2025/26 entry
BSc (Hons) Business with Media Communications with Foundation Year
Why study Business with Media Communications with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Approved by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
- Exciting year-long work placements with high-profile companies like General Motors, the Volkswagen Group and Airbus
- Sessions and guest lectures delivered by media comms and PR practitioners
- 91% of students surveyed said the teaching staff on our business courses were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
- Study abroad opportunities in China, the USA and across Europe following your second year of study
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
- Shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Awards 2024 Business School of the Year
About your course
The CIPR-accredited BSc (Hons) Business with Media Communications at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal preparation for a successful career in public relations and offers exciting placement opportunities.
The Business with Media Communications degree will prepare you for a career in a public relations role within corporate communications, internal communications, event management or areas relating to online public relations, such as search engine optimisation and social media strategy development.
Foundation Year (Level 3)
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the interest and ability to study for a degree, but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Business with Media Communication honours degree programme yet.
Once you pass the Foundation Year (level 3) you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).
This Chartered Institute of Public Relations accredited degree gives you an appreciation of traditional business functions which work closely with aspects of media communication functions in organisations such as marketing, combined with the study of the tactics, tools and strategies of PR and communication management. Practitioners deliver sessions and guest lectures so you have the opportunity to learn about real issues and to make the link between theory and practice which you can apply if you choose to take placement.
Level 4 study onwards
This programme is part of the 'Business with' suite, which allows students to transfer to a different specialism, such Finance, International Business Management or Digital Marketing, at the end of level 4 year of study.
Another advantage of this degree is the optional sandwich year in which you spend 48 weeks on a paid work placement in the UK or overseas. This will enable you to put into practice many of the concepts and techniques developed in years one and two as well as developing your personal skills and enhancing your CV.
Students who complete the placement year in the School's more established degrees tend to experience a significant improvement in their academic performance and many go on to gain first class honours degrees, often returning to work for their placement company after graduation.
Liverpool Business School has partnerships with business schools at universities and colleges across Europe, in the USA and in China. Students on this programme are able to spend a semester in their second year at a partner university abroad as part of their studies. Students can also choose to spend an additional year of study at one of our partner universities between the second and third years. All study abroad opportunities are in English. There are also many supported opportunities for activities at partner universities during summer vacations and Liverpool Business School provides places on language skills courses.
Live Consultancy Project
Through LJMU's Liverpool Business Clinic, students have a unique opportunity to work on real client briefs with local organisations putting academic theory into real world practice. This live consultancy projects is an optional module to a traditional final-year dissertation.
"The placement year enabled me to gain first rate experience working within a busy PR department of a global brand and built on skills developed in the degree."
Professional accreditation/links
This is an approved course by the industrys professional body, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). This is an additional benefit in a highly competitive job market and recognised as such by our employer partners.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
As a Business with Media Communications graduate you will enjoy varied career opportunities both in the UK and overseas.
Liverpool Business School has historically had an excellent employment record with graduates securing graduate-level positions with leading employers in public and private sectors. These include Everton Football Club, Kellogg company, Santander and Deloitte.
You could find yourself working in a wide variety of media comms and PR settings, from PR departments in large multi-national organisations, to PR agencies, search engine optimisation companies and specialised event management companies.
Some of our students have graduated with the confidence and ideas to set up their own successful businesses.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Developing Skills for Business
20 credits
This module aims to facilitate your development of personal, academic and professional skills as a foundation for your current and future studies in Business related subjects. It will equip you with the tools to become confident and independent learners at university.
Understanding Business Organisations and Operations
20 credits
This module provides you with an introduction to the world of business, the types of business and structures, the functional areas, and management theories and challenges faced by business in today's commercial world.
Essentials of Management
20 credits
This module introduces you to management theory. This foundation module will develop your appreciation, understanding and application of management and professionalism in different career pathways and specialist areas.
Introduction to Marketing and PR Communications
20 credits
This module gives you an understanding of the key concepts and terminology used in marketing and public relations. It also gives you a knowledge and understanding of your role within organisations and explores the factors that can influence consumer behaviour.
Data Analysis Techniques for Business
20 credits
This module equips you with the technical skills to be able to design and produce Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for business use, and to facilitate the development of basic analytical skills.
Programme Case Study
20 credits
This module develops your independent learning and expertise in an area of business relating to your target programme. Through a co-creation process your subject interests will be harnessed to enable you to develop your knowledge in a self-selected topic area. The module aims to be flexible to enable you to explore an area of interest to you and you will be assessed in a manner that supports this.
Level 4
Core modules
Academic Skills and Digital Literacy
20 credits
Introduces students to aspects of career management and the skills necessary to be effective learners at university, applying academic and digital skills in their academic study.
Foundation of Marketing
20 credits
Understand the underlying principles of marketing, including the range of specific marketing activities and their influence on organisations.
Economics
20 credits
Introduces students to economic ideas and their relevance to business decisions.
Accounting and Finance
20 credits
Provides students with an understanding of essential finance and accounting terminology and methods to enable them to perform effectively and efficiently within their future workplace. Using practical examples, students will gain confidence to be able to financial modelling skills using Excel.
Global Business Management
20 credits
Provides the essential frameworks to understand current issues in global business and management and their impact on companies and society.
Media Communications
20 credits
Introduces, defines, places and provides practical applications of the communication and media management functions in organisations
Level 5
Core modules
Media Production Management
20 credits
Provides students with an opportunity to produce media according to client needs and then plan its distribution.
Business Research
10 credits
You will develop a detailed understanding of the design and process of research in business and management.
Business Analytics
20 credits
Students will learn and use valuable analytics skills, and understand the need for analytics in the modern workplace.
Media Event Management
20 credits
Appraises key issues and develop strategic planning for effective media event management.
Writing for Audiences
20 credits
Students will develop the application of appropriate writing styles, using appropriate formats for diverse audiences.
Employability Skills
20 credits
This module provides you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the graduate employment market.
Optional Modules
Managing People and Organisations
10 credits
Develop a critical understanding of key factors relating to the effective management of people and processes in order to achieve positive organisational outcomes.
Modern Language for Business
10 credits
Develop a very basic competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking a modern foreign language as well as develop an understanding of basic foreign language grammar.
Study Semester Abroad - Business with
60 credits
This module will provide you the opportunity to spend a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of your LJMU programme at level 5.
Study Year Abroad - Business with
120 credits
This module will provide you the opportunity to spend an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement your programme at LJMU.
Sandwich Year - Business with
120 credits
This module will provide you with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Level 6
Core modules
Sustainable Futures
20 credits
Recognise and critically evaluate the global challenges we face and the role of business and organizations in addressing them.
Strategic Management
20 credits
Recognise and evaluate the wider importance of strategic decision making and the competitive advantage to business.
Business Consultancy
20 credits
Develop an understanding of business problems and issues and provide students with the opportunity to apply key academic theories and models in the development of a solution that meets the client's needs. In addition students will reflect on their personal development and consider next steps post-graduation.
Integrated Marketing Communications
20 credits
Analyses a range of strategic marketing communication theory and, from this, understand how to develop an integrated marketing communications plan.
Issues in Crisis Management
10 credits
To comprehend and critically examine the approach media communications executives take when dealing with a crisis scenario.
Corporate Communications
10 credits
Critically evaluate the role of strategic internal communication in enabling organisations to be more effective from both a theoretical and practitioner perspective.
Digital Communication Management
20 credits
A framework for understanding and evaluating the landscape in digital communication and the impact on the PR function.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
The course is delivered via lectures and seminars combined with online learning, placements, workshops, action learning sets, social media and problem-based learning. This combination of teaching methods provides a varied and fulfilling learning experience and increases your chances of achieving higher grades.
Work-related Learning
Early in level 5 you can decide whether to undertake a paid 48-week work placement in the UK or overseas. You would do this placement between level 5 and 6.
Placements give you experience of what its like to work in the fast paced PR sector as well as giving you a chance to put your learning into practice, develop personal skills and enhance your employability.
Liverpool Business School's Placement Support Unit will help you find suitable vacancies and support you during the application process and whilst on placement.
Previous Business and PR students have completed placements with organisations as diverse as Coty, Cream, Disney and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Whether you choose to undertake a work placement or not, some options on this course give you a taste of what its like to work in the PR industry as they require you to make contact and work with real companies.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
The Liverpool Business School is a supportive environment in which to study and the student-centred approach of your tutors will ensure that you are given the support and guidance you need. You will be assigned a personal tutor. They will set up one-to-one tutorials with you to discuss a piece of coursework or to work with you on your personal development plan.
Throughout the assessment process support is available in the form of guidelines, hints and tips and revision and recap sessions, as well as study support classes and one-to-one support from your personal tutor and module leader.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We understand that students perform differently depending on the way they are assessed, which is why we offer a combination of assessment methods. These include written work (essays, etc), presentations (group/individual), formal examinations, practical assessments, portfolio work (including e-portfolios) and project work e.g. planning and implementing your own 'live' event.
Where possible we will try and base assessments on real-life scenarios, for example, students on the Online PR module work in a team with a real company to develop and evaluate a social media strategy and Event Management students conceive, plan and implement a real event.
Once you have completed an assessment, feedback is given within 15 working days of submission, so that you can promptly discuss your marks with your tutor and establish where you are performing well and areas for improvement.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Katie Hyslop
Programme Leader
Katie's career began with roles in sales and marketing. Katie then made the move to academia, working internationally as a lecturer and researcher in Austria. Katie has been at LJMU since 2020, first as Senior Lecturer and more recently as Principal Lecturer and Programme Leader. Katie aim is to ensure that courses are engaging and relevant and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to build exciting and rewarding careers.
The relatively small teaching groups, allows us to really know our students. We work together to help them gain good graduate-level employment at the end of their studies.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool's growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, a café and a roof terrace with far reaching views of the cityscape and welsh hills. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open seven days a week.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: DDD-CDD (72-80)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
DDD-CDD
Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
A levels
DDD-CDD
BTECs
Extended Diploma: MMP
Access awards
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: MMP
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
T levels
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
We are looking for students with the potential to:
Understand and critically evaluate the theory, concepts and principles that underpin the practical techniques of business.
Demonstrate their understanding by communicating effectively, both orally and in their written work.
Possess the self-discipline to manage their time and tasks effectively throughout their time here at LJMU.
The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.