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Journalism BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Two students standing in front of a filming camera emulating a tv studio

Curious about people and the world? Develop the skills needed for a career in journalism, with a focus on in-depth research, critical thinking and storytelling that makes an impact.

Year of entry

2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

PP53

Start date

September 2026

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Download a prospectus

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Course overview

Gain extensive hands-on experience in industry-standard TV and radio studios, learning from expert practitioners and guest speakers. Develop top-level news and social media writing, supported by opportunities for industry placements.²

Specialist journalism: this course has a predominantly broadcast, web and social media focus with opportunities to specialise in an area you are passionate about.
Career-focused skills: develop strong written and verbal communication skills, including news writing and broadcast presentation.
Applied learning: get practical experience with broadcasting, social media and digital journalism tools.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Specialised facilities: access to professional standard TV and radio studios, wireless newsrooms, podcast booths and video editing suites, as well as the Media Loan Service for borrowing cameras and other portable recording equipment. These can help you develop the skills and techniques employers need.⁴
Content portfolio: build a portfolio of varied stories and other media material, right from your first year, with many involving interactions with external sources and collaborators to help improve your employment prospects.
Global reach: take part in collaborative projects with other media students internally, nationally and globally - enhancing creativity, skills and employability.
Choose your path: optional year-long work placement or study abroad on top of short placements, boosting real-world experience and career readiness.² Previous students have secured work experience and employment at Sky, BBC, ITV, Coventry City FC, Heat magazine and The New York Times among others.
Develop highly valued skills: reflecting the changing and dynamic needs of industry, including exceptional communication, project planning, critical thinking and analysis, problem-solving and powerful presentation and listening skills.

3rd

Coventry University ranked No.3 for Journalism

Guardian University Guide 2025

Accreditation and professional recognition

Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)

This course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council for the 2025/26 intake and is seeking reaccreditation for 26/27 intakes. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process. The BJTC ensure all their accredited courses provide the knowledge and skills sought after by some of the UK's biggest media employers. If you graduate from a BJTC accredited course, you will receive a Journalism Skills Certificate. Please see the BJTC website for details. If there are any changes to the accreditation of this course, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.¹

Why study Journalism BA (Hons) at Coventry University?

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 Communications BA (Hons)

Modules

Multiplatform Skills in the Digital Age – 30 credits

Gain hands-on experience using specialist audio, video and online technologies. Learn how stories are told and how news is gathered, analyse and produce media content and assess sources to learn how narratives shape public discourse and engage communities. You will have the opportunity to apply skills to real-world projects that support the UN's sustainability goals.

Compulsory

The Power to Influence: Media and Responsibility – 30 credits

This module explores unseen local and global forces shaping news, media content and landscapes. It investigates how these influence public opinion and behaviour alongside cultural trends, narratives and political discourses. By examining the intersection of media, technology, law and ethics, you should understand the mechanics of media influence in contemporary society through a hands-on project.

Compulsory

Creating Stories: Narratives and Communities – 30 credits

Develop your storytelling skills across various platforms, with a focus on creating news and communications content tailored to specific audiences. You will have the opportunity to explore the themes and issues affecting diverse communities through the development of practical media projects, while exploring how societal narratives around diversity and cultural identity are shaped. Learn to craft meaningful, audience-driven content that reflects real-world issues.

Compulsory

Digital Tribes: Understanding Audiences – 30 credits

This module explores active online communities, both local and global, and examines how digital tribes form, interact and influence culture. It gives you the opportunity to understand digital audiences, online engagement, and influencer cultures within a media landscape increasingly shaped by personalisation and user-driven content. You will be introduced to media audience research methods as you design and create a real-world project.

Compulsory

Modules

Chasing the Deadline: Newsrooms in Action – 30 credits

Create news bulletins and programmes to industry standard with this module which includes multiple news days. Take on differing roles and responsibilities each week, developing and advancing your practical skillset in news gathering, interviewing, writing, filming, editing and presenting for cross-platform content.

Compulsory

Being A Credible Journalist: Public Affairs, Law and Ethics – 30 credits

Gain a foundation in media law to help ensure you are legally compliant and ethical practitioners, ready for 21st century newsrooms and live environments. Attend working courtrooms and receive guidance on best practice, as well as creating reports shaped by your legal and ethical understanding.  Learn about the structures and functions of public bodies, particularly those in England and Wales.

Compulsory

Networking, Professionalism and Self-branding in the Media – 30 credits

Develop an understanding of how to grow your employability for successful agile working in the dynamic media industries. Through the development of key professional relationships and the investigation of career opportunities and industry trends, gain insight into building networks and understanding future career pathways across media, journalism and communications sectors, including freelancing and self-branding.

