Journalism, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

From the moment you start the programme you'll explore key concepts in journalism and build your journalistic skills. You'll examine the role of journalism and its relationship with politics in particular, while learning how to spot a story and developing key investigative techniques, alongside writing skills for different news media. You'll also be introduced to media and communication research.

In Year 2 core modules will focus on specialist aspects of TV, radio and digital news production, as well as introducing you to vital ethical issues in the field. You'll also choose from a range of optional modules focusing on topics that interest you, from PR to media policy and the role of technology in media and communications.

Across the first two years, you'll produce your own news output for radio, television and digital outlets, learning the production techniques required to create live blogs, social media-based journalism, mobile video and Snapchat news stories. Between Years 2 and 3, you'll spend three weeks gaining industry experience on a work placement where you'll put your skills and knowledge into practice.

In your final year, you'll move towards examining current affairs output. In addition, you'll gain a vital grounding in media law and select from optional modules on topics such as war and the media or documentary journalism. You'll also have the choice either to showcase your research skills with a dissertation, or to develop your own project portfolio - a chance to research and produce your own TV and radio documentaries on topics of your choice, discovering how to further develop your journalism for digital platforms. This could tackle a specialist area, such as sports or science journalism.

At the end of Year 1, you'll have the option to broaden your studies by switching to BA Journalism and Media. This course involves less compulsory practical training in Years 2 and 3, giving you more scope to explore topics across the fields of media and communication. You could continue with some journalism practice while taking modules in digital media, film, photography and media studies, as well as other disciplines across the University.

In your final year, you'll undertake an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice - although if you have chosen to take some practical modules you could also still complete a project portfolio.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  • Career opportunities

    This is a new course that builds on the success of our previous BA Broadcast Journalism. It's designed to equip you with the skills you'll need to thrive as a media professional today, from traditional newspapers to TV, radio and online news channels. You'll also gain a wide range of valuable knowledge and skills which can help you to stand out from the crowd in a variety of careers.

    Our graduates can be found working at Sky News and Sport, BBC News, BBC Sport, CNN and Channel 4 among others. Many work overseas, from Channel 4's offices in Washington D.C. to The Japan Times. Others have gone on into politics and the civil service, and a number have worked in the NNC's political unit at Westminster either for parliamentary bodies or MPs.

    What Do Our Graduates Do?

    Careers support

    Within the School, we also offer opportunities for you to enhance your learning and gain an insight into life as a media professional. We invite a wide range of industry experts to speak about their experiences at our Media Futures events, from documentary filmmakers to radio producers. Our annual Careers Day also allows you to meet and learn from professionals across the media and communications industries.

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    In line with BJTC requirements, you'll undertake a three-week placement in the broadcasting industry.

    You'll gain hands-on experience in a working newsroom - placements can range from working in daily radio, TV and online output to documentary production companies. You'll also have the chance to reflect on what you've learned from your experience: you'll write a blog during your time in the newsroom and a report on your experiences when you come back for your final year.