BA (Hons) Media Production Bachelor's degree at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
BA (Hons) Media Production at SGSC combines core theory, research methods and applied practice, with specialist options and a substantial independent project that lets you direct your learning towards your interests.
About this course
BA (Hons) Media Production is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at SGSC, based in University Centre WISE Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Media & Communications, see the sections below.
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 5 modules
- Introduction to Media, Culture & Society
Module details
This module explores the complex relationships between media technologies, practices and cultural contexts. You will examine how media is shaped by social, cultural, economic, historical, environmental and geographical factors, challenging the idea of media as neutral. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, you will analyse the contributions of diverse communities to media and cultural policy. Emphasis is placed on engaging in debates and constructing coherent arguments, supported by a
Assessment: Individual Presentation 50% Group Presentation 50%
- Fundamental Production Skills
Module details
This module provides a comprehensive foundation in fundamental production skills, equipment and software, covering key areas like film production, sound, and post-production techniques. Emphasising hands-on learning, it guides you through the practical application of these skills to create diverse media projects. You will not only develop a solid practical and theoretical understanding of production practices but will also learn how to effectively apply this knowledge within the production proce
Assessment: Practical Assessment 100%
- Media Law and Ethics
Module details
The Media Law and Ethics module introduces you to the legal and ethical frameworks governing media industries. You will explore key topics, including copyright and intellectual property rights, privacy law, defamation, and regulation of digital platforms, alongside ethical considerations around freedom of speech, representation, and journalistic integrity. Through case studies, analysis of current events, and practical exercises, you will examine legal precedents and ethical debates that shape m
Assessment: Assignment 2500 words 100%
- Professional Portfolio
Module details
Throughout this module, you will develop the skills to research and evaluate career opportunities in media-related fields, identifying key industry trends and qualifications. You will create a professional portfolio showcasing your competencies and experiences, tailored to potential employers. Emphasis is placed on crafting effective application documents and building a professional online presence. Through reflective and digital literacy practices, you will enhance their personal branding and e
Assessment: Portfolio 2000 word written work: 50% Presentation: 50%
- Media Countercultures & Experiemental Practices
Module details
This module examines the representational, technological, and cultural impact of countercultural texts and contexts, highlighting their role in challenging mainstream narratives. You will explore experimental practices, developing creative expression through innovative forms and techniques inspired by counterculture. Collaborative projects provide hands-on experience in bringing a creative vision to life, fostering teamwork and effective communication skills. Through critical analysis and practi
Assessment: Portfolio, 2000 words: 100%
Level 5 5 modules
- Professional Development
Module details
This module is designed to equip you with the professional competencies needed to thrive in the dynamic creative industries. You will analyse current industry demands to identify essential soft skills (such as communication, relationship building and problem solving) and research targeted opportunities to develop these competencies. This module emphasises self-directed development and reflection, enabling you to tailor your learning through opportunities that may include industry experience, sha
Assessment: Presentation: 50% Portfolio, x 2500 words: 50%
- Media Formats
Module details
This module provides you with the opportunity to collaborate on a challenging and ambitious project, combining theoretical insights with practical media production skills. Through a comprehensive media project, you will progress through three key stages: research and conceptualisation, pre-production planning, and the creation of a final media product. Emphasis will be placed on developing technical expertise, creative originality, and enhancing collaboration and teamwork skills.
Assessment: Practical Assessment, 1500 words & 5 minute Practical Content
- The Role of Media in Culture & Society
Module details
This module explores the influential role of media in framing cultural and political debates, particularly in relation to power dynamics and societal values. You will apply key theoretical frameworks from media and cultural studies to critically analyse the technological, cultural, and representational dimensions of media texts across global contexts. You will evaluate how media shapes cultural practices, identities and values, developing a nuanced understanding of media's impact on society.
Assessment: Written x2500 words: 100%
- Developing Technical Skills through Practice
Module details
This module equips you with the skills to independently plan, research and execute digital media projects, critically integrating theoretical and practical frameworks. You will develop and present compelling production plans with clarity and professionalism. Through the creation of a cross-platform media portfolio, you will demonstrate technical proficiency and creative versatility. The module also emphasises problem-solving and adaptability in managing complex, unpredictable production environm
Assessment: Portfolio, 4000 words: 75% Presentation: 25%
- Working with a Client
Module details
In this module, you will gain hands-on professional experience through live commissions, collaborating with businesses to produce content for real clients. This process provides valuable insight into the commissioning workflow and the nuances of client-focused content production. By the end of the module, you will deliver content that meets professional standards, showcasing your technical expertise, creativity, and ability to adapt to client feedback and industry expectations.
Assessment: Portfolio, 4000 words or equivalent: 75% Presentation: 25%
Level 6 7 modules
- Contemporary Issues in Media
Module details
Contemporary Issues in Media explores the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of modern media. This module invites you to critically engage with current debates, trends, and challenges shaping the media industries today. Topics may include digital convergence, media ethics, representation, platform power, globalisation, and the impact of emerging technologies such as AI and virtual reality. You will select a topic of personal or professional interest and develop a research essay that demonstr
Assessment: Assignment 3,000 words or equivalent: 100%
- Final Major Project
Module details
The Final Major Project (FMP) is a pivotal and highly individualised module that marks the culmination of the Media Production degree. This module enables you to apply the full range of skills, knowledge, and creative vision you have developed over the course of your studies in the research, planning, and execution of a significant, original media production. The FMP offers you the freedom to explore your professional identity and future ambitions by developing a project that reflects both your
Assessment: Presentation 10 minutes: 25% Major Project, 4,500 words or equivalent: 75%
- Live Briefs and Professional Practice
Module details
This module prepares you for the transition from academic study to professional practice by offering industry-relevant experiences and focused career development. Through hands-on projects, critical reflection, and professional skills training, you will create a tailored portfolio that showcases your creative and technical strengths in alignment with your career goals. Engagements may include commissions, client-led briefs, or interdisciplinary collaborations, offering real-world insights into m
Assessment: Portfolio 3000 words or equivalent: 50% Presentation 10 minutes: 50%
- Media Enterprise
Module details
You will investigate a range of enterprise opportunities within the creative industries, spanning profit-driven businesses, not-for-profit charities or volunteer organisations, media initiatives, and publicly or privately funded projects. Alongside theoretical and conceptual exploration, you will receive support to develop a practical enterprise project aligned with their long-term goals and aspirations.
Assessment: Portfolio, Practical & Written, x3000 words or equivalent: 100%
- Sports Documentary Techniques
Module details
The Sports Documentary Techniques module introduces you to the art and craft of sports documentaries, focusing on the unique challenges of storytelling within the sports genre. You will explore various documentary styles, develop skills in research, planning, and production, and learn to use industry-standard equipment and software. Through practical assignments, you will create a high-quality short documentary or key scenes from a larger project, gaining experience in pre-production, shooting,
Assessment: Portfolio x 80 production hours or equivalent: 70% Presentation: 30%
- Broadcast Media
Module details
This module equips you with professional skills to optimise team performance in complex media industry settings. You will explore and apply specialist ethical values, professional standards and codes of conduct, critically evaluating decisions and responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on self-reflection and peer evaluation to foster growth. The module also nurtures creative problem-solving and project design, enabling you to produce innovative solutions tailored to multifaceted industry challenge
Assessment: Portfolio, x3600 words: 60% Practical Assessment: 40%
- Live Sports Reporting
Module details
In the Live Sports Reporting module, you will dive into the fast-paced world of live sports journalism. You will learn to write real-time match reports, update social media accounts on the fly, and attend pre- and post-match press conferences to create content for your own media outlets. This module is designed to help you develop essential industry skills, from crafting compelling narratives to managing the pressures of live reporting. Through a portfolio of work covering multiple sporting even
Assessment: Portfolio: 100%
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
A course like this builds from media foundations through to specialist production work. You'll usually start with theories of media power, audiences and representation, then develop practical production skills in camera, audio, editing and writing across different platforms. Early study covers how broadcasting, publishing and digital platforms operate commercially. In your second year, you'll move into digital cultures, social media strategy, and either journalism or PR and strategic communication, alongside research methods and audience analysis. The third year opens specialist options such as journalism, PR and advertising, film and TV, social media, games and interactive, or a production portfolio, culminating in an industry project or placement and a substantial production or dissertation. Throughout, you'll balance critical media theory with hands-on creative work.
Who it's for
You're drawn to storytelling, visual communication and media-making, whether through film, audio, digital platforms or other formats. You have the discipline to study part-time whilst balancing other commitments, and the curiosity to understand both how media works and how to make it. You'll thrive if you're self-directed, collaborative, and willing to get your hands on equipment and software. This course suits you if you want to move beyond consuming media into creating it, testing ideas, learning from mistakes, and building a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities to employers or clients.
Careers & job market
Across Media & Communications courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Graduate earnings (national figures across the sector) range from £22,000–£28,000 in the first 15 months after graduation, rising to £22,525–£31,800 within five years. Your part-time degree is nationally recognised, opening pathways into production companies, broadcasters, creative agencies, corporate communications, freelance work, and beyond.
University & format
This BA (Hons) Media Production is delivered by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, a higher education college located at University Centre WISE Campus. The course is studied part-time and taught in English. As the degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, it is nationally recognised.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at SGSC →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Media & Communications graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in media & communications · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Media & Communications nationally
National figures for Media & Communications graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Job market & outlook
How Media & Communications graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Media & Communications graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Media companies
- Agencies
- In-house comms teams
- Broadcasters & charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Media & Communications graduates.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Media, journalism and communications across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University Centre WISE Campus
533 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Media & Communications right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SGSC from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by SGSC; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check SGSC’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with SGSC and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SGSC
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
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