Media Skills BA (Hons) top-up degree course

Program Overview

This one-year top-up degree in Media and Communications provides a fast track to a BA (Hons) degree for students with a Foundation Degree in Media Skills or equivalent. The program prepares students for careers in the creative sector and media production, developing skills relevant to roles such as Social Media Managers, Digital Journalists, and Video Producers.

Program Outline

This one-year top-up degree is designed for students who already hold a Foundation Degree in Media Skills or equivalent. It provides a fast track to a BA (Hons) degree, focusing on developing advanced practical skills in media and communications. These have included developing social media strategies, filming promotional videos, and producing video essays, documentaries, websites, and podcasts. Students also undertake a major independent research project as a practice-based dissertation and participate in a mid-year symposium to present their work in progress. This helps develop the professional skills necessary for employment in the media industry.

Outline:

The program consists of four modules, each worth 30 credit points. Students are required to complete 120 credits for the degree.

Core Modules:

• Media Research Project (30 Credits): This module integrates multidisciplinary creative practices, theories of media and communication, and research methods.
Students undertake an extended piece of writing or practice-based research, developing a deeper understanding of research methodologies and the role of creative practitioners in the media industries and professions.
• Students will select a topic of interest and develop their research independently, with guidance from supervisors.
• The module also includes a symposium component where students present their work and develop critical analytical and transferable professional skills.

Optional Modules:

• Issues in Contemporary Media Environments (30 Credits): This strand-based module explores current debates related to one area of practice and research in emerging media technologies.
Strands may focus on topics such as AI and machine learning, digital art practices, social media, influencer cultures, sustainability, environmentalism, and online streaming environments.
• Each strand is taught by a different lecturer and has its own syllabus and reading lists.
• Assessment methods vary depending on the strand.
• Television Production (30 Credits): A practical module designed to give students hands-on experience in a professional broadcast studio environment.
Students will learn multi-camera operation, sound mixing, teleprompting, and other television production skills.
• The module also emphasizes employability skills such as problem-solving, time management, and dependability.
• Students will develop a portfolio of cutting-edge media and communication outputs to facilitate their transition into graduate-level employment.
• Case studies include film, music, fashion, advertising, PR, publishing, and art.

Assessment:

• Year 1: Assessment is a mix of coursework (70%) and practical exams (30%).
• Feedback: Students receive feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Teaching:

• Delivery: The course is primarily delivered in person.
Some activities may be delivered online, either in real time or recorded.
• Scheduled Learning and Teaching: Includes lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, critiques, project work, studio practice, digital labs, workshops, and placements.
• Guided Independent Study: Students engage in independent learning through reading, research, and project work.
• Academic Support: The academic support team provides assistance in a variety of areas.
• Personal Tutors: Each student is assigned a personal tutor who provides academic guidance and support throughout their studies.
• Faculty: The teaching team includes media practitioners and theorists who bring their professional and academic expertise into the classroom.
They are supported by visiting speakers, industry professionals, and guest lecturers.

Careers:

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the creative sector and media production. Students will develop skills relevant to a wide range of roles, including:

• Social Media Managers
• Account Executives
• Digital Journalists
• Copywriters
• Web Editors
• Employability Preparation: Kingston University offers a range of careers and employability activities, as well as opportunities for placements, working or studying abroad, volunteering, and internships.
• The Art School Experience: Students benefit from being part of Kingston School of Art's creative community, where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.
Programme Specifications are published ahead of each academic year.

Fee category Amount Home (UK students) £9,250 International £17,700 This fee applies to students studying for the BA (Hons) top-up in the 2025/26 academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Fee category Amount Home (UK students) £9,250 International £17,800 This fee applies to students studying for the BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) top-up in the 2024/25 academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits.