BA (Hons) in Digital News and Media with integrated Foundation (Single)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-27 | 2023-09-01 |
| 2024-01-18 | 2023-11-24 |
| 2024-04-10 | - |
Program Overview
View full details in the curriculum handbook
View modules
Sep 2023 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Advanced Academic Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Digital Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Foundations of International Human Rights Law | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Global Perspectives | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| International Studies | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Introduction to Political Communication | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Key Academic Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Research Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Britain Since 1945: Changing Roles | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| Reportage | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| The Economic Environment of Business | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| The English Legal System | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| Creative Writing 1 | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Digital Video | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Digital Video Editing | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Introduction to Reporting | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Introduction to Visual Design | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Marketing Fundamentals | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Visual Communication | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Book, Script, Film | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Marketing Communications in a Digital World | Core | 30.00 | 5 |
| Media Studies | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Principles of Media Practice | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Radio Production and Podcasting | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Social Media | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Studio Practice 1 | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Advanced Story Technique | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Advertising | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Design for Print | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Documentary Film Making | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| From Data to Story | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Online Content Design | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Photojournalism | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Studio Practice 2 | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Studio Practice 3 | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
Jan 2024 (Full-time)
| Module | Type | Credits | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Advanced Academic Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Digital Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Foundations of International Human Rights Law | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Global Perspectives | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| International Studies | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Introduction to Political Communication | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Key Academic Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Research Skills | Core | 10.00 | 3 |
| Britain Since 1945: Changing Roles | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| Reportage | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| The Economic Environment of Business | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| The English Legal System | Optional | 10.00 | 3 |
| Creative Writing 1 | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Digital Video | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Digital Video Editing | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Introduction to Reporting | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Introduction to Visual Design | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Marketing Fundamentals | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Visual Communication | Core | 15.00 | 4 |
| Book, Script, Film | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Marketing Communications in a Digital World | Core | 30.00 | 5 |
| Media Studies | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Principles of Media Practice | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Radio Production and Podcasting | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Social Media | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Studio Practice 1 | Core | 15.00 | 5 |
| Advanced Story Technique | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Advertising | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Design for Print | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Documentary Film Making | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| From Data to Story | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Online Content Design | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Photojournalism | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Studio Practice 2 | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
| Studio Practice 3 | Core | 15.00 | 6 |
The BA in Digital News and Media 3-year programme will benefit those individuals who wish to study an undergraduate degree but have non-standard academic qualifications.
Year one will follow the Foundation Pathway programme
and introduce students to key concepts and study skills. In years two and three students will build on these skills and enhance their knowledge, understanding and practice in core subjects. Throughout the three years, a student will be equipped with the skills to reach their potential in academic studies.Foundation courses bridge the gap between your current qualifications and the knowledge and skills required for the undergraduate programme you want to do. Even if you have not yet achieved the necessary academic qualifications or your English language is not yet at the required standard, we will help you to identify your needs and develop a learning programme to meet them in Year 1, enabling you to progress on to the full degree. Our unique condensed timetabling at Buckingham allows you to complete your foundation and undergraduate programmes in just three years. This means a faster – and smoother transition into university study in a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
Why study this course?
After the completion of the Foundation programme, you will then begin your study in The BA Digital News and Media degree! The course consists of both study and practical training in a wide range of aspects in contemporary digital media and digital journalism.
You will study an exciting variety of broadcast media, including:
To allow you to become fully immersed within the world of Digital Media, the programme takes on a learning-through-doing approach, with fewer exams, lots of coursework and valuable, unique experiences relevant to the industry.
Looking to enter the world of Digital Media? This degree is perfect for future Journalists, Reporters, Bloggers, Vloggers, Filmmakers, Storytellers, Photographers, YouTubers, Streamers, Designers, Influencers, Content Creators, Social Media Managers and Marketers.
Program Outline
Teaching & Assessment
Quality teaching
We offer high-quality, small-group learning, most of which has a practical, workplace-oriented outcome. Our degrees are recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High-calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high-calibre, highly respected lecturers. Our visiting lectures are specialists in their fields and are often prominent figures in their branch of the media industry. They are only too happy to offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures and seminars that are subsequently supported by tutorials or workshops. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups (8-10 students). Classes are delivered by academic staff who are experts in their respective fields. The friendly, approachable academics are available to students daily, outside the scheduled classes’ time, and pride themselves on being friendly, helpful and accessible at all times.
Most of the work of media students is carried out in the TV and Radio broadcast studio and the 24h accessible computer lab. Here, they produce weekly news bulletins podcasts and articles, as well as design and create multimedia content.
Students learn how to use industry standard software including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Ligthroom, Premiere, After Effects), Final Cut Pro, DaVinci, Tableau, and Audacity, as well as DV cameras, photo cameras, audio recorders, broadcasting and livestreaming equipment (TV and radio) and much more!
Lot of the practical work revolves around Buckingham News
, our own student-run multi-platform news outlet that serves the university and the local community. From their second week at the university, students will find themselves reporting, editing, scripting and presenting.All the practical studio work is credit-bearing and helps students to build their creative and practical skills, produce high quality industry standard work and build a strong portfolio.
The majority of the assessment is completed through coursework and project work and (to a very limited extent) examination.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by assessed coursework, examination or a combination of the two. The bulk of your Digital News and Media degree programme will be based on coursework. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
Your Digital News & Media degree combines academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Students are urged to take advantage of the many opportunities for work experience on local radio stations, the comms departments of local companies and sports teams and nearby PR practices.
