Journalism BA

Course overview

This course gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on production experience to pursue an exciting career in the multimedia world of journalism and related sectors.

Taught by staff with academic expertise and professional experience, you’ll develop journalism skills and receive training in TV, radio and digital production – all alongside theoretical study.

You’ll learn how to spot and investigate a news story, then write, produce and edit your own work across different platforms in our industry-standard studios, editing rooms and media suites.

You’ll explore ethical issues, the role of journalism in society, and choose modules on topics ranging from documentary to citizen media.

We will encourage you to develop links with the media industry, with opportunities to meet and learn from a range of professionals throughout your course. Recent guest speakers have included experts from the BBC, Channel 4, commercial radio and the independent sector. You’ll also have options to take a work placement, year in industry or year abroad to gain experience and put your skills into practice. You can also get involved in Leeds University Union’s (LUU) award-winning student media societies.

Professional-standard facilities

The School of Media and Communication offers excellent facilities and technical support for developing your production skills and creativity. We have a range of industry-standard workspaces such as a podcasting studio, two TV studios with green screen and a broadcast-quality radio studio. You’ll use these facilities to complete individual journalism assignments and when working collaboratively during ‘newsday’ simulations of industry practice.

You’ll be provided with your own mobile journalism kit, to enable independent news gathering in a way that mirrors professional working practices. In your classes you will learn how to use state-of-the-art video cameras, microphones and lighting. We provide a loans service where you can borrow this kit to allow you to practice and complete your assignments. You’ll also have full use of our editing suites, using industry-standard software.

In addition to leading library facilities of the University, you'll have access to breakout rooms within the School to support your research-based study. We also have a student common room, especially for students studying in the School of Media and Communication.

Course details

This unique BA Journalism course will move you through theory, skills and production toward the pursuit of an exciting career in the increasingly global and digital journalism industries.

In your first year, you will explore the fundamentals of journalism study and practice. You will learn how to find and research a news story and develop the personal and communication skills to stand out in a fast-paced world of media and journalism. You will learn the basic building blocks to begin producing your own journalism for audio, video and digital platforms. You will discuss the place of news and journalism in society, develop your news literacy and gain an understanding of the laws and regulations governing the media.

In your second year, you will build on this knowledge, where you will extend and specialise through real world briefs, collaboration, industry challenges and by expanding your networks. You will learn how to investigate and develop a story using investigative journalism techniques such as data journalism, freedom of information requests and working with case studies. You will write, produce and edit your own stories in our industry-standard studios, editing rooms and media suites. You'll practice these skills in a simulated newsroom environment during 'newsdays'.

You will develop your critical thinking through research informed teaching from leading international researchers. This includes the exploration of ethical and global issues, the role of journalism in society, law and regulation. You can also specialise in areas of media study and practice by choosing options in years two and three from within the School of Media and Communication or beyond.

In your final year of study, you synthesise your knowledge, critical thinking and professional skills with either a major research project (Dissertation) or a piece of practice-based research work (Project and mini-dissertation) in the field.

Production and industry are integrated into this course throughout, and you’ll also have the option of a work placement to gain experience and put your skills into practice. We encourage you to expand your academic and professional horizons with the option to work in industry or study abroad for a year, turning your programme into a four-year experience.

The BA Journalism course in the School of Media and Communication at Leeds is dynamic, forward-thinking and well regarded, and embedded in a thriving research culture.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Journalism BA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 3 compulsory modules

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

In addition to compulsory and optional modules, you can replace up to 20 credits per year with discovery modules in year 2 and year 3 which are designed to give you the opportunity to step outside your main programme of study and explore other interests. They are an excellent opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability. You can choose to take a discovery module which develops a specific skill (e.g., marketing skills) or which allows you to pursue a personal interest (e.g., politics).

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn under the guidance of professional broadcasters and academic researchers, using a range of teaching and learning methods, including practical workshops, demonstrations, lectures, seminars, tutorials and guest speakers from industry. Newsdays are an important element of your practical training. You’ll work in teams, taking on different roles as part of a radio, TV or multimedia production team – you could be a roving reporter, editor, producer or another role. You’ll put together your own TV programme, radio broadcast or online page reporting real life events.

In addition, you’ll have a reading list for each module and all learning materials will be provided for you. Independent study and research are a crucial part of the degree, allowing you to develop your own ideas and understanding. Your tutors will be available during their office hours to discuss any issues or questions that arise. On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors and by industry professionals with years of experience.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods that enable you to demonstrate your digital and broadcast journalism skills, as well as your knowledge of key concepts in media.

This will include practical production coursework aligned with current industry routines such as the creation of multimedia online news stories, native content for social media, podcasts, news bulletins for broadcast and the opportunity to make a mini-documentary for radio or TV.

In research-based modules, your new ideas around issues in journalism will be assessed through for example essays, reflective writing, proposals, reports and presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including one arts, humanities or social science subject. Excluding general studies and critical thinking.

Other course specific tests:

If you’re taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) you may receive an alternative offer alongside a standard offer. In this case, the typical offer would be ABB plus grade A in the EPQ.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year

This course is designed for students whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university (also known as widening participation backgrounds) and who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree.

The course will give you the opportunity to be taught by academic staff and provides intensive support to enable your development of academic skills and knowledge. On successful completion of your foundation year, you will progress to your chosen degree course. Find out more about the Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

International

Find your country to see equivalent international qualifications.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

Applying

Read our guidance about applying.

This course is taught by

School of Media and Communication

Contact us

School of Media and Communication Undergraduate Admissions

Email: mediaug@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

This course is designed to equip you with the skills you’ll need to thrive as a media professional, building up a portfolio of work that will include social media content creation, online news publishing and TV and radio production.

You’ll also gain a wide range of valuable knowledge and skills to help you become an expert in journalism and the media who stands out from the crowd. Our students consistently find employment in professional roles within eighteen months of graduation, with a majority going on to work in media organisations.

Our graduates can be found working in news and sport for prestigious broadcasters like Sky, ITV, the BBC, Channel 4, CNN and others. Some work overseas, from Channel 4’s offices in Washington DC to covering stories around the world for Reuters and other news agencies. They get jobs as researchers, reporters, producers, presenters and digital content creators. Many use the communication and digital production skills they have gained to take jobs in related media fields, such as social media marketing, PR for large corporations and media relations. Others have gone into politics, working for the civil service, parliamentary bodies or MPs.

Careers support

Within the School, we offer opportunities for you to attend talks and workshops led by industry professionals to help you gain insight into a career in journalism.

Find out more about careers and employability at the School of Media and Communication.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

If you don’t want to spend a full year on a placement, you can still choose to take the optional placement module, which gives you the chance to spend a shorter period working at a company or organisation within media or a related industries. We have excellent links with the local, regional and national creative and media industries, ensuring that you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience that complements your learning.