UCAS code
P900Mode of Study
Full-time with year abroadDuration
3.5 years full-time with a year abroadStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Entertainment and information media now influence almost every part of our lives, while the emergence of global communication technologies has changed how we consume, create and share media across social, cultural, geographic, political and economic divides.
Set yourself up for a career as a global media professional capable of navigating this challenging yet exciting environment on this Global Communication and Media dual degree.
You'll study in Portsmouth and spend a year at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia.
Course highlights
- Discover how effective communication can contribute to a more tolerant and inclusive society
- Explore the latest professional techniques and methodologies used by national and international journalists, film directors, broadcasters and media professionals
- Use the latest digital technologies and facilities such as a fully equipped newsroom and broadcasting studios
- Learn from expert staff with industry-relevant experience who are engaged in research projects that analyse and inform the future of communication and media
- Boost your CV with opportunities to go on work placements and work on projects with local, national and global organisations
Why do a dual degree?
This course is a dual degree (also known as a double degree).
When you complete the course successfully, you'll have 2 degrees – one from the University of Portsmouth and one from Edith Cowan University.
Dual degrees allow you to achieve 2 degrees in 3.5 or 4 years rather than 6 years.
You'll benefit from a global education experience and the high-calibre teaching expertise, latest research and modern facilities at two universities. You'll also develop a more comprehensive knowledge of communication and media than on a single degree and gain an understanding of different cultures, which will help you work more effectively with people from different backgrounds.
All of this will help you stand out in a competitive job market after you graduate.
You'll be based in Portsmouth in years 1 and 2, and for 6 months at the end of the course. You'll spend year 3 in Perth, Western Australia at Edith Cowan University.
You'll get support with travel arrangements, visas, finding accommodation and accessing loans and other funding that can help pay for your study and living costs when you're in Australia.
Edith Cowan University is one of the top 100 young universities in the world one of the top 100 universities in the Asia-Pacific regions (Times Higher Education 2019 and 2020). The Good Universities Guide 2021 gives the University 5 out of 5 stars for its learner resources, student support, teaching quality and overall experience.
Like Portsmouth, Perth offers a mix of city and outdoor living. It's a great base for exploring Western Australia and beyond.
Focusing on your interests
You can shape your degree to your interests, strengths and career aspirations by choosing specific optional modules.
You'll graduate with one of the following exit awards alongside your BA Global Media and Communication degree from Edith Cowan University:
- BA (Hons) Global Communication and Media (Media and Journalism)
- BA (Hons) Global Communication and Media (Screen, Media and Cultural Studies)
What is a dual degree?
Learn about our dual degree programmes with Edith Cowan University in Australia.
Chris Chang: We have a strategic partnership with Edith Cowan University in Australia, particularly for students who have not travelled abroad or lived abroad, that gives them the opportunity to experience a dual degree. The design of our programmes means that we have developed the programme from the ground up, which doesn't require you to study that much more time for a degree programme.
Heather Massey: There's lots of reasons why people might want to come and study this dual award course at the University of Portsmouth. Learning in a different environment from different tutors and the facilities that they have at Edith Cowan are absolutely first-class.
Chris Chang: Students have the opportunity to travel for a year and the question that some students will have is "how will I be able to afford this?" Now the UK Government has launched the Turing programme and what this programme does is fund them to do study abroad, internships, placements. It makes it accessible to all students from different groups, whether they are international students or students from the UK.
Dr Sarah Reynolds: Experiencing life in a different country. You would mature and develop your confidence during that time and definitely walk out of the degree, I think standing up a bit taller than if you hadn't.
Chris Chang: Now the benefits of this is that you can actually show to employers that you have two degrees from two different universities in two different countries. Jobs these days have changed quite substantially. Your future job may not be in the UK and employers are looking for the kind of employees that are able to work in different contexts, different cultures be able to work in multidisciplinary and multinational teams.
One of the other benefits of this programme is that you can actually travel around, not just, Australia but around the ASEAN region because from Perth it's a very short flight to Hong Kong; to Singapore; to Malaysia.
Heather Massey: It's an amazing opportunity to learn both from experts in their field, but also learn about how different people in a different culture operate.
Chris Chang: There are inter-semester breaks of two-three months and you should use that opportunity to see the world. The other thing that you have is having studied a year abroad, you will make friends who could in the future be your supporters, be your allies, and be your collaborators of the future.
Dr Leah Fox: Even though they're geographically away. They'll still be able to get access to that same level of support as they were getting in Portsmouth. They'll have access to wellbeing, they'll have access to financial services, they'll have access to personal tutoring.
Chris Chang: These courses that we have delivered so far: Global Sport Management, Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, Environmental Science and Management are all in very specialist and niche areas. Means that wherever you end up working or living, you're prepared for it. The demand for these courses are high, so we want highly motivated students who will benefit from this programme and benefit from a year abroad.
Dr Leah Fox: We're looking for an applicant who wants to make a change, who is open minded and prepared to be confronted with a number of challenges. But overall, someone who is curious and wants to learn.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Global Communication and Media entry requirements
Typical offer
- A levels – AAB–BBB
- UCAS points - 120–136 points from 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit–Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD-DDM
Selection process
You may need to have studied specific subjects – See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–BBB
- UCAS points – 120-136 points from 3 A levels or equivalent All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit - Distinction
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–31
Selection process
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
In addition to meeting the course entry requirements and having an interest in the subject area, we're looking for the following skills and abilities:
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- problem-solving and decision-making ability
- a commitment to research and continuing professional development (CPD)
- ability to work under pressure and cope with stressful situations
- a critical and creative approach to work
- IT skills
We'll support you in developing these qualities further on the course.
Facilities and specialist kit
Eldon TV studios and CCI TV
Learn the skills you need to work in video/audio production and broadcasting and get involved in our student-led TV channel, CCI TV.
Newsroom
Engage in hands-on learning and practical workshops, using the same hardware and software as news professionals in the industry.
CCIXR
Create stunning works for film, TV, music, gaming and immersive reality in the UK's first integrated facility of its kind.
Open Access Suite
Our open-plan space includes PCs and Macs equipped with Adobe Creative Suite and other professional software.
Equipment loan stores
Whatever your work, you can borrow computers and professional-standard film, photography, lighting, and performance equipment from our loan stores in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries.
Professional TV and film cameras
Broadcast and film in crystal clarity with our range of industry-level Sony, JVC and Canon cameras.
Careers and opportunities
It's predicted the world’s entertainment and media sector revenue will grow to be worth more than $2.6 trillion by 2025 (PWC, 2021). This should create a significant demand for media and communications graduates.
When you complete this course, you'll have the knowledge and professional skills that will set you up for a career in media and communications in the UK and beyond, in public or private organisations or as a freelancer.
You could also use the communication, team working and research skills you develop in other sectors.
What areas can you work in with a global communication and media degree?
Areas you could work in include:
- journalism
- media research
- film and video production/direction
- scriptwriting
- broadcasting – scheduling, video editing, production management
- public relations
- marketing
- corporate communications
- advertising
You could also go on to postgraduate study, for example, by studying an MA or MRES.
Graduate destinations
Previous Portsmouth graduates have gone onto work for organisations such as:
- Sky
- Premier League Productions
- Disney UK
- Discovery UK
- Cosmopolitan
- Vogue
- BBC
- Channel 4
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth 15, 20 or 40 credits. You need to study modules worth 120 credits in years 1, 2 and 3 and study modules worth 60 credits in year 4.
The modules you study depend on which area you want to specialise in. You can choose one of the following pathways:
- Screen, Media and Cultural Studies
- Media and Journalism
Your locations
In Years 1, 2 and 4, you'll be studying at the University of Portsmouth (UoP).
In Year 3, you'll be studying at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia.
Modules
There are no optional modules in the first year of this BA (Hons) Global Communication and Media degree course.
You'll study the following modules regardless of your chosen pathway.
Each module is 20 credits.
Core modules
- Future Production
- Global Cinema
- Introduction to Media Studies
- Journalism in Context
- Media Law and Regulation
- Reporting
You'll have to complete certain modules to work towards graduating with either the Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies or Media and Journalism award from Edith Cowan University.
Core modules
Each module is 20 credits.
Media and Journalism pathway
- Feature Writing and Media Research
- Mobile Journalism
Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies pathway
- Media, Culture, and National Identity
- Screen Media
Optional modules
Each module is 20 credits.
Media and Journalism pathway
- Investivative Journalism
- Production Camera and Editing
- Propaganda
- Screen Media
- Advanced News and Investigative Reporting (ECU)
- Factual Media Production
- Gender and the Media
- Press and Public Relations
- Professional Experience
- Social Media and Journalism
- Specialist Journalism
- Student Enterprise
Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies pathway
- Creative Writing for Film
- Film Production Practices
- Finding Form – Fiction
- Production: Camera and Editing
- Screenwriting
- Gender and the Media
- Media Networks: Exploring Digital Culture
- Production: Short Film-Making
- Professional Experience
- Student Enterprise
- Transmedia Narratives and Strategies
You'll complete your third year at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia.
