Course Alumni
What are the job opportunities offered by this course?
- Gareth Main
- Editor, Bearded Magazine
""It was the course that helped me shape the plan. 'Look for a niche' I had been told back when we were planning our final year projects. So I did – two years later - and found something amazing.
"Looking back at all my journalism theory and practical modules, they all have shaped my understanding of the terrain I was trying to traverse and given me ideas for avenues I can explore with the magazine such as podcasts, RSS feeds, online magazine viewing and so much more. I'll never forget the help of Paul Bradshaw, Pete Wilby and Sue Heseltine, especially in my final year." Read more about Gareth Main >>
BA (Hons) Media and Communication (Journalism) - UCAS code P9P5
Is it for me?
This three-year course is designed for students who want to develop a career in the news media, whether magazines and newspapers, or television, online, and radio news operations.
What does it involve?
From day one you will be learning the essential skills of a news reporter: how to find stories, interview and write for different readers and audiences. This is very much a hands-on course – you'll be writing stories weekly, working to real deadlines and beginning to make useful contacts, as you produce news for a printed newspaper, live website, and live TV and radio news programmes.
In addition to your core journalism modules, you will have the chance to develop related skills in other media of your choice, including audio and video editing, print and web design and digital photography.
In years two and three you are introduced to writing features, reviews and columns, and designing newspapers and magazines, while broadcast journalism and online journalism are explored in more depth. You can choose to report on specialist subjects, such as sport, music or fashion, and develop contacts in those particular industries.
Complementing the practical skills, you will develop a broad base of media theory and analysis skills, looking at the role of the journalist and patterns of ownership and control in the press, as well as analysing newspapers and magazines. You will also develop a knowledge of media law.
The Professional Studies strand of the course will build your contacts in the new media sector, help you find placements in the industry, and improve your employability.
Will I do placements as part of the course?
You will undertake 2 industry placements during your course, at the end of the Year 1 and Year 2. Your tutors will work with you to find placements suited to your interests or specialist areas; the department's close links with industry mean that students are able to find placements with the top media employers. These placements provide an invaluable insight into working in the media, as well as contributing to your CV and improving your employability.
What will I be able to do when I've finished the course?
Upon successfully completing the journalism degree you will be able to spot a news story or feature idea, write and edit news and feature articles, produce broadcast journalism for radio and television, create articles and interactive features for the web, and manage news operations across a range of media.
You will be able to think critically about journalism, research and report on industry practices, organizations and products. You will have gained invaluable professional experience in the news industry, building a range of contacts and a portfolio of production work. This will help you obtain a job in radio or television journalism, newspapers, websites, or magazines.
What are the entry requirements?
Academic qualifications (shown below) are only part of what we look for in an applicant. You will also need to demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the news media and ideally some media-related work experience.
Normally we look for one of the following:
- 280 Tariff Points
- a BTEC ND with Distinction overall
- an International Baccalaureate with 32 points
- an equivalent qualification or experience as judged by the department: if your experience is particularly extensive, or your portfolio demonstrates advanced ability, we may accept lower qualifications.
Applicants are also advised to read newspapers and news websites, watch and listen to TV and radio news programmes, and read around the subject of journalism. Some good places to start include:
- Stuart Adam's Notes Towards a Definition of Journalism (PDF)
- Journalism.co.uk
- Hold The Front Page
- Paul Bradshaw's Online Journalism Blog
- The Media Guardian
- Finally, set up your own blog at Wordpress - this is a great way to show off your work and get into the habit of writing regularly.
How do I apply?
For information on applications or to apply now visit the Applications page .
