Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Media Production with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Embark on your journey into the dynamic world of media with the Media Production with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University. This undergraduate degree is crafted for aspiring creators who are passionate about storytelling and eager to develop practical skills in a rapidly evolving industry. You will explore core concepts in media audiences, production practice, and collaborative media projects, gaining a solid understanding of the principles that underpin effective communication and content creation. This course provides a comprehensive pathway for students seeking to build a strong foundation before diving into specialised areas of media production.

This full-time, on-campus BA (Hons) programme is studied over four years, including an integrated foundation year to ensure you are fully prepared for degree-level study. Throughout your degree, you will engage in hands-on learning, working in industry-standard television and radio studios to develop your skills in audio recording, video shooting, and editing. You will learn to operate studios effectively, develop and pitch your own creative ideas, and address important sustainability and ethical issues within the media landscape. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with a diverse portfolio and the professional competencies to pursue a variety of exciting career paths in media production and content creation.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Media Production with a Foundation Year degree equips students with essential skills in media production, audience analysis, and professional practice. The foundation year provides a solid introduction before progressing to core modules in television, radio, podcasting, and collaborative media projects. Subsequent years build upon this foundation with advanced creative production, research, and a significant work placement or major project, allowing for specialization in areas such as documentary, drama, or digital storytelling.

1 Foundation Year

Media Audiences Compulsory
Professional and Academic Skills Compulsory
Media Production Practice Compulsory
Collaborative Media Production Compulsory
Media Concepts and Investigation Compulsory
Media Project Compulsory

2 First Year

Understanding Media Texts, Industries and Audiences Compulsory
Television Skills Compulsory
Radio & Podcast Production Compulsory
Investigating Media Texts, Industries and Audiences Compulsory
Creative Production 1 Compulsory
Community and Industry Collaboration Compulsory

3 Second Year

Researching the Broadcast Media Compulsory
Documentary & Features Compulsory
Creative Production 2 Compulsory
Work Placement Core
Live Project Core
Collaborative Practice Core
Bi-Media Drama Optional
Comedy in Media and Popular Culture Optional
Photojournalism Optional
Television Studio Optional
Fandoms and Subcultures Optional
Creating Compelling Content Optional
Digital Storytelling Optional
Radio Documentary and Podcast Production Optional
Commercial Photography Optional
Emotion, Media and Culture Optional
Media and Environment Optional
Television From Small Screens to Smart Screens Optional
Graphic Design Optional
PR Campaign Planning Optional
Disruptive Publishing Optional
Exploring PR, social media and influencers Optional
Live Music and Media Optional
Live Radio Production Optional

4 Final Year

Creative Production 3 Compulsory
Major Project Preparation Compulsory
Major Project - Dissertation Core-Optional
Major Project - Hybrid Core-Optional
Major Project - Production Core-Optional
Media Activism Optional
Understanding Social Media: Practices, Cultures and Debates Optional
Digital Futures Optional
Creative Camera Optional
Radio Station Optional
Audio Drama and Podcast Writing Optional
Audience and User Experience Optional
Gender, Sexuality and the Body Optional
Race, Media and Culture Optional
Popular Music Narratives Optional
Media Production Company Optional
Communication in Action Optional
Feature Writing for News Media Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 100,404.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyAmusement & Recreation ServicesDigital Media & Online PublishingEvent & Experiential MarketingFilm & Television ProductionGaming & Interactive MediaLive Events & ConcertsMedia Research & AnalyticsPerformance & Growth MarketingStreaming & Digital Content

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Sky Group

YouTube

Why Study Media Production with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Media Production with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

International students enrolled in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this course.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Yes. This course is accredited by Athena Swan Bronze Award.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can submit scores from tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. For example, TOEFL requires an overall score of 80 with specific minimums in each section.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Media Producer, Audio Engineer, Studio Technician, Content Creator, and Media Consultant.

What will I actually study in this course?

This four-year program includes a foundation year aimed at helping students meet entry requirements for media degrees. You'll gain hands-on experience creating media content in professional studios and learn essential skills like video editing and idea pitching.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Media Production with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) is September. This allows students to start their educational journey in time for the academic year.
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