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.

Take a 360 tour of our facilities.

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.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Journalism Studies (20 credits) – This module provides a theoretical and practical introduction to studying journalism. You will develop news literacy skills and critical habits of news engagement, making you aware of the characteristics and qualities of different kinds of news output. You will be introduced to academic research that explores the different factors that shape the work of journalists and the production of news. By the end of the module, you will have learnt how to critically reflect on the consequences of these factors in relation to key concepts such as news agendas, impartiality, and diversity.

Introduction to Journalism Skills (20 credits) – You’ll look at how journalists across a range of platforms find stories and use writing, interviewing, research and storytelling techniques. You'll develop your ability to research, retrieve and generate information through understanding news output and the newsgathering decisions made by broadcasters, while gaining skills in critical analysis, research and communication, through the emphasis on a news specialism. You’ll also learn about how newsrooms work and some of the roles involved in producing news content.

Introduction to Journalism Production (20 credits) – This module introduces journalism production. You'll learn how to plan and produce reports as an audio, digital and video journalist – including camera skills, sound recording, editing, online publishing and post-production methods – and develop an understanding of the key production roles within a TV news studio.

Introduction to Media and Communication Research (20 credits) – This module introduces the basic building blocks of media and communication research in order to support the reading, writing and research skills you'll require during your time in the School of Media and Communication. Highlighting the links between fundamental academic skills and research practice, the module allows you to explore how media and communication is studied, and how skills developed for a media and communication degree relate to both scholarly practice and media practice.

Journalism, Politics and Society (20 credits) – This module aims to develop your understanding of the role of journalism in society through an introduction to the main theoretical approaches to the academic study of journalism. In addition, the module provides you with knowledge of the UK’s political institutions and systems of governance which is essential to journalism. By developing an understanding of the relationship between the news media, politics and the public, you'll be equipped with the necessary theoretical basis to critically engage in debates about journalism and its role in the democratic process.

Introduction to Media Law and Regulation (20 credits) – This module introduces you to key concepts in media law and the way in which journalists report within legal and regulatory constraints. It also provides you with further practice in news production – researching and reporting stories which have a legal or ethical dimension. During the module, you'll attend a law court to observe the legal system in action.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Investigative Journalism (20 credits) – In this module you will further develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of journalism; the ability to find, research and develop a story that is then told within a coherent and engaging narrative. You’ll examine different newsgathering skills that journalists use – covering topics such as finding and verifying sources, making Freedom of Information requests, data journalism and utilising new technologies. You’ll also consider some of the ethical and moral concerns faced by journalists working on news stories, such as duty of care and vicarious trauma.

Digital Journalism (20 credits) – This module prepares you for the challenges of digital news production in a professional environment, exploring how journalism is shaped by the larger digital media environment, as well as the ways that journalists can take advantages of new technologies to produce new forms of journalism. You'll produce multimedia and interactive webpages, live blogs, digital short videos, social cards and other appropriate story formats. You'll understand the ways that different journalistic goals such as professionalism, objectivity, and speaking truth to power are refracted by larger digital media developments.

Broadcast Journalism Practice (20 credits) – In this module you’ll build on your audio and video skills and prepare for work in today’s broadcasting industry. You will learn how to make TV and radio, using a range of styles and formats, reflecting contemporary professional practice. You'll see your journalism through from the initial idea to research and development, production and then on screen and on the airwaves. This is then put into practice during news days; simulations of a professional journalism environment based in a newsroom, studio and gallery.

Issues in Journalism (20 credits) – This module explores the role and place of journalism in society. In so doing, it introduces you to the sociological analysis of journalism as a societal practice while examining key perspectives and theories that helps us understand its role. These theoretical approaches include but will not be limited to functionalist, structuralism and Marxist analysis, as well as other topics such as gender. The aim is to offer you a holistic and comprehensive understanding of journalism in the context of society.