Core modules
You'll study the following modules regardless of your chosen pathway.
Each module is 15 credits.
- Audience Perception and Experience
- Industry and Community
- Media, Identity, and Social Justice
- Personal and Professional Planning
Optional modules
You must take certain modules to work towards graduating with either the Media and Journalism or Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies award from Edith Cowan University.
Each module is 15 credits.
Media and Journalism pathway
- Convergent Digital Newsroom
- New Media and Social Influence
- Photojournalism and Editorial Practice
- Screen Practice 2: Factuals and Formats
- Visual Storytelling
- Audio Storytelling
- Global Communications
- Investigative Journalism
- Media in Asia
Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies pathway
- Documentary, Technology, and Experience
- Filmosophy
- From Fiction to Film
- New Media and Social Influence
- Screen Evolution
- Screen Practice 3: Art and Auteurs
- Screen Practice 4: Production House
Core modules
You'll study the following 40-credit module regardless of your chosen pathway.
- Final Project Communication and Media
Optional modules
You'll have to complete certain modules to graduate with the Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies or Media and Journalism award from Edith Cowan University.
Each module is 20 credits.
Media and Journalism pathway
- Digital Media and Democracy
- Global Journalism and Human Rights
Screen, Media, and Cultural Studies pathway
- Celebrity and Society
- Documentary Film-Making
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
You'll also experience "flipped learning". This is where you're introduced to the learning material before the teaching session and then deepen your understanding through discussion with peers and problem-solving activities, facilitated by lecturers.
Many of the teaching staff are from relevant journalism, media and film industry backgrounds and have worked as journalists, news producers, researchers, film directors, film editors, factual and documentary filmmakers, multimedia specialists cinematographers and other relevant roles.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
How you're assessed
- practical assessments
- video, blog and infographic submissions
- essays
- portfolios
- oral presentations
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your dual degree.
In your first year, you'll be in timetabled teaching activities, such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops for about 18 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2, 3 and 4 but this depends which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term times
The academic year at University of Portsmouth runs from September to early June with breaks at Christmas and Easter. It's divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:
- September to December – teaching block 1
- January – assessment period 1
- January to May – teaching block 2 (includes Easter break)
- May to June – assessment period 2
You'll finish your final year in December.
The academic year at Edith Cowan University runs from February to November with breaks at Easter and in June. It's divided into 2 semesters and 2 exam periods:
- February to May – semester 1 (includes Easter break)
- June – exam period 1
- July to October – semester 2
- November – exam period 2
You'll start year 3 at ECU in semester 2 in July, finishing in semester 1 in May.
Where you'll study (Year 3)
You'll study at Edith Cowan University's Joondalup Campus during your third year and student accommodation is available on the Mount Lawley Campus. Both campuses offer a library, computer labs, cafes, bars, a fitness centre, student support and counselling services.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
You'll have a personal tutor from the University of Portsmouth and a country link tutor from Edith Cowan University when you're studying in Perth in year 3.
Your personal tutors help you make the transition to independent study and give you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with them in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support. They'll be available virtually in year 3 when you're in Australia.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
All fees may be subject to annual increase.
UK students
- Years 1 and 2 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
- Year 4 – £4,625
EU students
Fees include Transition Scholarship.
- Years 1 and 2 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
- Year 4 – £4,625
International students
- Year 1 – £17,900 a year
- Year 2 – to be confirmed
- Year 3 – to be confirmed
- Year 4 – to be confirmed
UK students
- Years 1 and 2 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
- Year 4 – £4,625
EU students
Fees include Transition Scholarship.
- Years 1 and 2 – £9,250 a year
- Year 3 – £1,385
- Year 4 – £4,625
International students
- Year 1 – £18,100 a year
- Year 2 – to be confirmed
- Year 3 – to be confirmed
- Year 4 – to be confirmed
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to cover your living costs and pay additional costs of £3,000–£4,000 to cover travel to and from Australia in year 3. You can cover these costs using a UK Government student loan.
The Edith Cowan University website has information on your accommodation options.
Apply
How to apply in the UK
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – P900
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
Don't worry if you change your mind about studying abroad after you start the course. It's easy to transfer to a similar course once you're at Portsmouth or study this course as a single degree if you decide not to attend Edith Cowan University in year 3.
Come to an Open Day
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – P900
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.