Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding (with Integrated Foundation Year)

Why study the BA Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding (with Integrated Foundation Year) at Goldsmiths

This programme will give you a theoretical and practical insight into today's media landscape, driven by the growing industries of advertising, branding, and PR.

• This is a four-year degree. If you successfully achieve the progression requirements of the Foundation Year, you can continue onto one of our full-time three-year undergraduate degrees in Media & Communications, Journalism or Promotional Media.

• There are no formal entry requirements for this programme, you just need to demonstrate a lively interest in the world of the media – so it's an ideal choice if you're returning to education or don't have the qualifications to apply directly to the BA Promotional Media: PR, Advertising and Branding .

During the foundation year:

• You'll develop an understanding of media theory and media practice, and the confidence, skills and creative foundation to thrive at undergraduate level.

• You'll be introduced to a broad spectrum of critical perspectives on the media and a range of contemporary media practices.

• You'll develop your skills in creative approaches to media and communications.

• The programme includes a study skills module, where you'll get to develop your academic writing and research skills.

• You'll be taught by highly experienced tutors and technicians in studio settings, using the same industry-standard facilities as the undergraduate degrees.

On successful completion of the foundation year, you'll progress onto Year 1 of the degree

• Rated third in the UK by the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2024), you'll study in one of the top media, communications and cultural studies departments in the world.

• You’ll explore the relationship between new technology, consumer culture and promotional practices in a changing media landscape.

• You’ll discover how different media such as art and video relate to promotional media, and examine the development of promotional media in both historical and contemporary contexts.

• This degree is interdisciplinary, and you'll evaluate the impact of promotional activity culturally, sociologically economically and politically.

• Thanks to our strong links with industry, you'll have the opportunity to complete a work placement and develop skills to help with your future career.

• You’ll balance theoretical learning with practical skills through the production of creative work.

• You’ll learn in small groups from industry experts in media, communications, brand, advertising and more. Our series of talks and debates from world-renowned guest lectures will enrich your academic experience.

• You’ll benefit from studying in one of the world’s greatest centres for media – London – and have the chance to visit media organisations to further your knowledge.

• Inclusivity and engagement are guiding principles within the Department and we aim to take our students' lived experience into account. We’ve strived to decolonise our teaching both intellectually and culturally.

Year 0 (Foundation Year)
You will study the following modules:
Media Theory
Photography
TV & Video
Radio
Writing for the Media

Year 1
You will produce a written portfolio, design your own website and become versed in promotional media and marketing theory.

Compulsory modules
You'll complete the following compulsory modules:
Introduction to Promotional Media: Histories, Contexts, Theories
Introduction to Marketing
Writing For The Media
Media Arts
Culture and Cultural Studies
Web Design

Year 2
You’ll work to live promotional briefs, and develop visual storytelling through moving images and photography.

Compulsory modules
You'll complete the following compulsory modules:
The Promotional Industries: Convergence and The Digital
Visual Storytelling
Understanding Advertising
Creative Collaborations

Option modules
You'll also complete 2 option modules from a list provided annually by the department. Option modules may include the following:
The Goldsmiths Elective
The Goldsmiths Project
Future of Media Work
Television and After
Media, Memory and Conflict
The Neoliberal Self and Society
Moving Image Spectatorship
Psychology, Subjectivity and Power
Media, Modernity and Social Thought
Journalism and Society

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll undertake work experience and develop your own promotional campaign.

Compulsory modules
You'll complete the following compulsory modules:
Visualising and Analysing Data
Work Placement
Final Project

Option modules
You'll also complete 2-4 option modules from a list provided annually by the department. Option modules may include the following:
Structure of Contemporary Political Communications
Race, Empire and Nation
Music as Communication and Creative Practice
Contemporary Feminist Media Cultures
Digital Audiovisual Media: New Aesthetics and Practices
Theorising Celebrity
Political Economy of the Media
Embodiment and Experience
Promotional Culture
Politics of the Audiovisual
Social Media in Everyday Life: A global perspective
Mediating Violence: Feminist, Queer, Decolonial Perspectives
Virtual and immersive media experience
Race and Technology
Photo-journalism
Arts and Fashion Journalism
Tutored Personal Research

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

The pass mark for this Foundation Year is 50%. However, students must achieve 60% in all sections of the programme to proceed onto the BA Promotional Media, PR, Advertising and Branding. Students achieving between 50%-60% will be awarded the Goldsmiths Foundation Certificate in Media and Communications.

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include coursework assignments such as extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects and reflective essays, as well as seen and unseen written examinations.