Journalism BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Two students standing in front of a filming camera emulating a tv studio

Journalism is a superb career for anyone with natural curiosity about people and the world around them.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

PP53

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Our course has been designed to offer professional insight and hands-on experience in industry standard TV and radio studios as we aim to provide you with top-level writing and social media skills.

  • You will get extensive time in our TV and Radio studios as well as learning from our team of industry practitioners. This is designed with the aim of you developing a wealth of transferable skills including self-confidence, excellent written and verbal communications and technical skills that can be applied in all areas of the communications industry.
  • As well as our team of industry practitioners you will also benefit from opportunities to hear from our Industry guest speakers, recent examples include a Channel 4 documentary producer/director, a BBC6 Music DJ, the diplomatic correspondent of The Times, a producer for Sky Sports, the head of Instagram and Snapchat for LADbible and a literary agent. (Subject to availability)
  • While you are with us, we will support you to find industry placements2, previous students have secured work experience and employment at Sky, the BBC, ITV, Coventry City football club, heat magazine and the New York Times amongst many others. 
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

If you have a passion for writing, producing or presenting and a nose for a story, this course will prepare you for a career in journalism and related areas. We will provide opportunities and benefits for you along the way: 

  • As this course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)1, we consider it to be a forward-looking degree offering a multi-platform approach to journalism to prepare you for this dynamic industry. It is supported by outstanding TV and radio studios, a wireless newsroom, camera hire, podcasting booths and video editing suites.
  • We also encourage you to get outside the classroom - we’ve previously taken past students to Amsterdam and New York, where we’ve produced live content and visited world-famous media companies, as well as carrying out projects in Spain, London, Cardiff and Bristol2 (trips in the UK and abroad are subject to availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees apply).
  • The course is designed to prepare you for an exciting and evolving environment that increasingly expects workers to display entrepreneurial innovation and respond to the emerging needs of both audiences and industry - while still offering traditional journalism opportunities. You will have opportunities to learn and work on projects with students from other courses in the School of Media and Performing Arts. These collaborative opportunities are a defining feature of your learning experience and place you in an advantageous position in developing your skills and employability on graduating.
  • Between your second and third years, you have the opportunity to either take a work placement for a year, or study abroad2.
  • Our previous graduates can be found working for Sky, the BBC and a range of newspapers and magazines, as well as careers beyond traditional journalism in digital fields such as social media management and content creation.

Accreditation and professional recognition

BJTC logo

Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)

This course is currently accredited by Broadcast Journalism Training Council for the 2023/24 entry. If there are any changes to the accreditation of this course, we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Coventry University has given me the skillset to competently enter the world of work in broadcasting. I chose Coventry due to the industry standard equipment and the experience the lecturers had in the industry. I enjoy the practical aspect of this course. It replicates a working news room in a realistic way and prepares you for this.

Trystan Finocchiaro, Journalism BA (Hons) student, 2022
A student stood in front of a film camera with a green screen behind

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). 

Common first year courses

  • Journalism BA (Hons)
  • Media and Communication BA (Hons)

In year one, you will learn foundational topics to provide a solid knowledge base for subsequent years. This will include learning subjects like creating media content, using different media platforms, and understanding how narratives are constructed, amongst others. 

Modules

  • In this module you will be introduced to a range of tools that will enable you to produce content for established and emerging media platforms. This module aims to develop a range of critical, technical and transferable skills, underpinned by an understanding of working practices common to many forms of media, and apply these to the production of a number of individual and collaborative projects.

    Compulsory

  • In this module you will critically explore who has the power to create media content, how meaning within global media has been constructed across different platforms and how it is understood in different ways by different audiences. It will enable you to critically engage with contemporary debates around media legislation, censorship, fake news and social media networked communities.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will work collaboratively on a range of practical communication projects using the idea of “creative play” to generate, refine and test out ideas for their impact on different audiences. You will explore how ideas for media content are created, developed, reflected, distorted and distributed across a range of written, broadcast, online and social media platforms.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your understanding of how narratives are constructed. Using a range of technologies in specialist spaces such as the TV and radio studios and podcasting booths you should learn how to write and produce for various media platforms using words, sound and pictures, within different genres and for a range of audiences.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will explore media audiences and how and why people engage with a range of different media platforms and digital environments. You will analyse how different global audiences use media and social media to create and sustain cultures and communities considering issues around citizen journalism, networked communities and fandom and audience and reception theory.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will work with students from other courses within the School of Media and Performing Arts to create some significant media output. Working to one of a series of set, real-world briefs, you will produce a collaborative project that enables you to produce work around your own interests as well as developing your own professional portfolio of work. The work from this module will be showcased in a public event.

