University undergraduate students studying in the Monica Partridge Building Digital Hub. Friday November 5th 2021.Khaqan Khan (red jumper); Megan Mahoney (blue top); Cole Pearce and Sara Bintey Kabir (yellow top).

International Media and Communication Studies with Foundation Year

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you fascinated by film and television? Do you love learning foreign languages? We'll give you the opportunity to merge these two passions.

This course is designed for talented UK students looking to combine an interest in the media with their aptitude for languages but whose personal circumstances make achieving our usual entry requirements difficult. This could be your opportunity to study your subject of choice at a top 20 UK university (Times Higher Education Rankings 2024).

Through a range of engaging modules spanning the arts and humanities, the foundation year gives you an opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capability. Your foundation year tutors will support you in developing the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence for undergraduate study.

During the foundation year you will be a full member of the university, with all the opportunities this offers including the same accommodation options as direct entry students.

 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Important Thinkers Through History

Mandatory

Year 1

Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning

Mandatory

Year 1

Language and Culture

Mandatory

Year 1

Media, Communication and Society

Mandatory

Year 1

Narrative and Creativity

Mandatory

Year 1

The Project / Language Centre modules

Information Icon

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 6 February 2024.

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Practical classes

How you will be assessed

Your six foundation year modules are assessed using a wide variety of methods. Each module has two or three assessment points. For example, our Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning module is assessed by an essay (50% of the module mark) and a reflective learning portfolio (50% of the module mark). These modules will prepare you for undergraduate assessment and allow you to develop a broad range of skills.

  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Group coursework
  • Poster presentation
  • Presentation
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Reflective review

Teaching

During the foundation year you’ll have at least 12 hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars and workshops. Your tutors will also be available outside these times to discuss issues and develop your understanding.

One-to-one tutorials

You will have five general progress tutorials as well as individual module-focused tutorials during the foundation year.   

For learning, assessment, contact and study information after your foundation year see International Media and Communications Studies BA.

You'll be well placed to start a career in the media, communication, and cultural sector with knowledge of:

  • different types of content
  • how media contents are used and presented
  • the impact these contents have in different contexts

You'll also have a critical understanding of the creative and cultural industries (and how they operate). This will allow you to explore multiple career pathways.

The degree will also build a wide set of skills for success across different sectors, such as:

  • ability to conduct and report on in-depth research
  • think critically and communicate effectively
  • operate independently and as part of a team
  • construct reasoned arguments and be able to defend them

The skills you develop will make you:

  • resilient - as the nature of work changes you can adapt
  • flexible - you can choose across different sectors as you develop and grow and opportunities arise

Find out more about skills gained and career destinations of International Media and Communications students.

Average starting salary and career progression

78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £23,974.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017 to 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Trent Building in sunshine  June 2nd 2020 by Lisa Gilligan-Lee

The Foundation Year improved my essay-writing skills immensely. On arrival to university, having to write essays seemed quite daunting but the Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning module was key for my development.  

Franklyn Ogosi

BA Theology and Religious Studies (with Foundation Year) Graduate

Course data