Journalism BA(Hons)

Course structure

All of our journalism courses have three main strands – two shared and one distinctive.

• Core journalism study (newswriting, law, shorthand, public administration, digital journalism, multimedia).
  
  
• A work placement, research methods module and dissertation.
  
  
• Option modules and applied subject modules, which allow you to specialise in an area of particular interest.

On top of these core elements, you learn skills in digital and multimedia journalism, which are becoming increasingly central to industry practice. You also take a work placement in the final year so you can experience a professional journalistic environment.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, we will inform you of any improvements or innovations to the curriculum through our admissions portal.

Find out all the latest  news on our courses, students, staff and research.

Year 1 

You will be introduced to journalism and the news industry, and develop practical skills for written and audio-visual journalism. You are expected to reach a shorthand speed of 60 words per minute, and study the workings of local and central government. You develop a critical understanding of key debates about media in society.

Modules

• Introduction to Journalism
• News, Ethics and Shorthand
• Public Administration for Journalists
• Multimedia Journalism
• Introduction to Journalism Studies
• Power and the Public Sphere

Year 2 

You'll be encouraged to follow your own interests as you develop a portfolio of work for publication online. You are expected to reach a shorthand speed of 100wpm, write and research local news stories, learn to design printed pages, and become familiar with media law. In addition, you study social sciences research methods, and can choose from a range of options available at the Eastbourne campus.

Modules

• Journalism in Practice
• Advanced News Journalism and Shorthand
• Media Law
• Digital Journalism
• Investigative Journalism and Critical Context

Final year 

The climax of the course is the Critical Investigation: a lengthy piece of investigative journalism, developed in one-on-one tutorials over the whole year, with an accompanying essay. You'll be supported to complete a two-week placement in industry, and pursue your own interests and talents with specialist options including broadcast, magazine and sport journalism.

Modules 

• Critical Investigation
• Journalism Work Placement

Options*

• Cross-platform Journalism
• Magazine Journalism
• Advanced Sport journalism
• Entrepreneurship for Journalists
• Public Relations
• Arts Journalism

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Overtime: Online student magazine

Overtime is run and produced by our journalism students. Originally developed with a focus on sports, Overtime now includes includes arts, current affairs and more. Check out the website, Overtime.

Students also produce a 24-page magazine each year as part of their course, which is offered in print and digitally.

What can I do on Overtime?
You can get involved in subediting, choosing pictures, writing headlines and uploading material. You can also learn to produce video and audio for the site, and develop your multimedia skills.

How will Overtime help me?
The work you produce is an excellent showcase for potential employers. Plus, practice makes perfect – the more you write, the better you get, and Overtime gives you the chance to hone your skills throughout your degree.

International equivalencies

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Fees

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2019–20.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

What's included in the fee?

When costs such as health or DBS checks, or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Eastbourne campus map