    Compulsory

In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your: 

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen 

Modules

  • This module sets out to enhance your abilities to perform as a skilled journalist within a newsroom setting. The learning environment will recreate a working multi-platform newsroom, complete with live assignments and deadlines as you gather and report news. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in such a space: writing, shooting and recording material for outward-facing broadcast, as well as utilising social media.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides the tools to ensure that you are a legally compliant, and ethical practitioner. You will study key areas of reporting practice including contempt, defamation, freedom of information, data protection and copyright. You will attend a working courtroom and apply appropriate legal knowledge to producing multi-platform reports of proceedings.

    Compulsory

  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to experience as a working journalist and develop your professional networks. You work towards attaining at least 15 days (120 hours) of work placement under the supervision of a professional in industry to meet the requirements of the course’s BJTC accreditation. You will also learn about self-branding and managing yourself as a business in future freelance and entrepreneurial pathways.

    Compulsory

  • A student-led module, the focus will be on creating an environment of innovation and disruption that will encourage you to be open to experimentation with your ideas for storytelling in immersive and virtual spaces both individually and in groups. With a practice led approach you will use new technologies including 360, VR and Data Journalism to assess how they may help shape the future direction of journalism.

    Compulsory

  • This module helps you explore the ways in which communication can be employed to bring about specified outcomes. It looks at a wide range of communication management skills, theories and practices within both the private and public sectors. You will learn how strategies are used within past and current campaigns, within public, private, and non-governmental organizations and how these apply to ethics to the fields of journalism and media.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will work with students from courses across the School of Media and Performing Arts and / or with industry collaborators, external groups or organisations to respond to an issue in the local, national or global community in which they are located. You will work collaboratively with fellow students in defined roles that reflect industry practice in your area of study on projects that reflect the range of skills within the group.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. 

If you choose to do a work placement year or study abroad, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. 

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from Year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

You will have the opportunity to choose two optional modules out of ‘Sports Journalism’, ‘Campaigning and Activism’ and ‘Entertainment and Lifestyle Journalism’ to total 120 credits in your final year.

Modules

  • The learning environment in this module will recreate a working multi-platform newsroom, complete with live assignments and deadlines. You will work to produce multimedia material for outward-facing broadcast and social media platforms. Across a series of newsdays you will work to appropriately select stories and reporting methods, oversee reporting teams, act in an editing capacity and create a professional newsroom output.

    Compulsory

  • This module enables you to extend your storytelling skills and marry them with your technical competence to produce an original piece of in-depth journalism. The results of your investigation may be produced as a written article, documentary film or a mix of multi-platform and interdisciplinary technologies. You may, for example, seek to explore the role of data mining or AI tools in story development or the use of 360 film production or immersive technology.

    Compulsory

  • This module offers you an opportunity to gain substantial experience in one or more specific areas of study. You will choose a relevant topic to explore and will select the process and presentation most suited to your area of interest in agreement with your supervisor. Working individually or in groups you will reflect on your potential future professional/career path.

    Compulsory

  • Choose two from three:

    • Sports Journalism - 20 credits
      Sport is a growth area of employment for journalists with the Premier League and WPL being at the heart of that change. Alongside the global rise of e-sports, other sports also continue to gain more attention such as climbing and skateboarding as well as more traditional sports like netball. You will learn the art of live reporting, match reports and post-event interviews for a range of print, social media and broadcast platforms.
    • Campaigning and Activism - 20 credits
      This module option gives you the tools to explore the challenges and opportunities of campaigning journalism as well as to consider the professional ethical implications of the role of journalist as activist. You will analyse case studies to understand the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks in which you need to operate as you develop your own journalistic campaigns.
    • Entertainment and Lifestyle Journalism - 20 credits
      Celebrity culture and lifestyle content drive traffic to websites around the world. This module studies the growth of the celebrity and the rise of the influencer and the creation of multimedia content in areas of fashion, fitness and much more. It aims to prepare you for specialist production in entertainment and lifestyle journalism across all platforms.

    Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Based on a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical classes and one-to-one tutorials with teaching staff, we provide a focused approach to journalism which is underpinned by in-depth exploration of core traditional news-gathering, continuous production and experimentation in new and emerging forms of journalism.

We provide a real experience of working as a journalist and try to incorporate this into our teaching activities through our collaborations with organisations in Coventry and beyond. Previous opportunities have included collaborating with local news organisations, for instance covering the local elections for ITV2.

Our excellent industry links enable us to host an exciting programme of guest speakers who have previously covered topics such as documentary film-making, TV news production, reporting from war zones, branding and magazine journalism2.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10-12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. 

Assessment methods include:

  • Coursework
  • Tests 
  • Essays 
  • Practical or project work
  • Group work
  • Presentations

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements. 

International experience opportunities

Our course is designed to reflect the increasingly international context of journalism.

We aim to provide you with opportunities to engage with international students from at home and abroad. Coventry University is one of only two UK universities to have previously participated in the Pop-Up Newsroom 2018, a global cooperative project which brings together students from the UK, Netherlands, Bulgaria, India, the United States and Lebanon in a virtual newsroom to report on issues of global significance at a local level. Our past first and second year students have previously taken part with news days focusing on the refugee crisis and an international women’s day.

Previous second-year students also collaborated with students from 13 universities in seven different countries as part of the Global News Relay initiative, an international collaboration of college journalism, multimedia and public relations students which broadcasts news live across the world2.

The best thing about being a student at Coventry is the programmes for students, the diversity and the wealth of resources. The facilities on my course are amazing! The city of Coventry is growing and has a lot for students. 

Yasmine Summar, Journalism BA (Hons) student, 2022
entrance of coventry university library

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC
GCSE 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C including English
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 29 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with no component lower than 5.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our facilities4 help develop your practical talent so you feel prepared to enter the workplace and inspire your passion for journalism.

Our extensive specialist resources include a wireless suite of newsrooms, TV studio, video editing suite and radio studio.

Students using the filming facilities in The Tank.

The Tank

Is the latest addition to Coventry University, with state-of-the-art specialist TV Studio equipment, including large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre optic wiring throughout.

Phoenix radio logo

Phoenix Radio booth

Have you ever wanted to get into a radio booth, or learn how to work a mixing desk? The Students’ Union Phoenix Radio offers you the opportunity to hone your skills.

Faculty arts humanities new building illustration

Arts and Humanities Building

We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public, as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you should know how to:

  • Make great journalism, whether that’s for digital, broadcast, print or social media.
  • Understand how global journalism works and how it impacts society.
  • Feel prepared when applying for potential future job roles within the media industry and you should have improved networks in order to do so.

You should be able to:

  • Apply a breadth of journalism and communication skills and knowledge to professional situations.
  • Work creatively, sustainably and independently within professional situations, employing a range of journalism strategies and techniques.
  • Critically evaluate and analyse the broad range of factors that impinge upon professional and creative activities within journalism and the broader communications industry.
  • Demonstrate the ability to engage with diverse communities across a range of media platforms.
  • Identify and evaluate developing/emerging forms of journalism and communication.

We put employability at the centre of the course from the outset by preparing you for a potential future career in the media. The learning environment will recreate a working rolling news environment, with practical assignments and deadlines; it is purposefully designed to try and equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a professional multi-platform environment.

Where our graduates work

Recent graduates of the course have gone on to work for a range of broadcasters, newspapers, magazines and online outlets, including the BBC, Sky Sports, the Telegraph website and heat magazine. 

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Global Journalism and Public Relations MA or one of our other courses:

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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