You might be thinking about studying journalism at university – but what is it really like and what will you learn? Here is everything you need to know!
What type of journalism course should I choose?
There is a degree course out there for every kind of journalism – sports, fashion, magazines, politics… However, your best bet is to go for a general journalism or multimedia journalism degree where you cover everything.
This will ensure you graduate with all the skills and knowledge you need while keeping your options open. You’ll have plenty of time to specialise afterwards!
It’s important to choose an NCTJ-accredited journalism degree. This means you would get a BA degree qualification and the industry-standard journalism qualification, saving you the hassle – and money – of doing a separate NCTJ course after you graduate.
Find out more about why the NCTJ is important here.
What is the application process like?
To study journalism at university in 2024, you apply via UCAS either individually or through your school or college.
As well as your predicted grades, a key part of your application will be your personal statement. Write about why you want to be a journalist, what kind of journalism you are passionate about, anyone who particularly inspires you and any work experience you’ve done.
You might also be invited for an informal interview so your chosen university can get to know you and your interests.
Find out how to write your personal statement here.
What journalism skills will I learn?
First and foremost, you will learn how to write news quickly and accurately – a key skill for anyone studying journalism.
Today’s journalism courses won’t just teach you traditional skills like news reporting and shorthand, but will also teach you how to write, produce, present, and edit film and radio packages to industry standard.
Our trainees had a tour of the BBC Radio 5 Live newsroom and studios at MediaCityUK!
They met several senior journalists, asked loads of questions and got to watch Naga Munchetty’s show from the programme’s gallery 🎥 🤩 pic.twitter.com/o7JLgJeyBX
— School of Journalism (@TheJournoSchool) November 29, 2023
Being a journalist in 2024 is all about embracing technology, finding stories everywhere from data to social media, and having a visual eye so you can lay out your work in print or make infographics for online.
At The School of Journalism we give you a free journalism toolkit to help you tell stories through a range of mediums. Find out more here.
What journalism topics will I explore?
As well as teaching you writing and multimedia skills, a journalism degree course will help you understand more about the world and a journalist’s role in it.
You will discuss and debate journalism ethics and you’ll be expected to always keep on the top of the news, reading newspapers and online publications, watching the news on TV and listening to the radio every day.
Throughout your studies you will get to meet, interview and network with many different people and organisations – journalism can often be about who you know, so it’s important to take as many opportunities to network as you can.
Find out what a School of Journalism trainee gets up to on an average day.
Will I get industry experience?
Every journalism degree will give you opportunities to do placements in the industry. Work experience is key for getting any kind of job but is especially vital for the competitive journalism job market.
You can’t learn journalism from a textbook, so the best way to develop your skills is by getting out there and doing it!
We offer each of our School of Journalism trainees a summer bursary of up to £1,000 every year of their degree to spend on journalism work experience or a journalism project!
Read how some of our trainees used their bursary in 2023 🙌 #StartedHerehttps://t.co/GA7nmsFEg9 pic.twitter.com/axjPOBzspT
— School of Journalism (@TheJournoSchool) January 22, 2024
Throughout your degree, you will also create a portfolio of all the work you’ve done, including written pieces, video, audio and social media. This is the best way to show your abilities and present to potential employers in interviews.
Every School of Journalism trainee can get up to £1,000 to do a paid placement or journalism project each summer. Find out more here.
Do I need to do a dissertation?
Just like in any other degree subject, you will be expected to write a dissertation at the end of your course on a journalism topic of your choice. Some courses will allow you to choose between a dissertation and a journalism project.
This will test your ability to do independent research into something that you’re passionate about and produce a larger piece of work to a professional standard.
Studying journalism is exciting, challenging, and the perfect chance to explore a huge range of stories and communities. If you’re curious about the world around you and love writing, editing and meeting new people, it might be the perfect degree for you.
Applications are now open to join The School of Journalism in 2024!
If you’re thinking about studying journalism and have any questions you can email us on [email protected] or call us on 0203 026 3781.
Here are the details you’ll need to apply for our BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism degree via UCAS:
- Course code: P500
- Institution code: P63
- Campus: London (L)
Read about why you should apply to The School of Journalism here.