Birmingham City University - Institute of Art and Design

Birmingham School of Media


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Applying for postgraduate courses

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply you should apply direct to the University. Please download our online application form.

This should be faxed to the School once completed on +44 (0)121 331 6501.


What qualifications do I need to be accepted onto your courses?

Applicants should possess a prior degree or equivalent, or have considerable experience in a related field and be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential. Please see below for more specific entry requirements.

  • PgDip Broadcast Journalism
  • Applicants should possess a prior degree or equivalent, or have considerable experience in a related field and be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential. Excellent spoken and written English are vital. A current driving licence is desirable. More details on the PgDip Broadcast Journalism page.
  • MA Creative Industries and Cultural Policy (MACICM)
  • A first or second class honours degree in Media, Communication or Cultural Studies, or in an associated subject from the arts or social sciences. It will be seen as a distinct asset for applicants to have experience in a relevant field of media and communication, or media education. More details on the MA Creative Industries and Cultural Policy page.
  • MA Event and Exhibition Management
  • 2:1 or higher in a related discipline from any UK university and/or: 1-3 years of relevant industry experience, supported by references and any industry qualifications. More details on the MA Event and Exhibition Management page.
  • MA Freelance Photography
  • Applicants should possess a prior degree (or equivalent) at 2:1, or above, in photography or have considerable experience in this field and be able to demonstrate evidence of ability appropriate to the course. Good spoken and written English are vital. IELTS level 6.5 is a minimum. Applicants must have proven experience in photography, an inquiring mind and a self-motivated creative vision. More details on the MA Freelance Photography page
  • MA Freelancing and Journalism Enterprise
  • Applicants should possess a relevant first degree or equivalent, or have considerable relevant experience. This would mean proven experience in journalism or closely related area of media.Good spoken and written English are vital. IELTS level 6.5 is a minimum. Applicants must be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential. More details on the MA Freelancing and Journalism Enterprise page
  • MA International Broadcast Journalism
  • A prior degree or equivalent, or considerable experience in a related field. Applicants should be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential. Good spoken and written English are vital. Applicants must have some proven experience in journalism, broadcasting or media production. More details on the MA International Broadcast Journalism page.
  • MA Magazine Journalism and Interactive Content
  • Applicants should possess a prior degree or equivalent, or have considerable experience in a related field and be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential. Good spoken and written English are vital. IELTS level 6.5 is a minimum. Applicants must have some proven experience in journalism or media production (for example, video or community management). You should have a creative streak and a tendency not to take no for an answer!. More details on the MA Magazine Journalism and Interactive Content page .
  • MA Media & Creative Enterprise (formerly known as MA Media Enterprise)
  • A first or second class degree and two references and/or, appropriate professional experience, other qualifications or achievements, as judged by the MA Media Enterprise team. More details on the MA Media Enterprise page.
  • MA Online Journalism
  • A prior degree or equivalent, or considerable experience in a related field. Applicants should be able to demonstrate outstanding ability and potential. Good spoken and written English are vital. Applicants must have some proven experience in journalism, broadcasting or media production (for example, programmers who wish to apply their skills to journalism). More details on the MA Online Journalism page.
  • MA Social Media
  • A first or second class degree or appropriate professional experience or other qualifications or achievements, which clearly demonstrate a keen interest in social media and the ability to think critically and creatively around social media, as judged by the MA Social Media team. More details on the MA Social Media page.
  • MA Television & Interactive Content (formerly known as MA Media Production)
  • A first or second class degree and appropriate professional experience or other qualifications or achievements, which clearly demonstrate a keen interest in the television sector and the ability to generate and develop ideas, as judged by the MA Television team. More details on the MA Television and Interactive Content page.
  • MPhils and PhDs in Media and Communication
  • Those interested in developing an idea for an MPhil or PhD should first read the details at http://www.biad.bcu.ac.uk/research and then click 'Higher Degrees at BIAD', and then contact Professor Tim Wall, who will be able to advise you on the best way to develop an expression of interest proposal.

Overseas Student Requirements

  • Language Requirements
  • One of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 or above
  • TOEFL PAPER BASED 575 or above
  • TOEFL COMPUTER BASED 232 or above
  • Cambridge Advanced Grade C (minimum) or above

Will I need to attend an interview?

If we are impressed with your initial application, we will invite you to interview. This will allow you to demonstrate your academic and practical skills, as well as giving us a very clear picture of what you could contribute to the course. International students will be able to have their interview via telephone.


Frequently asked questions

For more information on applications, transfers, deferring for a year, fees and courses, visit our FAQs page.


Who do I contact if I have a query not covered by the FAQs?

For any queries not covered by the FAQs please email media@bcu.ac.uk with your question.


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