Journalism and Digital Media with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Birkbeck, University of London

Our BA Journalism and Digital Media course combines cutting-edge thinking with the latest innovations in professional practice to immerse you fully in all aspects of digital media. On the practical side you’ll learn how to design, research and communicate digitally, while academic modules allow you to explore what it means to engage with digital media as well as to live in today’s thoroughly digitalised world. Vocationally oriented modules are delivered by seasoned professionals, who will not only teach you how to use specialist software and technologies, but also how to achieve high standards of:- aesthetics- functionality- user experience.At the same time, you will be pushed to think critically about digital media in ethical, philosophical and political terms. Drawing on the best of Birkbeck's journalism and digital provision, the BA Journalism and Digital Media presents a unique opportunity to gain an independent, university-level qualification focused on practical, professional skills. That means graduating with enhanced capacities for critical thinking, research and analysis, as well as the technical and industrial savvy needed to build a career in today’s media and cultural industries. If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

- Acquire up-to-date skills and knowledge from experienced practitioners at the heart of London's global media industry and leading academic researchers in the field, such as Professor Tim Markham, Joel McKim, Scott Rodgers and Justin Schlosberg.- Attend our dynamic programme of seminars, events and guest lecturers organised by affiliated research centres and networks.- In film, media and cultural studies, Birkbeck fosters an especially research-intensive environment. We offer an extensive portfolio of internationally respected courses that span a variety of academic disciplines and engage with the latest ideas and techniques in journalism, media and cultural theory, arts policy and management, film and television studies, creative marketing, digital culture and East Asian cultural studies.- We also affiliate with a number of research centres and networks, including Birkbeck Interdisciplinary Research in Media and Culture (BIRMAC), Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image (BIMI), Vasari Research Centre for Art and Technology and the Centre for French, Francophone and Comparative Studies (CFFCS).- Birkbeck was ranked as one of the top four universities in the UK for its Art and Design research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Graduates can pursue career paths in:- journalism (newspapers and magazines, print, online and digital)- public relations- creative industries.This degree can also provide transferable skills and knowledge to work across a broad range of professional communications roles and settings.We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.