BA (Hons) Digital News and Media (Single) (2-year degree)

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The BA Digital News and Media (2-year degree) comprises of study and practical training in a wide range of aspects in contemporary digital media and digital journalism. You will study a combination of broadcast media including:

• TV and Radio
• Digital and Print Editorials
• Online Media
• Communication Design
• Social Media
• Advertising
• PR and Marketing

The programme is very much hands on, with lots of coursework and fewer exams as we believe that learning-through-doing is the best method.

Our programme is ideal for future Journalists, Reporters, Bloggers, Vloggers, Filmmakers, Storytellers, Photographers, YouTubers, Streamers, Designers, Influencers, Content Creators, Social Media Managers and Marketers.

Typical offers

The standard entry requirements for Digital News & Media are A-level BBC-CCC, IB 29-31 or equivalent qualifications.

Applications to Buckingham are individually considered by the Admissions Tutor and other factors may be taken in to account. Applicants with BTEC qualifications are welcome to apply, including if you have a mix of BTEC and A levels. Equivalent A-level grades are also accepted (for example BBD equivalent to BCC). Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in a slightly lower A-level grade offer.

Foundation options are also available. Please contact the Admissions Office (email: admissions@buckingham.ac.uk or call on +44 (0)1280 820227) for more information.

Applicants must also have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent). IELTS requirements are as follows: (Academic) 6.5 Average of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component).

Flexible entry

All of our undergraduate programmes operate a flexible entry process, and the Admissions Tutor is happy to consider entrants from all backgrounds with slightly lower qualifications if they are able to demonstrate an alternative eligibility for the course. This may be in the form of relevant work experience, keen aptitude and a passion for the subject, or unlocked potential that you feel can be discovered through your studies at Buckingham. If you are uncertain whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact the Admissions Team.

UCAS applications

You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form. Our UCAS code is B90.

Mature students

Because of our two-year degree, we find that the age range of our student body varies between those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

English Language Requirements

If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme.  You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Microsoft Teams, email or phone.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or contact us using the form here.

Student Contract for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.

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.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have an enviable record in getting the jobs they aim for. As well as ‘traditional’ media organisations such as the BBC, ITV, BT Sport, The Independent, and Mail Online, our students have gone on to work for organisations such as Red Bull, HarperCollins, the Department for Culture Media & Sport, the Mercedes Petronas Formula 1 team and the communications department of 10 Downing Street. Overseas graduates have made their mark particularly in the Norwegian and Nigerian state broadcasting systems. We even have a set designer in Hollywood!

Our past graduates are also well represented in PR and advertising firms such as Freud, Rooster PR. Midas PR and AMV. Many graduates, of course, have started their own companies or have entered the freelance life. One of our graduates is now a prominent food stylist and his photos grace the pages of publications throughout Europe.

The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and so on. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, at one of our open days or a Campus Tour, campus tours include a typical student room.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.