• Undergraduate

Media and Communications 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**
  • Our media course was ranked #1 in London for overall student satisfaction in this year's NSS
  • UWL is the top London modern university for Communication and Media Studies, Complete University Guide 2024
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.

See what our current students are producing by following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Mixcloud and Instagram.

View some of our students' recent work.

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 Media and Communications with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Media and Communications 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
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
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

  • Media and Communications: Theories and Debates

    In this module you will be introduced to the key theories, concepts and debates about the relationships between media forms, institutions and audiences. Some of the key themes covered in the module include representation, institutions, audiences and effects. The media forms studied will be drawn from film, broadcasting, photography, advertising, the internet and the printed press. 

  • 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 Production

    Learn the basics of video production and film grammar, developing your skills as a filmmaker. Using hands-on exercises, you will learn photography, video, lighting, sound and scriptwriting.

  • Introduction to Media Ethics

    This module is an introduction to the field of media ethics and its repercussion in terms of policies and laws. You will critically analyse and participate on a range of historical and topical debates in the areas of policy and ethics in the field of media and communications, such as ‘freedom of speech’, ‘fake news’, ‘the role of the state’, ‘civil society’ and ‘digital citizenship’.

  • Video Documentary Production

    This is an intensely practical module, which lays the foundation for video work later in L4, and in modules at L5 and L6, as well as for future employability. You will learn the basics of filming, including camera operation, lighting, and recording sound. You will also learn the basics of editing, including sound mixing for video, structuring and scripting, and how to research stories for video.

  • Live Radio Production

    This practical module will provide a foundation of live radio production skills. The module will take you through a range of radio aspects that are both behind the mic and production focused.

During Year 2, you will complete the listed compulsory modules and one optional module.

Additionally, you will choose ONE course pathway - either Media Production OR Media Studies - to follow until the end of the course.

Each pathway contains two compulsory modules and a choice of one optional module. See below for more information.


Compulsory modules

  • Integrated Marketing Campaigns

  • Industry Experience

    The aims of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to:

    • identify potential professional opportunities and goals

    • develop the skills and personal networks to make effective applications

    • develop a real-life understanding of contemporary industry/organisational practice

    • identify core competencies to support your future career

    • cultivate a critical understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in a work-based situation

    • develop your online professional presence and add elements to your portfolio of practical work (while refreshing key production skills).

  • Media Production Pathway - Year 2

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Audio Documentary
    • Media Content Production

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Worldbuilding
    • Critical Approaches to Digital and Social Media
  • Media Studies Pathway - Year 2

    Media Studies Pathway

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Worldbuilding
    • Critical Approaches to Digital and Social Media

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Audio Documentary
    • Screenwriting
    • Media Content Production

Optional modules

  • Research, Data and Insight

    On this module you will learn how to deliver creative strategy that is rooted in insight from common types of consumer research. These include qualitative and quantitative data, consumer research, data presentation, data-led decision-making, USP, advertising objectives, target audience, strategy, proposition, tone of voice, and reach.

  • Visual Media Cultures

During Year 3, you will continue with your chosen pathway of either Media Production OR Media Studies from Year 2. Please open the respective module below for more information.


Compulsory modules

  • Media Production Pathway - Year 3

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Media Project (major)
    • Research Project
    • Creative Entrepreneurship
    • Video Essays

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Experimental Communications
    • Experimental Sound
  • Media Studies Pathway - Year 3

    Media Studies Pathway

    You will complete the following compulsory modules:

    • Dissertation (Media)
    • Media Project (Minor)
    • Bodies, Identities, Futures
    • Video Essays

    And choose from one of the following optional modules:

    • Creative Entrepreneurship
    • Media Philosophy
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) Media and Communications 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) Media and Communications 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) Media and Communications 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) Media and Communications 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 man helping someone on a Mac whilst a photo shoot takes place in the background

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:

  • film
  • television
  • radio
  • advertising
  • journalism
  • public relations
  • literary agencies
  • publishing.

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

Media and Communications Studio Production Project

Green Screen TV Studio

UWL Media and Communications students engaging in green-screen filming within the television studio.

 

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.