Compulsory

Entertainment and Lifestyle Journalism – 30 credits

Explore current debates around entertainment and lifestyle journalism’s role and practice, situating it within a broader context, including the disruption of the entertainment sector, the needs of different audiences and celebrity culture. Examine challenges related to access and embargoes, and explore how to overcome them as you create reviews, colour features, podcasts and social media content.

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 years 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.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

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

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

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

Modules

Running a Professional Newsroom - 30 credits

Enhance your newsroom skills with increasingly ambitious stories, treatments and convergent coverage. Live storytelling, complex sequences and detailed explainers are introduced in preparation for TV and social media news days. Develop your understanding of ‘news’ and news judgement as well as honing your production, filming and editing skills becoming progressively more creative and innovative.

Compulsory

Political and Investigative Journalism – 30 credits

Explore the current debates around political and investigative journalism, including socio-economic and political factors, impacts of globalisation, needs of different audiences and challenges of perceived bias. Gain practical experience of investigating and covering politics, including live reporting skills, political interviewing, cross-platform reporting and investigative process such as data journalism and freedom of information.

Compulsory

Diving Deep: Long-form Journalism and Innovation – 30 credits

Develop research skills and understanding of long-form production processes and innovative storytelling approaches. ‘Pitch’ an idea for a research-rich specialist feature or media output before working independently with regular specialist tutor feedback. The final output provides you with an opportunity to showcase depth and innovation.

Compulsory

Optional Modules

Choose one from the following two modules:

Sports Journalism - 30 credits
In the field of journalism where access, research, accuracy and ‘outperforming the pack’ are all essential, examine how to perfect all four. The art of the preview, live commentary, event/match reporting and source development are all studied, analysed and developed as you create a portfolio of specialist live and ‘deadlined’ outputs. 
Persuasion: Public Relations and Marketing – 30 credits
Explore key principles and techniques in public relations and marketing, with a focus on live briefs designed to create real-world impact. Critically examine how to shape public perception and drive engagement, from crisis communications and narrative management to building brand awareness. Further develop practical skills in content creation and campaign management.

Availability of optional modules may vary depending on student demand.

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

Teaching methods may include: 

simulations, including of covering court cases in a moot court
news days involving editorial teams, reflecting industry practice
lectures
seminars
workshops
demonstration of equipment use, including out of university buildings
field trips, including to nearby magistrate and crown courts.²

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course is assessed using methods that vary by module.

Assessment methods may include:

portfolio 
audio/radio stories 
video/tv stories 
online/web articles 
individual website 
social media posts 
court report 
audio essay or commentary 
video essay or commentary 
written reflective essay 
research report 
diary or log 
open book test (media law and ethics) 
employment material—CV, cover letter, skills audit etc 
networking material—calendar and contacts entries 
strategy pitch  
long-form journalism including documentary.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

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.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East 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 may 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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

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.

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 UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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.

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).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

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 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.

Two male students presenting in a TV studio to a camera in the foreground.

Television Studio

You’ll have access to our on-site television studio The Tank, offering specialist equipment such as large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre-optic wiring throughout.

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.

Exterior front of the Ellen Terry building.

Media Loan Shop

Our media loan shop provides you with access to the equipment and support you need to excel in your studies – from basic audio recorders to professional cameras and expert advice from our technicians.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

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Read more

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Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you should be a globally and interculturally aware graduate ready to make a dynamic difference in the world.

Possible roles:

Reporter/Journalist (eg at Coventry Live, Nub News, Waltham Forest Echo)
Data journalist (eg at The Times and Sunday Times, Radar AI, Finder)
Video journalist (eg at Caters Media Group)
Sports writer/Producer (eg at Match, World Soccer, Dub Sports)
Lifestyle reporter (eg at Jam Press)
Assistant editor (eg at ITV News)
Editor/Sub-editor (eg Nub News)
Broadcast assistant (eg at BBC, Reprezent)
Presenter (eg at ITV News, Phoenix Radio, Caters Media Group)
Assistant podcast producer (eg at OG Podcasts)
Broadcast producer (eg at Sky News, ITV News)
Journalism co-ordinator (eg at BBC West Midlands)
Content writer/producer (eg at KG Perazim, CarryBags UK)
Audience writer (eg at Daily Express)
Social media executive/manager (eg at BBC, Striker & Radar Podcast)
Public relations officer/manager
Press / Communications officer/manager (eg at LID Publishing)
Corporate Communications officer/manager
Digital Communications officer (eg at The London Mayor’s Office)
Internal Communication executive (eg at Pinewood Automotive Intelligence)
Crisis communications consultant
Speechwriter
Media analyst/monitor
Policy writer/analyst
Documentary maker
Media entrepreneur
Freelance reporter/writer/photographer/producer (eg with BBC CWR, BBC News, ITV News).

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of the course have gone on to work for a range of broadcasters, newspapers, magazines and online outlets, including the BBC, Sky Sports, ITV, 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.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CASU015

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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, partnerships and memberships

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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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 UK (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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. 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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