Journalism BA (Hons)

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course

If you have a passion for writing, producing, presenting or digital and a nose for a story, this course will prepare you for a career in journalism and relates areas. We will provide many opportunities and benefits for you along the way:

• Coventry University has been ranked 2nd in the UK for Journalism, Publishing and Public Relations in the Guardian University Guide 2021.
• As this course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)*, we consider it to be a forward-looking degree that aims to assess trends within the media environment by aiming to offer a multi-platform approach to journalism in order to try to better prepare you for this dynamic industry.
• We also encourage you to get outside the classroom - we’ve previously taken past students to Amsterdam and New York, where we’ve produced live content and visited world-famous media companies, as well as carrying out projects in Spain, London, Cardiff and Bristol (trips in the UK and abroad are subject to availability, meeting applicable VISA requirements and additional fees apply).
• The course is designed to prepare you for an exciting and evolving environment that increasingly expects workers to display entrepreneurial innovation and respond to the emerging needs of both audiences and industry - while still offering traditional journalism opportunities.
• Our previous graduates can be found working for Sky, the BBC and a range of newspapers and magazines, as well as careers beyond traditional journalism in digital fields such as social media management and content creation .
• Access our professional broadcast equipment via our dedicated Media Loan Shop and studios . (Subject to availability). Our extensive specialist resources include a wireless suite of newsrooms, TV studio, video editing suite and radio studio.
• We have links with employers nationally, including the BBC and Sky, and internationally in places as far afield as Europe, South Africa and the Falkland Islands , many of whom offer professional experience opportunities (subject to additional costs, application, availability and meeting applicable VISA requirements).

What you'll study

Year one
The first year is focused on the basics of journalism. You will explore how to write and edit news and feature stories, do digital storytelling and be introduced to skills like camerawork, video and audio editing. You will also use our radio and TV studios.

Modules

• Journalism Production and Storytelling 1 and 2 (80 credits)

• Journalism in Context (20 credits)

• Media Law in Practice (10 credits)

Year two
In addition to working in traditional journalism formats such as print, this course embraces the latest technologies, including 360-degree video, social media platforms and live blogs, to innovate your practice.

Modules

• Journalism and Society (20 credits)

• Journalism Production and Storytelling 3 (20 credits)

• Journalism in Practice (20 credits)

• Law and Ethics for Journalists (10 credits)

• Experimental Journalism Production and Storytelling 4 (20 credits)

Final year
In the third year, your studies culminate in either a final project or dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Past students have produced and directed documentaries, designed social media campaigns, developed web series for YouTube or examined media representation of various groups

You will also look at producing weekly live TV and radio shows in your production module and have the opportunity to choose an optional specialty, including topics like entertainment and lifestyle journalism or investigative journalism.

Modules

• Planning your Project (10 credits)

• Journalism Production and Storytelling 5 (40 credits)

• Final project OR Dissertation (40 credits)

• Optional modules (1 of the following):

  Entertainment and Lifestyle Journalism (20 credits)

  This module explores the current debates around journalistic practice within entertainment and lifestyle journalism. We explore: the disruption of the entertainment sector, the needs of different audiences, key concepts within the industry, and celebrity culture.

  Assessment: Portfolio

  Investigative Journalism and Political Reporting (20 credits)

  The module prepares you for political reporting and specialist investigative journalism across all platforms. This is while also developing your understanding of politics through the exploration of a broad range of themes and issues and investigative journalism in the current professional landscape.

  Assessment: Portfolio

  Longform Journalism (20 credits)

  The module prepares students for specialist production in longform journalism, particularly writing, but also across other platforms.

  Assessment: Portfolio

  Optional

Portfolio
You will be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.|
Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements
IELTS: 7.5 overall, with no component lower than  7.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.
 

International Fees
£18,050 per year

International Pathways 2022 Scholarship
You could enjoy a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees.
Our high-quality foundation, international year one and pre-masters courses are for international students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to their preferred Coventry University undergraduate or postgraduate course. We can support you to achieve the academic and/or English grades you need and help you gain the personal and professional skills required to study at university.

We want to encourage ambitious international students like you to study at Coventry University, so we’ve secured extra financial support for you worth £3,000, to help with the cost of tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation.

The scholarship application deadline is:
September 2022 intake: 31 July 2022

We put employability at the centre of the course from the outset by preparing you for a potential future career in the media. The learning environment will recreate a working rolling news environment, with practical assignments and deadlines; it is purposefully designed to try and equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a professional multi-platform environment.