Course Aims

The Pre-Masters Diploma in Media, Communication and English as a Foreign Language is a one-year, full-time, campus-based programme taught jointly with the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU). It is designed for overseas students for whom English is not their first language and whose academic qualifications would not yet meet our entry requirements for our Postgraduate programmes. The Pre-Masters Diploma is only appropriate for entry to our Master's level programmes. Students complete advanced parts of our Undergraduate Programme and receive intensive instruction in English language for study purposes. Successful completion of the course means that students can gain entry onto our Master’s level programmes.   

Information on Funding for International Students

Course Structure and Content

Semester 1

Initially, focus is placed on English language skills with some introduction to communications and media subjects. Language study is often based around a media and communications subject matter. 

Semester 2

In the second semester, focus is placed more on communications and media. Students also complete a dissertation (worth 40 credits). The dissertation will involve students doing their own research project under close supervision by a member of the Department of Media and Communication (DMC) academic staff.

Media and Communication Options for Pre-Masters Diploma

In Semester 1 and Semester 2, students choose one option from the following range of options available on our program in Communications, Media and Society (the range of options on offer may vary from year to year, click on each option to take you to the Module Descriptions): 

Science, Environment & Risk Communication

Global Affairs: Communications, Culture, Power

Music as Communication

The Media on Film

Technology, Culture and Power: Global Perspectives

Media and the Body

Advertising and Cultural Communication

The Media, Celebrity and Fun Culture

Modules from the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU)

All of the modules described below are compulsory.  They will be assessed using a mixture of examination and continuous assessment.  The range may vary from year to year.

Semester 1

Listening (5 credits)

This module examines ways of improving understanding in listening with an emphasis on lectures.

Reading (5 credits)

This module examines ways of better understanding texts by focusing on authentic texts linked to the modules in Communications, Media and Society. 

Speaking (5 credits)

This module examines ways of improving speaking skills with an emphasis on taking part in discussions. 

Grammar and Vocabulary (5 credits)

This module examines ways of improving your level of accuracy in grammar and expanding your vocabulary in both general and academic English. 

Writing (10 credits)

This module helps you improve your academic writing skills in areas such as  referencing, organization and critical analysis. 

Semester 2 

Project

This module takes you through the process of writing from planning through reading to completion of a longer piece of academic writing.

Where will this course lead me?

1. First, complete all DMC and ELTU modules, gaining the required 120 credits
2. Then you will be awarded the Pre- Masters Diploma in Communications, Media and English as a Foreign Language,
3. Then you have guaranteed direct entry onto one of DMC’s Master’s programmes.

Why study Media at Leicester?

Come and Visit Us

We invite all prospective students to visit the University if they can, with their families and/or their friends. A visit to the campus will reveal much more than you can find out by simply reading our prospectus. The University of Leicester holds a number of Open Days throughout the year. These provide an excellent opportunity to tour the campus,  view the accommodation and find out more about the Department of Media and Communication and its degree programmes. Information on open days.

Further Information

If you require further information about the Pre-Masters Diploma in Media, Communications and English as a Foreign Language, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.   If you would like to speak to someone about the course, you can contact our Undergraduate Programmes administration team at mediacom@le.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions