BA Journalism

at University of Leicester

Year 1
First year modules are designed to enable you to develop key journalism skills and a sound understanding of the context of Journalism. The development of core journalistic skills in news-gathering, interviewing and features production are emphasised, alongside the development of understanding of the context, ethics and regulatory environment in which journalism operates.

 

Modules

• News Basics
• Introduction to Media and Communication (double module)
• Media Origins
• Introduction to Academic Skills
• Features Journalism
• Key Concepts in Journalism (double module)
• Journalism Ethics and Regulation
• Journalism Employability (incorporating The Leicester Award)

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 2
In your second year, you will apply the practical skills you developed in your first year across a range of different but connected journalism platforms, especially broadcasting and digital web-based journalism. You will also further develop your understanding of the context and background to journalism and learn how to do your own research into journalism. Option modules will allow you to start to pursue your own specialist interests through modules in Sport, Political Journalism, Magazines and Broadcast Journalism.

 

Core modules

• Broadcast Journalism 1
• Professionalism and Employment in the Media
• Journalism Studies
• Media and Communication Research in Practice (double module)

Option modules
Choose one option module from:

• The Production of News
• Political Communication

Then choose one option module from:

• Broadcast Journalism 2
• Magazine Journalism

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year Abroad or Year in Industry (optional)
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.

 

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.

 

Final year
The third year allows students to bring all previous study together to both produce a publication of your own consumer journalism, but also to investigate and area of journalism of your choice and produce an extended project in this area. In addition, optional modules allow students to continue to develop skills and knowledge in specialist areas of their choice, notably sport and political journalism.

 

Core modules

• Journalism Investigation (double module)
• Publishing Project 1
• Publishing Project 2

Option modules
Choose two option modules from:

• Media, Celebrity and Fan Culture
• Reporting Panics
• Political Journalism

Then choose two option modules from:

• Sports Journalism
• Financial Journalism
• Data Journalism
• Online Journalism: Theory and Practice
• Community Radio in Practice
• Writing for PR

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

• A/AS-levels: BBB. All subjects accepted. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level
• EPQ with A-levels: BBC + EPQ at grade B
• GCSE: English Language Grade C (4)
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction
• International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points overall.
• BTEC Nationals: Full Diploma with DDM

 

Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

 

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the department.

 

English Language Requirements
A very high standard of written and spoken English is required for this programme because significant amounts of assessment are based on practical work. Students concerned about this should seek advice, but students without good English language skills would be at a disadvantage and should not apply for this course.

 

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

 

International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

UK Students

Starting in 2022

• £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
• Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year
• Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year

 

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

International Students

Starting in 2022

• £17,500 per year
• Year Abroad: £4,375, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
• Year in Industry: £2,625, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

We run employability and media production modules as part of our curriculum – e.g. Journalism Employability, Broadcast Journalism, Multi-platform and Entrepreneurial Journalism, Journalism Placement, Community Radio in Practice.

 

Our students are encouraged to get involved in the student-run media on campus, including Galaxy - our student magazine, LUST - our student TV station, and LUSH Radio - our student radio station.

 

We organise external speaker events, industry visit days, career development training and other initiatives in collaboration with local and national media organisations, giving you valuable insights into the professional media world.

 

In addition, our departmental Careers Tutor can support and advise you on careers matters throughout your time with us.