Journalism BA (Hons)* (with Foundation Year)
UCAS Code: J200|Duration: 4|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
*This course is open for 2026 entry only
**subject to validation
The BA Journalism degree offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training, addressing the dynamic balance between journalism’s responsibility to serve the public interest and the commercial pressures faced by modern news organisations. Students gain essential journalism and editing skills to succeed in a rapidly changing media industry.
The programme emphasises journalistic ethics and critical thinking, encouraging students to explore journalism’s role in exposing power structures, tackling social inequality, and analysing internal commercial and ideological influences within the news industry.
Key strengths of the course include specialized training for future editors and producers, with a strong emphasis on digital journalism, supported by cutting-edge digital media facilities.
Course structure
Balanced Curriculum: 50% Theory | 50% Practice
Weekly Teaching Hours
Theory: 1-hour lecture and 2-hour seminar
Practice: 2-hour workshop and 1-hour tutorial
This equal split ensures students gain both a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in every aspect of the course.
Assessment and feedback
Assessment methods combine both theoretical and practical components to reflect the diverse demands of the journalism profession. These include theory exams, essays, reflective writing, and portfolios featuring original editorial and interview content, as well as digital and social media reporting projects. Students will also complete audio-visual news portfolios and conduct case study analyses of editorial and news organisations, presented both individually and in groups.
Practice modules include timed assessments for specific editorial tasks such as editing, sub-editing, and content/page design.
The course incorporates authentic assessments and problem-based learning, encouraging students to engage with real-world reporting challenges, and explore the ethical, legal, social, cultural, and political dimensions of journalism.
In the final year, students undertake a 30-credit Dissertation module, split into a 5,000-word Theory project (15 credits) and a 5,000-word equivalent Practice project in long-form journalism (15 credits). This practical component may take the form of an extended written article or an audio/visual podcast or documentary.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.
Year One
Semester 1
Theory Module 1 (Introduction to Journalism and Society)
Topics: Journalism Theories and Society; Journalism and (Digital) Culture; British and International Journalism History;
Practice Module 1 (Introduction to Reporting)
Topics: Introduction to News Writing, Reporting, and Interviewing; News Reporting and Analysis/Opinion
Semester 2
Theory Module 2 (Journalism Structures and Power)
Topics: Journalism and News Industry Structures; Political Economy of Journalism; Journalism and Churnalism (Public Relations and Information Subsidies); Fake News and Media Freedom
Practice Module 2 (Introduction to Digital Reporting)
Topics: Social Media Journalism; Editing, Sub-Editing and Fact-Checking
Year Two
Semester 1
Theory Module 1 (International Journalism and Technology)
Topics: International Journalism and News Cultures; News Agencies and International Communication; Journalism, Science and Technology
Practice Module 1 (Audio and Digital Journalism Production)
Topics: Audio Journalism (Radio and Podcasting); Digital Journalism and Editorial Strategies
Semester 2
Theory Module 2 (Journalism, the State and Ethics)
Topics: Journalism and the State; Media Regulation; Media Law, and Ethics; Journalistic Professional Codes and Guidelines
Practice Module 2 (In-Depth Journalistic Writing and Publication Design)
Topics: Advanced News Feature Writing; Publication Design
(Placement Year - optional)
Year Three
Semester 1
Theory Module 1 (Journalism and Societal Crises)
Topics: Journalism and Societal Crises (Conflict, Environment, Populism); Journalism and Religion; Journalism and Economic Crises; Peace/Conflict Journalism; Journalism and Crime
Practice Module 1 (Video Journalism and Visualisation)
Topics: Video/multimedia Journalism; Visualisation and Data Journalism
Semester 2
Theory Module 2 (Political Journalism and Popular Culture)
Topics: Political Communication and Journalism; Journalism and Popular Culture; Journalism and Celebrity
Practice Module 2 (Editorship and Journalism Production Specialism)
Topics: Editorial strategies and management; In-depth multimedia journalistic production on an editorial specialism of the student’s choice (e.g., sports, photo, fashion, politics, the environment)
Entry requirements
There may be some flexibility for mature students offering non-tariff qualifications and students meeting particular widening participation criteria.
Careers
Graduates of the BA Journalism degree can pursue careers as traditional news reporters, broadcast journalists, presenters, producers, digital and social media journalists, and editors. They will also have developed transferable communication skills suited to roles in public relations and social media management—for example, within private companies, public sector organisations, and charities. Other potential career paths include working as digital editors, digital content marketers, corporate communications professionals, copywriters, researchers, and content developers.
In addition, graduates will be well-prepared for further study, including specialist Journalism Master’s programmes (such as Sports Journalism, Data Journalism, or Political Journalism), as well as courses in Public Relations and Marketing, Law, and teacher training.
The course’s strong focus on online and digital skills also enables graduates to become independent news and content producers.
Enhancement opportunities
Work Placement Opportunities
An optional Placement Year can be arranged by the student with support from the staff.
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
Students can apply for Study Abroad in Year 2.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £9,535* for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,535*.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
*subject to Council approval.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2025/26 are £14,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
With Foundation year, this degree is only available to study as a Single Honours course.