Course Level:Undergraduate
Next Start Date: October 2023
Duration: 3 Years
Campus Location: University Square Campus, Luton
Attendance: Full-time
UCAS Code:P3P2

About the course

Learn how the media works and shapes our understanding of the world with a degree that gives you a thorough understanding of mass media and the workings of the PR industry.

By dividing your studies between media, public relations and marketing, this course combines the expertise of two experienced academic teams and opens up a wide range of career paths from journalism and magazine publishing to digital media production and PR consultancy.

The media side of the degree gives you the practical skills you need to work confidently in a rapidly evolving field. It also provides you with an informed understanding of the social, political and historical forces that have produced our contemporary media forms and institutions.

The marketing and PR side of the degree allows you to explore a range of PR activities; develop your business skills along with your public relations counselling and planning capabilities; and build your knowledge of marketing practices particularly within the context of brand management and corporate communications.

Why choose this course?

  • Develop the skills to become an effective media communicator
  • Learn how marketing and public relations work, and how they shape businesses and corporate communications
  • Benefit from guest lectures and media masterclasses
  • Gain personal confidence as well as the ability to express yourself using appropriate media to influence and inform opinion
  • Acquire valuable research and project initiation/management experience while working both independently and in teams

About the course

The Bedfordshire International Foundation Year (IFY) offers guaranteed progression* to a wide range of our undergraduate degrees, for those applicants who do not have the required qualifications or English language proficiency to join the first year of their chosen subject.

The IFY will help you improve your English language level, enhance your study and IT skills and increase your subject knowledge. This will help you succeed when you progress on to your main degree programme.

*subject to successful completion of the course

Why choose Bedfordshire International Foundation Year?

Unlike many university International Foundation programmes, The Bedfordshire IFY is delivered by the University of Bedfordshire and at the University of Bedfordshire. You will be a University of Bedfordshire student from day one.

The IFY offers guaranteed progression to over 75 bachelor’s degree programmes, via eight different pathways.

Each pathway is designed to accommodate students with a range of English language abilities from IELTS 4.5 upwards, and aims to take students up to IELTS 6.0 overall, or above, which is the requirement for undergraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire.

The course also covers academic skills necessary to thrive in UK Higher Education and enables students to progress to their undergraduate degree, fully prepared and confident to face the challenges of a level 4 programme of study. Each pathway also offers a broadly subject-specific unit in the second semester, delivered by specialist staff from the relevant faculty, to offer you a programme specific to your subject area, as well as meeting your linguistic needs. In some cases, you may join an existing class for this session, further embedding you into university life.

The campus where this course is taught

A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.

Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.

With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.

The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.

This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.

Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?

  • Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
  • Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
  • Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
  • Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees

The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.

During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.

 


Units

  • Consumer Behaviour (MAR022-1) Compulsory
  • Introduction To Digital Marketing And Analytics (MAR020-1) Compulsory
  • Introduction To Digital Storytelling (MED056-1) Compulsory
  • Reporting And Writing (MED011-1) Compulsory
  • Understanding Media (MED004-1) Compulsory
  • Print And Digital Production And Design (MED020-2) Compulsory
  • Public Relations And Marketing (MED079-2) Compulsory
  • The Creative Industries (MED080-2) Compulsory
  • Radio, Audio And Podcasting (MED021-2) Optional
  • The Art And Craft Of Journalism (MED081-2) Optional
  • Contemporary Practices And Debates In The Media (MED023-3) Compulsory
  • Dissertation Special Project - Cnc (MED079-3) Compulsory
  • Practical Special Project - Cnc (MED078-3) Compulsory
  • Routes To Market (MED080-3) Compulsory
  • Topical Marketing Communications Practice (MAR031-3) Compulsory

Students are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework, portfolios, essays, presentations or, in a few cases, exams. Presentations and practice-based activities may be developed as group-work, although you will be assessed individually At level 4 you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts and disciplines of which media communications, marketing and Public Relations are composed. At level 5 you are assessed on your ability to apply the basic concepts of the disciplines introduced in level 4 to existing controversies and issues on which there is already a body of research and critical opinion. At level 6 you will be required to demonstrate independent powers of judgement, and you will be expected to show an awareness of the major theories and practices of the disciplines. You will progress from well defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments, which culminate in the student initiated level 6 project, which hopefully will combine the areas of media, marketing and public relations.

Why study in the School of Arts and Creative Industries?

  • Professional theatre and dance studios
  • Latest digital and VR technologies and performance techniques
  • Taught by experienced performers and practitioners
  • Industry links and Media Masterclasses
  • Media arts centre equipped with industry standard facilities
  • Specially equipped Art and Design building

Entry Requirements

We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

UCAS Tariff Points

  • At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
  • At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
  • At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
  • A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.

You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator

Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.

T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk

As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details

Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team

Clicking this card will take you to https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Entry Requirements


We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.

UCAS Tariff Points

  • At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
  • At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
  • At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
  • A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.

You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator

Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.

T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk


As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.

We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details


Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team


Former students now work in communication and PR departments, events management agencies, magazine publishing, journalism, media production and research, digital media production and teaching.

Some former students continued they studies, focusing in areas covered in the undergraduate studies, such as TV Production and Events Management.

Fees and Funding

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

Fees and Funding


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.

See www.gov.uk/student-finance

The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.

See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk


The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.

See www.beds.ac.uk/intfees

Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk

Extra costs for this course

If you take any optional Radio units, you will be required to purchase small consumable items, such as memory cards and equipment batteries for use in practical activities.

You will also need a pair of semi-professional headphones (not ear-buds) for listening and for digital editing.

Extra Costs

Find out more about additional costs while studying at Bedfordshire. Click here.
Clicking this card will take you to /howtoapply/money/extra-costs/

How to Apply

Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.

Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.

All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.

If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS

EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form

International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country

You can also apply online

Find out more about how to apply as an International student

How to Apply


Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.

Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.

All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.

If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS


EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form


International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country

You can also apply online

Find out more about how to apply as an International student