Media and Communications

Bringing together media practice and communications theory, this degree covers a broad spectrum of critical perspectives on the media, and will introduce you to a range of contemporary media practices.

Why study BA Media & Communications at Goldsmiths

• You'll study in one of the world's top media, communications and cultural studies departments, where you'll be taught by leading industry professionals.

• We believe in the importance of both critical thinking and creativity. That’s why you’ll spend 50% of your time learning critical theories, and 50% of your time gaining practical skills.

• On practice modules, you'll be taught by industry professionals engaged in TV, film, journalism, audio, photography, scriptwriting, short fiction, illustration, interactive media, animation, and media campaigning.

• Our forward-thinking theory modules will give you the opportunity to question the norm and learn about the media landscape of the future with topics ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Race and Technology.

• You'll be taught using industry-standard practice facilities, including TV/film, radio and photography studios, digital video and audio editing suites, and animation software and hardware.

• You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a work placement in the media or creative industries as part of the programme and be given dedicated support to help you find the right role for you.

• You'll be taught alongside students from all over the world and with diverse cultural experiences that enrich the department and the learning experience.

• You'll develop skills that you can use throughout your career whether in the media industries or elsewhere. Our recent graduates have gone on to have successful careers in and outside of the Media industry, ranging from television producers and podcasters to teachers and researchers.

Please note the BA Media and Communications only accepts applications for first year entry.

The degree consists of 50% media theory and 50% media practice. We aim to provide an inspirational learning experience in which theory and practice influence and enrich each other in the production of original creative and intellectual work.

This programme is not just about studying media – it goes beyond that and explores how technology and human life are connected and how media is influenced by society. We look at different philosophical ideas about technology and human existence, and we also study how media is made from a sociological perspective. It's an exciting and comprehensive programme that looks in depth at interesting topics.

We look at issues of identity through critical race studies, queer theory and critiques of post-feminism. We investigate global screen cultures and also the role of news in democracy. All of this, together with critical, creative practice in production equips our students to be the thinking media practitioners of the future.

Year 1 (credit level 4)
Theory
In your first year you'll study five theoretical modules that introduce you to the major fields of study.

You take the following compulsory modules:
Film and the Audiovisual: Theory and Analysis
Key Debates in Media Studies
Media History and Politics
Media Arts
Culture and Cultural Studies

Practice
Over the duration of your first year you will take 'Introduction to Media Practice' which will introduce you to our media production areas. You will select four practice areas from our list of eight: animation, audio, creative writing, filmmaking, journalism, illustration, interactive media and photography. You will spend five weeks in each of these areas, helping you explore and experiment with these media practices, enabling you to pick one to specialise in throughout the rest of your degree.

Introduction to Media Practice

Year 2 (credit level 5)
Theory
In the second year, you'll explore the major fields of study in more depth through a range of core and optional modules.

You take the following compulsory modules:
Media, Modernity and Social Thought
Psychology, Subjectivity and Power

You'll also study optional modules to the value of 30 credits from a list provided annually by the department.
This will include:
The Goldsmiths Elective
The Goldsmiths Project

Practice
You will begin working in your practice specialist area over the year, helping you to make a more ‘in depth’ approach to media production - learning about technique, storytelling, the creation of meaning, and how you can use your creativity to make an impact in media and culture in your chosen specialist field.

You will take the following modules:
Media Production Specialism 1
Media Production Specialism 2

Year 3 (credit level 6)
Theory
You'll study optional modules to the value of 45 credits from a list provided annually by the department.

Practice
In your third year you will build on all your specialist skills and knowledge from the second year to devise, research and make a major final project. You will be given platforms to showcase this developing work in public forums such as publications, websites, galleries and screenings aimed at helping you build an audience for your work in preparation for entry into the creative industries. This will culminate in an opportunity to participate in a degree show.

You will also carry out a work placement, giving you an opportunity to utilise your skills and apply them directly in the creative industries.

Media Production - Final Project
Work Placement

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays, as well as seen and unseen written examinations.