91ÖÆƬ³§

Course description

Our students go on to specialise in areas such as TV news, sports reporting, political journalism or even PR and communications.

Before you find your niche, you’ll learn and perfect the full range of skills you need as a contemporary media professional, including:

• knowing the difference between 'good' and 'bad' journalism;
• the ability to craft razor-sharp copy for a range of audiences;
• practising within the bounds of media law and ethics;
• and how to spot and tell great stories across all platforms, including print, television, radio, web and social media.

You’ll get the chance to make contacts and learn on the job. Our long-standing connections in the media industry open up a huge range of placement opportunities at media organisations like the BBC, Press Association, Bloomberg and the Guardian.

We also offer you the option to take a placement year to help gain vital experience and get ahead of the competition before graduation day. 

As a hands-on school at a prestigious Russell Group university, we're uniquely placed to offer you the best of both worlds. You’ll be taught by award-winning editors and authors, active journalists and world-leaders in media and communication research.

If you're interested in understanding as well as doing journalism, this course delivers the perfect balance of practical know-how and theoretical knowledge on the history, theory and key debates of the industry.

Modules

Title: Journalism Studies BA course structure 2026
UCAS code: P500
Years: 2026

First year Second year Third year

First year

In your first year you will develop your core knowledge and understanding of journalistic principles and practice. This includes how to create compelling story packages for the media, how to research, gather, organise and structure information, and then how to present it in an accessible way with workshops structured to represent newsroom activity.

News Skills

You will learn about the process of news production including how to write and structure a news story to an industry standard. You will learn how to interview people and ask the right questions at the right time. You will learn where to find news stories. You will learn about journalism in terms of its context in society on both a national and international scale. You will use technology to produce digital journalism to a professional standard. You will learn to be an ethical journalist and how to use journalism to improve society around you. 

Aims

1 Learn the basics of how to produce a news story2 Learn about the process of news production from story planning to the written word3 Gain classroom experience of where journalists source their information 4 Create journalism on a range of digital platforms

20 credits

Researching Journalism

Journalism plays a key role in shaping public understanding, informing decision-making, and holding institutions accountable. This module explores the development of journalism, its role in society, and the impact of new technologies on news production and consumption.

Through interactive lectures, seminars, and discussions, you will engage with key theories and contemporary debates that define modern journalism. You will examine the political, cultural, and economic factors that influence the news and consider the challenges facing journalists today. The module will also help you develop academic research skills and a critical understanding of journalism's place in a changing media landscape.

By exploring both theoretical perspectives and real-world case studies, this module encourages you to think critically about journalism's influence and responsibilities. It will provide a strong foundation for further study while helping you develop a well-rounded perspective on the evolving role of the media in society.

20 credits

The Professional Journalist

This module prepares you for the ethical, professional conduct of reporting, and to develop a trauma-informed approach when approaching others, as well as safe-guarding your own mental health in the face of distressing content and potential cyber attacks.The aims are: 1. To ensure a full and comprehensive understanding and application of the professional  codes of legal and ethical practice  in real world settings 2. To build confidence in approaching real world sources, including people in shock or grief, authority and the general public3. To understand a trauma-informed approach and be able to demonstrate this in a professional environment

20 credits

Live News Production

In this module you will take control of what stories you are covering. You will learn to publish real-world stories for an outward-facing audience. You will learn more advanced reporting techniques that allow you to produce more in-depth reports. You will gain newsroom experience within a classroom environment. You will be given the opportunity to make your own editorial decisions and to work to a professional level. 

Aims

1 Learn more advanced journalism skills within a classroom environment 2 Gain experience of publishing journalism to an outward-facing audience. 3 Gain experience working on 'real world' stories. 4 Apply skills and appropriate technologies to your journalism.

20 credits

Media, Race and Racism

Race equality and equity are essential requirements in every work environment in contemporary democratic societies. Knowledge of what constitutes race and racism in journalism is an important tool in the kit of everyone interested in the industry. This module equips you with knowledge of definitions, key issues, theories, and perceptions on race and racism in the media. Using creative approaches to learning such as debates, role play, reflection, and interactive sessions, this module explores subjects like 'What really is racism?'; 'Types of racism'; 'Racial equality and equity'; and 'Freedom of speech versus racism', amongst others. You will be introduced to debates relating to overt and inferential racism, critical race theory, race equality in journalism education, and racism in news content, amongst others. Knowledge gathered from the Media, Race and Racism is integral to the successful operation and management of any journalism related institution.

The module aims to:

1. Encourage you to eschew racist behaviour in journalism studies and practice.2. Develop an understanding of what constitutes racism in journalism and related institutions.3. Introduce you to the key issues in the debate about racism and journalism.4. Challenge you to come up with original ideas on how to use the media to combat racism in democratic societies.

20 credits

Press, Politics and Democracy

This module aims to help you understand how the levers of power operate in regional and national politics and how you can use this information and understanding to hold those in power to account on behalf of readers, viewers and listeners through your news reporting.

20 credits

Learning and assessment

Our staff include professional journalists with many years of experience in radio, TV, newspapers, magazines and digital media. They also include academic researchers with big reputations for their work on journalism safety, freedom of expression, media law and ethics, political communication, and much more.

Assessment

You'll be assessed in a number of ways, including both exams and coursework you produce in response to theory based modules, and through the news stories and broadcasts you create as part of the practical elements of the degree.

The NCTJ diploma qualification will also include exams, which will run concurrently with the modules you study throughout the course.

Entry requirements

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

BBB + B in the EPQ

International Baccalaureate

33; 32, with B in the extended essay

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD in a relevant subject

BTEC Diploma

DD + B at A Level

Scottish Highers

AAABB

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + AB

Access to HE Diploma

The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

Access 91ÖÆƬ³§ offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

BBB + B in the EPQ

International Baccalaureate

32

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM in a relevant subject

BTEC Diploma

DD + B at A Level

Scottish Highers

AABBB

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + BB

Access to HE Diploma

The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

Graduate careers

School of Information, Journalism and Communication

Our graduates go on to achieve great things and remain part of our legacy forever. They change the world through the power of storytelling - be they journalists, documentarians, PR experts, novelists or teachers.

Employers have previously included:

• BBC
• ITV
• Sky Sports News
• The Guardian
• The i
• The Telegraph
• The Sun
• The Mirror
• The Daily Mail
• Reach
• The Financial Times
• LADbible
• National World PLC
• Hearst Magazines (publishers of Esquire, Prima, Good Housekeeping and Men’s Health).

School of Information, Journalism and Communication

Here at the School of Information, Journalism and Communication, we’ve been training extraordinary journalists and data and information professionals, and conducting pioneering research for over 30 years. Study with us, and you'll have exclusive access to our unrivalled contacts and alumni network from across the globe, and access award winning employability support in the form of one-to-one sessions, mentoring and an array of placement opportunities to help you get your foot in the door.

Our Journalism Studies students will master the basics on our practical courses, including how to spot big stories and make them shine, edit engaging audio, video and podcasts in our state-of-the-art facilities, become an expert in social media, and even ace those shorthand exams. We’re the only Russell Group University to be accredited by the NCTJ, BJTC and PPA, so you know you’re learning from the best of the best.

Our students come from around the world, creating a multicultural, vibrant and invigorating environment where you can thrive in your learning. As part of our mission to provide world-quality university education in information, journalism and communication, we aim to inspire and help you pursue your highest ambitions for your academic and professional careers.

Our staff are experts in their field and work with organisations in the UK and worldwide, bringing fresh perspectives to your studies. They'll give you the advice and support you need to excel in your subject. We also work closely with partners and experts from industry, ensuring that your learning is always linked to your future career.

Support and wellbeing

We also have a dedicated student support staff and an academic tutor system in place within the school to help you deal with any issues. If you need support regarding your workload, fees and finance, disability services or your mental health and wellbeing, there is always someone on hand to help.

How we support you

Where you'll study

Journalism at 91ÖÆƬ³§ extends beyond the university. As well as seminars and lectures on campus and production work in the newsrooms and Broadcast Zone, you'll be assigned your own patch of the city to report from. This means building up local contacts to help you hunt down stories, and there's court reporting too.

We'll also help you find a work experience placement so you can sharpen up your skills in a real-life newsroom or other professional communications setting.

Facilities

The Faculty of Social Sciences building, The Wave, co-locates many of our schools to promote interdisciplinary excellence in research, learning and teaching and help us to lead the way in addressing important societal challenges.

Our facilities in The Wave include state-of-the-art lecture theatres, broadcast facilities and editing suites.

School of Information, Journalism and Communication

University rankings

Student profiles

Fees and funding

Fees

Additional funding

Details of funding awards and what the fees cover can be found on the department site.

Fees and funding for the School of Information, Journalism and Communication

Placements and study abroad

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Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

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School of Information, Journalism and Communication