This course is designed for those looking to make a career in journalism, whether in newspapers, magazines, television, radio or online. The degree is highly practical – from day one you will learn to think and act like a journalist, supported by experienced academics and an extensive network of City graduates. City’s Journalism school is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe, if not the world, and alumni include Sophie Raworth (BBC), Dermot Murnaghan (Sky) and Faisal Islam (Channel 4).
Overview
Graduate view: Manleen
In this short video, Manleen (a BA 2012 Journalism graduate) tells us how her time at City opened her mind to new career possibilities, leading to her current job as a production co-ordinator for FIFA TV.
Also on YouTube:
Course overview
City's BA Journalism course is designed for those looking to break into journalism. You will receive a practical, hands-on education in print, broadcast and online journalism throughout the three years of the degree. You will also study other subjects essential to a successful career, including shorthand, media law and government.
City's Department of Journalism is widely regarded as a leader in its field. Our record of getting graduates into the best jobs in journalism is unrivalled. We enjoy close links with those working in the media, many of whom give student lectures and workshops. Our multimedia studios and newsrooms were opened in 2009 after a £12 million refit.
Entry Requirements:
360 UCAS tariff points. Typically gained from AAA at A-level. Other qualification combinations achieving 360 UCAS tariff points will be considered.
More...Course Fees:
- Full-time EU: £9,000
- Full-time Non EU: £12,000
Start Date:
23 September 2013
UCAS code:
P500
Entry Requirements
360 UCAS tariff points. Typically gained from AAA at A-level. Other qualification combinations achieving 360 UCAS tariff points will be considered.
Pre-requisites
You must also have GCSE grade C or equivalent in English language and maths or statistics.
Other Suitable Qualifications
We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications, particularly those with relevant work experience and/or an access or foundation qualification.
Undergraduate Preparatory Courses for International Students
If you do not qualify for direct entry, INTO City University London offers an International Foundation Programme. This course offers a route to City University London through an excellent teaching and learning experience located in purpose built study facilities. Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme at INTO City University London to the standard required provides guaranteed progression to this degree.
English Requirements
- IELTS 7.0
INTO English language programmes
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.Please click the links below for more information:
Visa Requirements
City University London retains Highly Trusted Status from UKBA, enabling us to sponsor international students to study in the UK.
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than 6 months
- Students on courses of less than 6 months
- Students on a pre-sessional English Language course
For more information see our main Visa page.
When and Where
- Start Date:
- 23 September 2013
- Duration:
- Full-time – three years or four years (including an optional year abroad or professional placement)
Course Content
This course is aimed at the many students who have decided to make a career in journalism. It provides practical education and proficiency in print, broadcast and online journalism as well as relevant studies in humanities such as politics and the history of journalism.
As well as practical journalism, you will also study all the other subjects which are essential to a successful career, including media law and government. You will be able to choose between other courses including Teeline shorthand, international news and visual journalism.
Course Structure
Year 1
Core modules:- History of journalism
- Introduction to British media
- Introduction to journalism
- Politics and current affairs
- A foreign language
Year 2
Core modules: Three elective modules from:- Data journalism
- Humanitarian communication
- Political scandals and the media
- Shorthand
- Visual journalism
- A foreign language
Year 3
Core modules:- Advanced practical journalism: broadcast
- Advanced practical journalism: print/online
- Final year project
- Media law and ethics
- Activism, campaigning and the media
- Dissertation module
- International news
- Specialism (chosen from around 18 specialist areas of journalism ranging from health to music and finance to sport)
Read the full programme specification.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching
Journalism teaching has a practical emphasis. You will spend much of your time in small workshops learning skills such as reporting a speech, presenting a radio news broadcast, interviewing and preparing page layouts on screen. You will produce news and feature stories regularly. As professional work experience is the key to getting a job in journalism, you are expected to arrange a variety of placements during your degree and we advise on setting this up.Modules are taught through a combination of:
- lectures and seminars
- project work
- reporting assignments at outside bodies (such as courts, council meetings, press conferences, public meetings)
- timed assignments
- lectures by visiting speakers from various journalistic, political and campaigning backgrounds
- production of magazines/broadcast bulletins/websites
- independent study/research/library work
- work attachments (recorded and evaluated)
- freelance work
- production of portfolios of work
- presentations to seminars
- examinations and assignments under controlled conditions
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is weighted towards coursework, and coursework assignments are submitted weekly. Coursework is usually worth between 60 and 75 per cent of the overall module, and the examination worth 25 per cent, although this varies across modules. For the humanities courses such as politics and history, the assessment is split 50-50 between coursework and examination.Study Abroad
You have the option to spend your third year studying with one of our many foreign exchange partners in destinations including Canada, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, France, Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain.
It is also possible to spend a third year out doing placements or paid work in the journalism industry. Students who undertake the year out, thus completing a four-year degree, find it extremely useful, particularly for building experience and contacts.
Fees
- Full-time EU: £9,000
- Full-time Non EU: £12,000
Please note:
UK/EU students - The fees for UK/EU students rise each year by the rate of the cost of living in the UK and are set by the UK Government.
Non-EU international students - There is a small percentage increase, usually between 3% and 5%, each year on these fees.
Funding
For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.
Scholarships
New for 2013 entrants: Up to £2,000 cash each year for at least three years for students on this course. Read more here to see if you might qualify.Career Prospects
85 per cent of our 2011 Journalism graduates were in employment or further study six months after graduation, with two-thirds of those in professional or managerial positions (Unistats).
Read more about graduate prospects and our notable alumni.
Alumni profile on i-D
Read a profile of 2011 BA Journalism graduate Georgia Lewis Anderson, "the face of online music platform SB.TV", in i-D magazine.
Interview with BA graduate Iona Craig
Iona Craig graduated from City's BA Journalism course in 2010. Here she talks about her career as a journalist in Yemen.
Find out how studying at City University London helps you to improve your job prospects.
Read an interview with Gary Argent (City's Director of Careers & Skills Development Service) about how undergraduates can improve their job prospects in today's workplace.
Find out more about City University London
Journalism
UCAS code: P500
Please apply through UCAS via their website. Please take care to enter the correct course code (P500) and institution code (C60).
When to apply
Your application for entry in September 2013 should arrive at UCAS between 1 September 2012 and 15 January 2013. Applications that arrive after 15 January 2013 will be considered at the University's discretion. When your application is acknowledged by UCAS, you will be sent a personal identification number so that you can access your records via the UCAS website.
Selection process
Your application is considered as a whole, but with a focus on three main areas:
- predicted grades for A level and also your previous academic achievements
- your academic reference
- the personal statement.
In your personal statement, we are looking for evidence of an interest in journalism and current affairs, and possibly some work experience in journalism.
Applicants who satisfy our criteria are likely to be invited for interview. Those whose circumstances mean they cannot attend may be interviewed by Skype or phone (eg. students living outside the UK).
You should expect to hear about the progress of your application within three weeks of application. However, on occasions we may request additional information from you. In these cases, processing the application may take slightly longer.
Enquiries
For enquiries about the admissions process, please contact Daniel Cox in City's Admissions Office.
T: +44 (0)20 7040 0223
E: ugadmissions@city.ac.uk