Study a practical journalism degree, led by professional journalists who have worked for some of the UK’s biggest titles. Work closely with industry to learn the cutting-edge skills required to make your mark in the media. Become a journalist from the day you arrive and work for our award-winning radio station and websites, covering everything from news, to sport, fashion, arts and entertainment.
Overview
On BA (Hons) Journalism, you'll learn all the essential skills of journalism, producing content for a wide range of print and online platforms while working in our own newsroom under the guidance of staff who have worked for the likes of the Mirror, Grazia, Private Eye and many more. We'll teach you how to write and research news stories and feature articles; create video and interactive content; design newspaper, web and magazine pages; and become adept in using all the latest digital storytelling tools for websites and social media. You'll also study the development of journalism and its principles and ethics.
A key element of this course is the range of optional subjects you can take, among them modules in sports writing, fashion journalism, public relations, and investigative journalism. You’ll significantly boost your employability by graduating with both an honours degree and the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, which is the foremost industry qualification required by most employers in the media.
Why us?
- Our Journalism courses are 13th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2023)
- Learn from inspirational staff who have worked as senior journalists online, in print and on air
- This course is accredited by the National Council for Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The NCTJ diploma is an essential qualification for many journalism jobs. Learn more about the benefits of studying an NCTJ-accredited course.
- Network with and learn from a range of guest speakers who work in the industry
- Get published from day one in the mediaHUB, our bustling multimedia newsroom
- Our graduates now work at Sky News, The Guardian, the Daily Mirror, the BBC, Closer magazine and regional newspaper groups Reach, JPIMedia and Newsquest
Course structure
Teaching methods include lectures, news days, seminars, workshops and group projects. All our teaching staff have worked as journalists and have strong links with regional employers and industry organisations. We also invite experienced industry professionals to carry out regular guest lectures and classes.
Assessment is split between portfolios of practical work, essays, examinations, reports and presentations.
In the first year, we will introduce you to different types of journalism and give you an understanding of Media Law and the latest digital storytelling techniques – it’s a great chance to see what kind of journalism suits you best.
During the second and third years, you’ll study topics in more depth. You’ll experience our Newsroom in action, learn how to do newspaper, web and magazine design, try your hand at video, audio and social media journalism and develop your online skills in Advanced Digital Storytelling. You’ll also undertake a shorthand course free of charge. Throughout your study you can add to your skillset with optional modules.
In your final year, you will go on a placement at any kind of journalism or communications organisation and you’ll undertake a project – a large-scale piece of journalism which will add significantly to the portfolio of work you can present to prospective employers.
Part-time study
If you study this course on a part-time basis, you will typically complete 40-80 credits in a year, rather than the 120 credits of full-time students. All modules are taught during the day time and you will be studying alongside full-time students.
Facilities
The David Puttnam Media Centre is a thriving place to study and experience media. Volunteer with award winning radio station Spark Sunderland, write for one of our suite of websites or edit Spark Magazine in our mediaHUB. Get hands-on in TV and radio studios and digital editing suites. Learn from experts in this centre of excellence for training.
Career ready
This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, public relations and new media industries. It is also highly relevant to many positions in industry, commerce and the Civil Service, as well as to jobs in the arts and voluntary sectors.
Real-world experience – right on campus
You have the opportunity to be actively involved in Spark Sunderland, the 24/7 community radio station. Spark is award-winning and consistently recognised at the Student Radio Awards, Community Radio Awards and the prestigious New York Festival Radio Awards for many years. Students are responsible for all news-gathering, programme production and advertising.
Superb industry links
Be inspired by our academics and their strong industry contacts. Our experienced academics have years of industry expertise at high levels in print, online and broadcasting, including the BBC, Daily Mirror, Grazia, Private Eye and Sky.
Meet regional and national high-profile journalists such as Kevin Maguire, Associate Editor at the Daily Mirror and Visiting Professor in Journalism at the University, and Alastair Stewart, presenter at GB News and formerly ITV News. Both regularly visit the University, along with a host of experienced journalists to give insight into the industry via masterclasses and lectures.
Broaden your horizons with inspiring trips – recently, students have enjoyed visits to Dusseldorf and to MediaCityUK.
Work placements
You will undertake a work placement module in your final year, though many of our students arrange placements across three years.
Recent BA (Hons) Journalism student placements include the Guardian, The Daily Mirror and The Daily Mail. These placements are often the first step to a dream job in journalism.
Join award winners
Our students and graduates have been making a splash, winning awards and prizes across the board:
- BA (Hons) Journalism student Mariam Khattab won the 2020 NCTJ features category for her articles on the human rights of Muslims across the world
- Joe Nicholson won the Sports Journalism Award in 2019 for his portfolio of work
- Bethany Elsey, pictured, was shortlisted for Royal Television Society North East Student Award for Best Documentary
- Alice Winney won the Royal Television Society North East Student Award for News 2017 for her story about flooding in Corbridge
- BA (Hons) Journalism student Ryan Lim was shortlisted for Best Photographer in the National Student Publication Association (SPA) Awards 2017
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.