BA (Hons) Media & English

at Goldsmiths University of London

You'll take introductory-level theoretical modules in media/communications and literature in your first year, and will take a creative writing module in which you explore the various forms of narrative fiction in media – screenplays for film and tv, plays for radio and short stories – and develop an original idea into one of these forms. 

 

The second-year develops your understanding of approaches to studying communications and the media and gives you the opportunity to follow your interests in English. You'll also complete a second, longer project in creative writing. 

 

In the third year, you're free to choose from a range of options, according to your interests. You'll also complete a final creative writing project, in which you'll demonstrate an understanding of how to work with fiction writing (and writers) from the production side (film, tv, radio, publishing).

 

Year 1 (credit level 4)

In your first year you take the following compulsory modules:

 

Module title    

• Approaches to Text    
• Film and the Audiovisual: Theory and Analysis    
• Key Debates in Media Studies    
• Explorations in Literature   
• Creative Writing (Script and Short Story) - Level 4    

 

Year 2 (credit level 5)

Media and Communications

You'll take media theory options that cover the internationalisation of cultural and media studies, the psychology of communications or theories of political economy in the cultural industries. 

 

 You select two Media option modules. Those recently available have included:

 

Module title    

• Psychology, Subjectivity and Power    
• Money, Society, and Culture    
• Media, Memory and Conflict    
• Television and After    
• Culture, Society and the Individual   
• Moving Image and Spectatorship
• Media, Modernity and Social Thought    

You also study:

 

Module title    

• Creative Writing (Script and Short Story) Level 5   

In addition to:

• English and Creative Writing (chosen from an approved list)

 

You take modules to the value of 60 credits from an approved list of module units available annually from the Department of English and Creative Writing (60 credits total)

You can follow your interests and choose three modules from a wide range offering diverse literary, historical and contextual scope.

 

Year 3 (credit level 6)
Media and Communications (chosen from an approved list)

 

You take modules to the value of 30 credits from an approved list of third year module units available annually from the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies 

Examples of previous Media options include:

 

Module title   

• Structure of Contemporary Political Communication    
• Race, Empire and Nation 
• The City and Consumer Culture    
• Music as Communication and Creative Practice   
• Embodiment and Experience   
• Strategies in World Cinema
• Media Law and Ethics   
• Media, Ritual and Contemporary Public Cultures
• Promotional Culture   
• Politics of the Audiovisual    
• Social Media in Everyday Life: A global perspective    
• Media Geographies    

You also take the following compulsory module:

 

Module title   

• Creative Writing (Script and Short Story) Level 6    

We accept the following qualifications:

1. A-level: BBB

• BTEC: DDM
• International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
• Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
• Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
• European Baccalaureate: 75% preferably including English
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

 

Additional requirements
As the course demands significant amounts of writing, it's important that you are able to cope with the rigours of the course. You may be asked for examples of written work and called to interview.

 

A-level English Literature (or Language and Literature) is required; A-level General Studies is not accepted.

 

International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

 

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Annual tuition fees
These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2022/2023 academic year.

 

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

• Home - full-time: £9250
• International - full-time: £17560

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

 

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

Skills

Some of the skills you'll develop during the degree include:

• Critical and analytical thinking
• Communication skills
• Creative writing skills
• Audience understanding
• Proficiency in assessing evidence
• Clear expression of ideas
• Problem solving
• The ability to think creatively

Careers

Suitable professions for graduates of this programme include:

• New media writing and production
• Book and magazine writing and publishing 
• Film writing and production
• TV writing and production
• Journalism
• PR
• Teaching
• Advertising
• Civil service
• Business and industry
• European Union private sector management and personnel work
• You can read more about possible career options on our Media and Communications careers pages. Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.