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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 06 Oct 2023

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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?

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.

What Journalism degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Journalism degrees on offer in the UK include:

Several options include an integrated foundation year, year abroad or placement year 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)

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

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants so 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 around £21,000. 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.

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: