Study Journalism, why & how to study

Study Journalism if you want to pursue a creative communications career and gain NCTJ accreditation. Use our guide to see if the subject area is for you.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 15 Apr 2024

Bookmark article

What’s Journalism?
What Journalism degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Journalism degree?
What topics does a Journalism degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Journalism?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Journalism degree?
What do Journalism graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Journalism graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Journalism
Have any questions?

Looking for Clearing advice?

The Clearing concierge has the answers

FIND OUT MORE

What’s Journalism?

Journalism degrees equip you with the tools needed for a career in media, news, advertising or communication. You’ll learn all about radio, TV and digital production and use industry-standard facilities to develop your journalistic skills. As well as practical work, you’ll critically explore the role of journalism in our society.

Take a look at the university league table for Communication & Media Studies which includes Journalism.

What Journalism degrees can you study?

Journalism covers a wide field. You could explore the subject more generally, specialise in a particular aspect or combine it with a complimentary subject. Some examples of these opinion in the UK include:

Journalism BA

This course gives you the knowledge, skills and networks to pursue a career in the multimedia world of journalism. Explore ethical issues, the role of journalism in society, and choose modules on topics ranging from documentary to citizen media. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to spot and investigate a story, write, produce, and edit your piece of work.

Search for Journalism courses.

Fashion Journalism BA

Prepare for a career as a fashion journalist or stylist by specialising in this field. You'll develop essential skills such as catwalk reporting, editorial styling, studio photoshoots, street style photography, podcasting, social media stories and beauty and video journalism.

Find Fashion Journalism courses.

English and Journalism BA

English and journalism have long been a strong partnership. This course offers the chance to bring the former together with an up-to-the-minute, multimedia version of the latter, reflecting the demands of the modern media environment.

Explore English and Journalism courses.

Other options

You’ll also find Journalism on offer with various other subjects, such as modern languages, social sciences or humanities.

Course options may include an integrated foundation year, time studying abroad or professional placement as part of the course.

What do you need to get onto a Journalism degree?

Must have

Most undergraduate Journalism courses ask for around 104–136 UCAS points. This could include the qualifications below:

A Levels: AAB–BCC
BTECs: DDD–DMM
Scottish Highers: AABB–BBBB
IB: 28–35

Good to have

Studied English language, English literature, creative writing, media studies, modern languages, history or sociology at A Level or equivalent
Volunteered, shadowed or other work experience at a local newspaper or similar environment
A portfolio of your own writing - maybe for a magazine or school paper
Started your own blog or vlog

What topics does a Journalism degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

Digital media and culture
Photojournalism
News and ethics
Media law
Professional skills
Reporting
Smartphone journalism
Journalism

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:

Written essays
Close textual analysis
Presentations
Portfolios
Final-year dissertation or special investigation
Post-placement assessment

Why study Journalism?

Career-specific skills:

Research
Writing
Editing
Photography
Newspaper layout
Web design
Interpretation
Critical thinking
Evaluation

Transferable skills:

Interpersonal
Leadership
Teamwork
Flexibility
Communication
Time management

Professional accreditations:

National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
Professional Publishers Association (PPA)

GO TO
Read reasons to study Communication and Media Studies

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Journalism degree?

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants. It’s worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

What do Journalism graduates earn?

When starting as a graduate journalist, you can expect an entry-level salary of between £17,500 to £21,600. Some graduates start their careers in unpaid roles and internships.

The average salary for a journalist in the UK is around £33,500. Salaries can be higher than £80,000 for those in high-level positions in prestigious companies.

GO TO
See what students do and earn after graduation

What jobs can you get as a Journalism graduate?

Journalism graduates go into roles working for radios, newspapers, magazines, websites and other broadcast companies. Many journalists work for companies such as the BBC, Sky Sports, Channel 4, ITV and Reach plc. Examples of roles that graduates go into: