BA (Hons) Digital Media
Plan for your future with a Digital Media degree delivered jointly by the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College. Our career-focused media courses rank among the best in the UK.
Key facts
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date August 2023
- Duration 48 months
- Mode of study full time
- Delivery on campus
- UCAS Code W2N9
Overview
As the speed of change in the media continues to accelerate, the demand for graduates able to embrace new technologies and innovative methods of content delivery is also growing. The University of Stirling’s Digital Media course meets this demand head-on, and is shaped by the same expert teaching and research that has made our media courses among the best in the UK. Our Digital Media course is a fully integrated degree taught in conjunction with Forth Valley College, and you'll spend the first two years studying at the college and the final two studying at the University of Stirling campus.
The course will provide you with practical training in the tools, applications and possibilities of the digital environment – from the creation of journalistic and multimedia content to its effective use across different platforms. The overarching aim of the course is to make sure you’re work-ready and equipped with a broad range of digital media skills.
Every business, organisation and media outlet relies on digital communications to share their messages. With the skills to produce creative digital content that helps them stand out in a saturated market, you’ll be opening the door to a world of exciting opportunities.
Top reasons to study with us
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
BBB
GCE A-levels
BB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
MMM
Essential subjects
English
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other Scottish qualifications
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
English
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Essential subjects
English
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Additional information
General entrance requirements apply
If you’ve taken exams over two sittings, repeated an exam, or been upgraded, the entrance requirements may be higher.
Start dates
This four-year course is a collaboration between Forth Valley College and the University of Stirling. In Years 1 and 2, you will be taught at Forth Valley College's Stirling Campus, where the teaching terms start in August each year (see Forth Valley College's term dates). You will then transfer to the University of Stirling for Years 3 and 4, where the teaching semesters start in September each year (see University of Stirling's semester dates).
How to apply
To apply for a full-time undergraduate degree, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses on your application.
Direct applications
If you would like to apply only for this integrated degree course, you can use our direct application form (instead of completing a UCAS application for multiple course choices). Email admissions@stir.ac.uk with the name of the course you want to apply for, and we will send you a link to the direct application form. We can also help you to complete the form if you need.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact Forth Valley College’s University Partnership Officer, Lisa Baxter at lisa.baxter@forthvalley.ac.uk.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with 5.5 in each skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall and Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
The first two years of this Honours degree course will be delivered by Forth Valley College at their Stirling campus, and you’ll be based at the University of Stirling campus in Years 3 and 4.
Course structure
Throughout your course, you’ll develop specialist skills and knowledge across areas such as TV and radio production, desktop publishing, scripting, writing for the media and web design.
The first and second years of this partnership degree programme are delivered under thematic umbrellas which provide both theoretical and practical underpinning across Digital Media.
Year 1 (at Forth Valley College)
- Introduction to Storytelling: scriptwriting, radio, video and narrative and media theory.
- Journalism for Digital Media: copywriting for media, digital journalism, desktop publishing and research for media, law and the media.
- Creative Economy: understanding the creative industries and economy, presentation skills and social media.
- Independent Project 1: a self-devised, designed and delivered project showcasing skills developed throughout the year.
Year 2 (at Forth Valley College)
- Storytelling Theory and Production: advanced scriptwriting, radio, video and film studies for new media.
- Applied Digital Media: media communication theory, critical analysis of texts, advanced social media practice, introduction to animation.
- Independent Project 2: a self-devised, designed and delivered project showcasing skills developed throughout the year.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
Teaching
Teaching is delivered in a variety of formats, including lectures and small group sessions designed to help you develop key communication skills and benefit from close collaboration with teaching staff. The course combines the applied technological and media-oriented skills of Forth Valley’s HND programme with research-led subject specialism and digital expertise of the University.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed based on a combination of exams, essay writing, workshop reports and other methods - such as a final-year digital project. Typically, modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination, with the weighting varying depending on the nature of the material taught and the module outcomes specified. Your degree classification will be based on work done in Year 3 and Year 4.
Classroom hours
19 hours in years 1 and 2.
Contact
Lisa Baxter, Partnership Officer, Forth Valley College
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| Academic year: | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish students | £1,820* | £1,820 * |
| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| European Union students | £15,900 | £16,400 |
| Overseas students (non-EU) | £15,900 | £16,400 |
Scottish students
* This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, students domiciled in Scotland can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on their behalf. If you’re unsure of your fee status, you can check your eligibility.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you’ll be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities below for more information.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Undergraduate Scholarship, which is worth up to £30,000 over the duration of your course.
Students from the Republic of Ireland should see the fee and funding information under England, Wales, NI and Republic of Ireland.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding opportunities
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
EU and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
What jobs can you get with a Digital Media degree?
We’re rated among the best universities in the UK for media, and many of our graduates have established successful careers in film, media and journalism. These include working in television and radio industries as journalists, scriptwriters, directors, administrators and technicians.
Some have made careers in the press and publishing or in the arts and cultural industries. Others are working in advertising, public relations,market research, community media and new media.
Digital media courses vary in scope and content, but our programme is designed to make sure you graduate as a well-rounded, highly skilled and digitally literate individual able to work effectively across a range of media platforms. You’ll not only have the practical skills to create stand-out digital content, but you’ll also understand the ethical, legal and theoretical dimensions of the industry – making you a valuable asset to any organisation that relies on the power and reach of digital media.
- You’ll be ready to hit the ground running and put your practical training to work as soon as you graduate.
- Open the door to a world of opportunities – digital media skills have never been more in demand.
Employability skills
Your employability is one of our highest priorities, and we want to make sure you have every possible advantage when you enter the job market.
Your studies will equip you with skills in the following areas, plus many more:
- Communication and interviewing
- Research
- Interpersonal and group skills
- Analytical thinking
- Production for web, film, TV, radio and more
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Flexible study
This course is not available as a combined degree.