BSc (Hons) Digital Media and Communications (Foundation Year)

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the BSc (Hons) Digital Media and Communications (Foundation Year) at Manchester Metropolitan University — and how you’ll gain real, hands-on skills, not just theory:

From day one, you’ll get hands-on with professional digital tools and media equipment. You won’t just learn about digital content—you’ll create it. The university offers multimedia labs with Macs and industry-standard software, along with usability testing setups, including eye-tracking facilities, so you can prototype, test, and refine your projects.

You’ll also collaborate regularly on real-world projects, work with external partners, and build a portfolio that showcases your skills to future employers. Guest speakers, networking events, and industry insights are woven into the course to keep your learning current and applied.

During your foundation year, you’ll be guided through essential digital media skills so that by the time you reach the main degree years, you’re confident and ready to tackle more advanced, creative work.

Here’s a closer look at how experiential learning is integrated into this program:

Industry-standard laboratories
You’ll work on Macs with creative software like the Adobe suite and have access to usability testing tools, including an eye-tracking facility, so you can explore research and interaction testing first-hand.

Project work & portfolio development
Throughout the course, you’ll take on real digital media projects—ranging from animation and video to web design and UX. These projects are designed to become a professional portfolio that demonstrates your abilities to future employers.

Guest lectures & industry networking
Professionals from media and communications are regularly invited to share their expertise, mentor students, and give insights into the latest industry trends.

Group work & collaborative assignments
Many modules focus on teamwork, giving you experience in creative collaboration, managing roles, and combining diverse skills like design, strategy, and technology.

Foundation Year support & bridging
In your first year, you’ll build a strong technical and theoretical foundation in areas like digital literacy, media studies, and basic production. This prepares you to dive into more advanced work in Years 1–3 with confidence.

Library & digital research resources
You’ll have full access to the university’s libraries and online databases, including subject-specific resources, software tutorials, and media archives to support your projects and research.

Showcase & exhibition opportunities
At the end of modules or each year, you’ll often present your work to peers, faculty, or external audiences through exhibitions, screenings, or showcases—helping you build visibility, receive feedback, and gain real-world experience.

Progression & Opportunities – Manchester Metropolitan University

Graduates from this programme go on to thrive in the digital, media, and communications industries, putting into practice the creative, technical, and research skills they developed at Manchester Met. For the 2022/23 cohort, 85% of graduates were either in employment or pursuing further study 15 months after finishing the course.

Typical job roles include:

• Digital Content Producer / Content Strategist

• Social Media Manager / Digital Marketing Executive

• UX / UI Designer or Digital Experience Specialist

• Media Researcher / Communications Consultant

University Support to Help You Get Employed

• Careers Service: Manchester Met’s Careers Service helps you explore job options, write CVs, prepare for interviews, and connects students with employers and recruiters.

• Placements & Internships: The Student Placements & Internships service supports you in finding real-world placements and internships, giving you hands-on industry experience.

• Faculty Support: Module tutors and faculty staff often facilitate networking opportunities, guest speakers, and industry projects as part of your coursework, helping you build both your portfolio and professional contacts.

• Alumni Mentoring & Career Events: The university frequently arranges mentoring schemes and career events to help you bridge into the job market.

Employment Stats & Salary Figures

• About 85% of graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after finishing the course.

• The average salary for media studies graduates is around £25,000, typically ranging from £22,000 to £28,000.

• Around 80% of employed graduates are in highly skilled roles, including media professionals, associate professionals, managers, and IT-related positions.

University–Industry Partnerships

• Manchester Met runs student placements through its Talent & Recruitment / Business Services unit, connecting students with companies seeking interns or project support.

• The university has strong industry links across multiple sectors, including brands like Nike, IBM, Bentley Motors, Volkswagen, and Walt Disney.

• Courses include guest speakers from media and digital industries and provide opportunities for client-driven projects using the university’s media labs and resources.

Long-Term Value of the Degree

• The programme is offered by Manchester Met, which has gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting high-quality teaching and a strong student experience.

• Graduates leave with a portfolio of work that demonstrates practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge—valuable for both creative and strategic roles in media and communications.

Graduation Outcomes

Graduates find roles where they:

• Create and manage digital media content

• Analyse media trends

• Lead communications or marketing strategies

Some take on tech-adjacent roles, such as user experience design, digital product development, or information architecture. Others combine multiple responsibilities—content creation, analytics, and strategy—as employers value versatile media professionals.

A significant number also pursue further study or postgraduate qualifications in areas such as media, communication, marketing, or design, especially if they want to specialise or move into research or academic roles.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, you could:

• Pursue a Master’s degree in Digital Media, Communication, Media Studies, or Digital Marketing to deepen strategic, theoretical, or research expertise.

• Aim for a PhD in Media, Communication, or Cultural Studies if you’re interested in research or academic roles.

• Explore complementary postgraduate courses in areas like Data Analytics, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience Design, or New Media Entrepreneurship.

• Take professional qualifications or shorter certifications in digital marketing, UX, or analytics tools to enhance your industry-ready skills.