional Media (including Foundation Year)

Overview

This is a four-year degree. If you successfully achieve the progression requirements of the Foundation Year, you can continue onto one of our full-time three-year undergraduate degrees in Media & Communications, Journalism or Promotional Media.

Why study the Integrated Degree in Media & Communications, Journalism, and Promotional Media (including Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths

• There are no formal entry requirements for this programme, you just need to demonstrate a lively interest in the world of the media – so it's an ideal choice if you're returning to education or don't have the qualifications to apply directly to the BA Media & Communications, BA Journalism or BA Promotional Media degree.
• This programme offers three pathways in Media and Communications, Journalism and Promotional Media. You'll choose your pathway at the point of application and on successful completion of the foundation year, you'll progress onto your chosen undergraduate degree.

During the foundation year

• You'll develop an understanding of media theory and media practice, and the confidence, skills and creative foundation to thrive at undergraduate level.
• You'll be introduced to a broad spectrum of critical perspectives on the media and a range of contemporary media practices.
• You'll develop your skills in creative approaches to media and communications.
• The programme includes a study skills module, where you'll get to develop your academic writing and research skills.
• You'll be taught by highly experienced tutors and technicians in studio settings, using the same industry-standard facilities as the undergraduate degrees.

Length

• 1 year (Foundation) + 3 years (undergraduate degree) full-time

Fees

• Home - full-time: £9535
• International - full-time: £21900

Department

• Media, Communications and Cultural Studies

Top facilities

• Our department offers hands-on experience. You'll have access to a range of specialist facilities and equipment.

Research leaders

• Our department has been ranked 2nd in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (3rd in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.

Learn from the experts

• Our academics are industry professionals and you'll have access to industry speakers and networking events.

What you'll study

Overview Programme pathways

• Your Foundation Year counts as the 'Year 0' of the four-year Integrated Degree. It is structured into the following three areas:

Learning to Learn (Study Skills)

• These two-hour weekly sessions are designed to help you develop the skills you will need to thrive in undergraduate study. They cover aspects of academic practice, such as how to:
  • Write for academic purposes
  • Approach an essay question
  • Get organised
  • Read and make notes effectively
  • Cite your source material
  • Compile a bibliography

Media Theory

• In terms one and two, you'll be introduced to the key traditions and foundational theories of media and cultural studies. These will help you develop an understanding of the relationship between media forms, institutions and our societies.
• You will also be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, begin to understand the importance of the relationship between media theory and practice, and demonstrate your growing skills in academic writing (with the help of the weekly 'Learning to Learn' sessions).

Media Practice

• You'll study three media practice modules that give you the opportunity to create small-scale projects in TV and video, radio, and photography. You will have the opportunity to work through your ideas from conception to finished product, begin to develop production skills, and understand the importance of teamwork and the sharing of ideas.

Module titles and credits

• Media Theory | 60 credits
• Photography | 15 credits
• TV & Video | 15 credits
• Radio | 15 credits

Media and Communications pathway

• If you take the Media and Communications pathway, you will also study the following module:
  • Video Animation | 15 credits

Journalism and Promotional Media pathways

• If you take the Journalism or Promotional Media pathways, you will also study the following module:
  • Writing for the Media | 15 credits

Teaching style

• Across your four years of study, you'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, screenings, and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake independent study.

How you'll be assessed

• The pass mark for this Foundation Year is 50%. However, students must achieve 60% in all sections of the programme to proceed onto the BA Media and Communications, BA Journalism or BA Promotional Media degree. Students achieving between 50%-60% will be awarded the Goldsmiths Foundation Certificate in Media and Communications.
• You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may 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.

Careers and skills

Careers

• Each year graduating students from the BA Media & Communications, BA Journalism and BA Promotional Media programmes find work in the fields of:
  • Television
  • Radio
  • The press
  • Publishing
  • Film-making
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Public relations
  • Web design
  • Teaching and research
  • Arts and administration
  • Culture and heritage

Skills

• If you successfully achieve the progression requirements of the Foundation Year, you can continue with the full-time three-year BA Media & Communications, BA Journalism or BA Promotional Media degree, which will enable you to develop the following skills:
  • Critical and analytical skills
  • Proficiency in assessing evidence and in expressing ideas clearly
  • The ability to bring together insights from a range of subjects
  • Research skills
  • Interpersonal skills, including an ability to work with others in the creative process
  • Communication skills
  • Journalistic and creative writing skills
  • IT skills
  • The confidence to work independently

Entry requirements

• There are no formal entry requirements for this programme, but you should demonstrate an interest in and aptitude for the subject in your personal statement.
• We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements.

International qualifications

• We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

English language requirements

• If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

• These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
• Home - full-time: £9535
• International - full-time: £21900

Funding opportunities

• We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.

Additional costs

• In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying.
• There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments.