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Journalism courses

Journalism today means having the skills to gather, write and present information across a variety of media platforms - newspapers and magazines, TV, radio, online and on social media. As well as writing and reporting, some courses include learning how to use production equipment (in university-based TV studios and radio stations), and industry-level computer software, such as for video editing. Some courses specialise in sport, fashion, music or magazine journalism.

Studying journalism at university

Example course modules

  • Data journalism
  • Introduction to public affairs
  • Editorial practice: multimedia journalism
  • Law and the media
  • Reporting UK local government
  • Magazine journalism
  • Audio journalism
  • Shorthand
  • Print production
  • Conflicting images: news and the media

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

12
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 53%
    Male : 47%
  • Mature : 13%
    School leaver : 87%
  • Full-time : 99%
    Part-time : 1%

What students say about journalism

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • No Specific Requirements

Useful to have

  • English
  • Media studies

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Journalism roles are very sought after, and competition fierce. It's not impossible to get into roles with a first degree – quite a few do - but they can often be insecure or on a freelance basis, and a lot of jobs in journalism go to postgraduates. Unpaid work is not the norm for new journalists, but it’s rather more common than for other roles. The skills you can gain from a journalism degree can be useful in a range of industries, and so grads from these courses can be found in a wide range of jobs. London tends to dominate the jobs market for journalism graduates, but 2012 graduates found opportunities elsewhere, particularly in the South East and North West.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Media professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Video editor
  • Advertising executive
  • Sub-editor

Other real-life job examples

  • Journalist
  • Web content manager
  • Arts officers

What employers like about this subject

A degree in journalism will help you acquire an understanding of the practice and business of journalism; skills in journalism across multiple platforms and using a range of media and training on law and ethics. Transferable skills you can gain from the study of journalism include communication skills, research, time management and self-motivation, and these skills are sought after by employers in newspapers, magazines, television and radio, advertising, marketing and PR, IT, education and the arts.