4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) Media and Communication with Foundation Year at the University of Portsmouth offers a comprehensive introduction to how media shapes communication and society, blending theory with hands-on practice. It’s ideal for students curious about media industries, journalism, marketing, and creative production.
Curriculum Structure:
Foundation Year:
This year equips students with essential skills in media and communication, preparing them for degree-level study. Core units include Introduction to Media Studies, Digital Skills for Media, and Communication in Context, helping students build a strong academic and practical foundation.
Year 1:
Students explore the fundamentals of media and communication while gaining practical production experience. Modules such as Media and Society, Media Production Skills, and Introduction to Marketing Communication develop critical thinking alongside hands-on media creation.
Year 2:
The focus shifts to specialized media practices and professional contexts. Students study Media Research Methods, Audio-Visual Production, and Advertising and Public Relations, applying theory to real-world projects and refining technical skills.
Year 3:
This year emphasizes advanced production, professional experience, and career preparation. Units like Advanced Media Production, Media Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Communication allow students to tailor their learning to career goals and optional placements.
Focus Areas: Media production, journalism, marketing communication, public relations, digital media strategies
Learning Outcomes: Develop creative, analytical, and technical skills; produce professional-standard media content; apply communication theory to practical contexts
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Industry-standard Adobe Certified Professional qualifications and strong industry links in TV, film, and journalism
Reputation (Employability Rankings): Top 30 for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024); 8th for Media and Film Studies in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2026)
At the University of Portsmouth, the BA (Hons) Media and Communication with Foundation Year immerses students in the dynamic world of media, blending theory with practical experience from the very start. You’ll gain hands-on skills using professional-standard equipment in real-world settings, while learning directly from award-winning researchers, film producers, and industry professionals. From TV and film production to journalism and marketing, the course equips you with versatile skills for a wide range of media careers.
Practical experience is at the heart of this program, and you’ll engage with modern facilities and collaborative projects designed to prepare you for the industry:
Work in multi-camera television studios and use industry-level film and cinematic cameras.
Develop post-production skills with innovative colour correction hardware.
Obtain Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) qualifications to demonstrate technical proficiency.
Collaborate with peers across the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries on team projects.
Attend guest lectures from visiting media professionals to expand your industry network.
Take a one-year placement (sandwich option) with a company or as a self-employed professional.
Access specialist digital tools and software relevant to media production and communication.
Gain early exposure to journalism, scriptwriting, advertising, marketing, and public relations through applied modules.
This combination of facilities, expert guidance, and hands-on opportunities ensures that you leave the program with not just knowledge, but real-world experience and industry-ready skills.
Future Progression & Opportunities:
Graduates from the Media and Communication with Foundation Year BA (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth leave equipped with both creative and technical expertise, ready to thrive in dynamic media industries. Typical career paths include roles in film and TV production, journalism, marketing, and public relations:
University services supporting employment: The Careers and Employability Service offers tailored guidance, CV workshops, interview prep, and internship opportunities to help students secure media roles.
Employment stats and salary figures: Portsmouth graduates report strong employability, with many entering media, communications, and marketing sectors earning starting salaries around £22,000–£28,000, progressing higher with experience.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with TV studios, film production companies, and digital media organizations provide students with real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: Industry-recognized qualifications like Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) enhance graduates’ credentials.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are well-prepared for technical, creative, and strategic roles across multiple media sectors, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving communication landscapes.
Further Academic Progression:
Students can build on their degree by pursuing Master’s programs in Media, Communication, Journalism, Film Studies, or Marketing at Portsmouth or other leading universities, deepening specialization and expanding career potential.
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