Journalism Ethics (20 credits) – Contemporary journalism demands clear personal ethical standards, along with understanding of the journalism industry and research into its potential harms. This module is intended to encourage intellectual engagement with journalism research and critique, and provide an opportunity for critical reflection on journalism with reference to its ethical challenges. The module includes a range of perspectives and experiences from staff in SMC with experience in journalism; a workshop session allows you to apply theoretical knowledge of ethical problem-solving to real world problems.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Digital Cultures (20 credits) – This module explores the interactive leisure forms and practices that are based on, emerge from, and ask questions about, digital technologies. It explores a range of themes and issues that relate to digital cultures, as well as looking at a range of digital cultures and the technologies and social contexts that facilitate the emergence of these cultures. You'll develop an understanding of the political, economic, social and technical contexts from which digital cultures have emerged.

Communication Research Methods (20 credits) – This module introduces you to key research perspectives and methods in media and communication and to the principles of research ethics. It combines lectures, required readings, practical exercises in seminars to build skills, and assessments that promote reflection on the research process and the value of different research methods.

Media, Power and Social Justice (20 credits) – This module examines key topics and scholarly debates regarding media, power, and social justice, adopting an approach founded in critical theories and perspectives. It offers a thorough examination of key contributions of the Frankfurt School, such as Adorno and Horkheimer’s ‘culture industry’ thesis and the work of Walter Benjamin, and also considers alternative analytic frameworks that foreground social justice issues, such as intersectionality and the ‘capability approach’. Media examples from film, popular music, advertising, television, and/or digital media will be used to critically examine the power of media and roles they assume in culture and society, taking into consideration the implications for social justice.

Year 3

Live News Production (20 credits) – This module allows you to analyse news broadcast genres and gain production expertise in multimedia news output. You'll develop the skills to produce news programmes in a multimedia communications environment, and engage in the legal, ethical, and governance framework of multi news output. You'll also analyse the creative and editorial process required for the production of multimedia news, including the role of audience participation, viewer response and User Generated Content.

In addition, students must choose one of the following two modules:

Journalism Individual Project Portfolio (40 credits) – This module allows students to refine the journalistic, practical and creative skills they have developed at levels 1 and 2 in the production of a long-form piece of journalism, with associated web content. Students will be required to frame the production of these artefacts in wider scholarly debate surrounding the production of radio or television news. Students will engage with critical debates concerning the responsibilities of programme makers, especially the specialist role of documentary producer. They will demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and demands of researching a news story and then producing a report that best exploits their chosen medium. They will be expected to demonstrate advanced creative and technical skills in the production of a current affairs TV report or an extended radio documentary feature. Students will be expected to work independently, under supervision, to demonstrate effective self-management and decision-making when operating autonomously in the planning and execution of a long-form creative project.

OR

Communication Dissertation (40 credits) – This module provides you with an opportunity to undertake an independent research project and produce a dissertation on a topic of your own choice under the guidance of a supervisor. Lectures introduce you to the research design and structure of a dissertation, including how to develop a research question, how to produce and organise a literature review, how to choose and apply a research method, how to analyse data, and how to present findings and arguments. You will receive individual tutorial support from an academic supervisor, but the emphasis is on independent study.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

International Communication (20 credits) – This module explores the role of media and communication in the context(s) of globalization, with a special emphasis on the political and cultural implications of contemporary international/global communication practices and products. The module offers both a traditional 'international communications' approach to the study and critique of media and a more contemporary take on the role of other forms of communication (eg design, branding, visual imagery and/or urban environments) in 'global communication'. As well as studying theories, examples and cases, you'll develop your own original analytical and research work on specific dimensions of international/global communication.

The Reporting of Politics (20 credits) – This module will help provide an understanding of the way politics is reported on television, radio, the print media and Internet. The module will introduce students to the sociology of journalism and explore the relationship between journalists and politicians and the impact of this on political reporting. Students will examine the current public perception of politicians, the apparent disengagement of the electorate, the global nature of political activity, and the role of the media in the political process.

Understanding the Audience (20 credits) – This module introduces you to the main approaches to understanding the relationship between audiences/users and media. You'll consider the development of the concept audience, exploring empirical research and theoretical arguments from a range of perspectives including how scholars have conceptualised the audience, how media industries view the audience, as well as addressing contemporary debates about the usefulness of the category ‘audience’ in the contemporary media context.

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.

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

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

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 around four weeks 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.