• Undergraduate

Broadcast and Digital Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
Why study this course?

This is a one-year foundation course after which you will study for a three-year degree. You will be able to choose any of the BA courses that we run in the London School of Film, Media and Design.

After a year spent building your skills in good academic practices and research while experiencing all the aspects of student life, you will be ready to progress seamlessly to your chosen degree.

Our foundation year course is particularly suited to you if:

  • you do not have the relevant qualifications in a media or design subject
  • you are returning to study
  • if English is not your first language and could benefit from a year of practising your verbal and writing skills -  you may also be interested in our English language programmes
  • if you are still deciding on which field of media and design you would like to specialise in.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Broadcast and Digital Journalism with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Broadcast and Digital Journalism with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

The Foundation Course at UWL gave me the confidence to believe in myself.

Joe Bowring, Broadcast and Digital Journalism

The Foundation Year has been extremely challenging but definitely worth it.

Samantha Cleary-Giegold, Broadcast and Digital Journalism

My Foundation Year at UWL has been such an amazing experience. I learned how to grow my confidence and push myself to achieve. If I could go back I would choose to do a Foundation Year again! 

Andrea Vega Demuru, Advertising and PR
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Why study a Foundation year
Why study a Foundation year 2
Why study a Foundation year 3
Audio student practices in one of UWL's radio studios
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Why study a Foundation Year? 
A Foundation Year prepares you for study at undergraduate level, it s the first step on your university journey.  The skills and knowledge you acquire will stand you in good stead for your degree studies as well as your entry into the world of work. Over the course of an academic year, you will explore a range of subjects that will underpin your future studies, as well as enjoy full access to university facilities.

What will I study during the Foundation Year? 
You will be supported to help you make the most of the foundation year through:

  • independent study (Personalised Learning module)
  • an introduction to the  various areas of the media and design industry (Creative Sectors module)
  • an understanding of how media and design fit with wider society (Contextual Studies module)
  • introduction to the software used within the industry (Creative Research module)
  • learning good academic practice and discipline (Academic Performance module)
  • creation of a media artefact which reflects your chosen path of study (Major Project module). 

Further details about the modules can be found on the right-hand side of this page.

Through these modules, you come to have a better understanding of the areas within media and design. You will become familiar with techniques that help you to:

  • manage your time and study effectively
  • learn academic, research and presentation skills.

Any other benefits? 
You will have full access to the University of West London's facilities as well as being fully integrated into university life.

This well-established course is taught by an experienced team of lecturers committed to enabling and supporting you to develop your skills and creativity.

Compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

  • Principles of Journalism

    On this module you will be introduced to the institutions and practices of journalism and broadcast journalism in the UK, and the analysis of journalistic output across a range of formats, including newspapers, TV, radio programming, and social media.

  • Journalism Skills

    You will focus on one of the core skills of news production: news writing. You will develop the practical skills that journalists use on a daily basis, such as researching, writing, and editing. In addition, you will learn what makes a particular story newsworthy.

  • Podcasting

    Dive into the world of audio production and storytelling through podcasts. Enhance your voiceover skills, audio recording, sound design and web design/publishing skills.

  • Video Journalism

    This module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of established industry conventions, the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in production; techniques in pre-production planning; team-building; digital camera; lighting; sound and digital editing techniques in order that you are able to understand all aspects of your craft critically and create visually strong and coherent work.

    You will learn the professional workflow of telling a story through video, as well as the ability to evaluate and criticise one.  

  • Radio Journalism

    Over the course of this module, you will explore key aspects of today’s radio journalism industry and how they fit alongside the growth of social media. You will develop the core skills needed to be a good journalist, from editorial skills to technical ones, including news writing, reporting and developing your interview techniques.

    You will explore how news bulletins are compiled, look at ethics and principles in journalism and develop news reading techniques. You will also consider ‘fake news' and how to recognise it.

  • Media Presentation Skills

    During this module, which is taught in conjunction with the Broadcast Journalism course, you will develop your speaking and storytelling skills, with the aim of enhancing your understanding of how journalists work - essential knowledge for public relations professionals.

Compulsory modules

  • Government and Politics Journalism

    On this module you will be introduced to the systems and main players in local, regional, national and European/international government as it applies in the UK. You will also have an opportunity to visit a number of political meetings during this module.

  • Documentary Production: Mobile Journalism and Features

    Building on the basic skills you would have acquired at level 4, on this module you will be given the opportunity to learn new documentary production techniques. You will work from original concept and pitch, to research, scheduling, pre-production, directing, camera, lighting, sound, editing, location permissions, managing crews and post-production.

  • Industry Experience

    You will begin with a structured induction process, during which you will be guided in researching the job market, understanding professional responsibilities, preparing a CV plus cover letter and undertaking a mock interview. Additionally, you’ll be guided in contacting and negotiating with a potential host organisation/employer or client to secure your industry experience.

  • Digital and Online Journalism Practice

  • Global Media Systems

  • Law for Journalists

    The module will cover and enable discussion on a range of legal topics and how they relate to journalism. These include freedom of speech and its caveats, defamation, official secrets, obscenity, the law of contempt, children in the news, privacy, copyright, freedom of information and the role of regulatory authorities.

Compulsory modules

  • Freelancing and Entrepreneurship

    Deciding to work in the freelance domain does not suit everyone, but preparing yourself for self-employment will frankly only enhance your ability to find work in any arena.

    Yes, there are many benefits – largely being your own boss, creating your own agenda, having more choice in the work you do, where you do it and who you do it for; but, you are also responsible for finding work, marketing yourself and your work/products/services, maintaining websites and social media output, producing the work itself, and finding people to collaborate with, and not only making money but doing the invoicing and tax returns that go with it! 

    So, while being a freelancer requires many hats and requires a wide variety of skills, it can also be very rewarding.  

  • Data Journalism

    This module will allow you to maximise the use of IT tools and data to support digital storytelling. You will learn the basics of a discipline that is growing in strength and importance; data journalism. This includes learning where to find data, how to critically analyse it, and how to maximise chances for shareability and interactivity. At the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding of the opportunities provided by data journalism in the digital age 

  • Project or Dissertation

    Choose from:

    Project: The project is a major piece of work that draws on the skills and concepts you have learnt in all your modules—practical and theoretical. You could choose to produce a short documentary film (10 mins max), a radio artefact (30 mins max), create a digital magazine or build a website that centres on a certain topic/current issue. 

    OR

    Dissertation: During the course of the first semester's classes and workshops, you will develop a research question, consider different research methods, explore how to structure an effective argument, and reflect upon the content of your proposal. This will help you to decide upon the topic of your dissertation and will support you to develop the research skills you need to successfully pursue a research project moving forward.  

  • Live News Production

    This module is the culmination of your journalism degree, whether in print, broadcast or digital. You will be introduced to the essence of the newsroom, working within a larger team and building the capabilities necessary for newsgathering, creating and airing high quality content under strict deadlines.

  • Representation and Diversity in the Media

    This module gives you an opportunity to study and engage with theories and debates around the social construction, representation and global and cultural understanding of diversity within the media industries.

    There is a particular focus on news media representations of race, ethnicity, gender, culture, and disability, and the goal is to equip you with a conceptual and theoretical grounding that allows you to practice culturally informed, inclusive and responsible journalism. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students on a four-year degree with a foundation year have received our Path to Success Scholarship.

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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Jo is wearing a light blue shirt with the collar open and silver chain necklace. They have blue eyes and short light brown hair. Jo is smiling.

Dr Jo Henderson

Course Leader for Foundation Year courses within the London School of Film, Media and Design.

My teaching experience started with A Level and BTEC in Media and Design since then I have taught at various London institutions at all levels of Higher Education in the field of media, documentary, television and contextual studies. I joined UWL as a full-time staff member in 2016 to establish the successful Foundation course.

Course Leader for Foundation Year courses within the London School of Film, Media and Design.

My teaching experience started with A Level and BTEC in Media and Design since then I have taught at various London institutions at all levels of Higher Education in the field of media, documentary, television and contextual studies. I joined UWL as a full-time staff member in 2016 to establish the successful Foundation course.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A female news reporter standing in front of a camera

Study Progression: after completing your Foundation Year, you will progress to undergraduate level and can choose to study any of the London School of Film, Media and Design's BA (Hons) courses.

Career Progression: recent LFMD graduates have gone on to work in the following fields:

  • researcher
  • production assistant
  • regional or international journalist
  • technical operator.

You may also find career prospects open to you within the following fields:

  • news
  • lifestyle print
  • online or broadcast journalism
  • TV and radio presentation
  • TV and radio production
  • policy forming organisations.

You may decide to specialise in a related area or explore a new subject. Please see our postgraduate courses for a range of options.

How to apply

How to apply

ARTSFEST

A college of student work.

Find out more about the work our students produce and view some of their recent work by visiting our Film, Media and Communication ARTSFEST page.

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.