Journalism BA (Hons)

Overview

Do you want to study the UK's best Journalism undergraduate degree? Our BA (Hons) Journalism course was awarded the Best Performing Undergraduate Course for 2017–18 and 2018–19 by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This is based on the number of students gaining the Gold Standard for the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

The profession of journalism has evolved rapidly over the last few years and the skills you need to excel as a journalist have changed. If you want to hold those in power to account and keep the public informed, educated and entertained, this BA (Hons) Journalism degree course prepares you for a career in this field.

From learning how to podcast, layout magazine spreads and create video reports to the important skills of uncovering and writing breaking stories to deadline, you'll learn how to make the most of everything that today's 24-hour rolling news culture throws at you.

Whether your interests lie in news reporting, coverage of sport or reviewing the latest films and music, you'll develop the essential skills and experience to send you to the top of any editor's wish list.

Accredited by

This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), one of three professional bodies that accredits journalism training in the UK. You'll automatically be entered into the examinations that lead to the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

The NCTJ accreditation also lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work as a journalist when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who didn’t do an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs.

What you'll experience

On this Journalism degree course you'll:

• Put your skills into practice in our newsroom equipped with the latest hardware and software used by the press
• Work as an editorial team with other students to produce magazines, newspapers and Web articles to deadline
• Have the chance to take exams that lead to the industry-recognised National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Diploma in Journalism
• Learn from expert journalists who have experience working on international, national, regional and online publications
• Work through a programme that we've developed with input from experts working at The Sun and The Daily Mail, regional media groups such as Johnston Press, Newsquest and Trinity Mirror and national public relations agencies
• Get valuable experience and build industry contacts on a formal 10-day journalism-based work placement as part of your study
• Have the opportunity to do further work placements throughout your degree, including a 1-year placement
• Take shorthand training – you'll aim to reach writing speeds of 100 words per minute
• Expand your network by meeting visiting professionals from industry bodies such as The Daily Mail, Dream Team FC, The Times, Novara Media, Sky News and the Cabinet Office

Careers and opportunities

Having a Journalism degree and NCTJ Diploma in Journalism gives you many career options.

What can you do with a Journalism degree?

Previous students have gone on to work in areas such as:

• national, regional and local newspapers
• magazines
• radio and television stations
• online publications
• public relations
• corporate communications and marketing
• digital marketing and social media.