Program Overview

Introduction to the BA (Hons) Journalism Program

The BA (Hons) Journalism program at Birmingham City University is designed to prepare students for a career in journalism by providing them with the knowledge and cutting-edge skills required to be a professional journalist. This course will enable students to become adaptable journalists capable of working in innovative, engaging, and entrepreneurial ways.

Program Overview

The program is delivered by industry experts from broadcast, print, and digital media, providing a strong foundation for a professional career. Students will learn about the contexts in which journalism is produced, examining theoretical concepts and focusing on the current state and changing nature of journalism in the 21st century.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with the following modules:

• First Year: Understanding Media Texts, Industries and Audiences, Investigating Media Texts, Industries and Audiences, Telling Stories with Journalism, Digital Reporting, Journalism Techniques, and Community and Industry Collaboration.
• Second Year: Journalism in Context, Media Law in Practice, Practical Reporting, Work Placement, Live Project, and Collaborative Practice.
• Final Year: Advanced Reporting, Major Project Preparation, and a choice of optional modules, including Media Activism, Understanding Social Media, Digital Futures, Creative Camera, Radio Station, Audio Drama and Podcast Writing, Audience and User Experience, Gender, Sexuality and the Body, and Race, Media and Culture.

Optional Modules

Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• Bi-Media Drama
• Comedy in the Media and Popular Culture
• Fandoms and Subcultures
• Photojournalism
• Television Studio
• Creating Compelling Content
• Digital Storytelling
• Radio Documentary and Podcast Production
• Commercial Photography
• Emotion, Media and Culture
• Climate Change, Media Work, and You
• Television From Small Screens to Smart Screens
• Graphic Design
• PR Campaign Planning
• Digital Creators Lab: Media and Journalism
• Exploring PR, social media and influencers
• Live Music and Media
• Live Radio Production
• Feature Writing for News Media
• Media Production Company
• Communication in Action

Employability

The course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a career in journalism. Graduates have gone on to work for Sky, BBC, Reach Plc, ITV News, South West News Service, MKFM, Birmingham World, and the Express & Star.

Facilities and Staff

The university has state-of-the-art facilities, including a ｣62m fully-digital Media Centre, with four TV studios, six radio studios, and broadcast-standard edit suites. The course is taught by industry experts, including Dr. Rachel-Ann Charles, Dr. Ross Hawkes, Professor Diane Kemp, Dr. Trust Matsilele, Dr. Olufunmilayo Jinadu, and Paul Bradshaw.

Admission Criteria

The standard offer for the course is 112 UCAS Tariff points, with a range of qualifications accepted, including A Levels, BTEC, and Access to HE Diploma. International students are also welcome to apply, with an IELTS score of 6.0 required.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the course are ｣9,790 for UK students and ｣18,570 for international students, with a range of scholarships and financial support available.

Research Areas

The course covers a range of research areas, including journalism, media, and communication, with a focus on the latest industry trends and developments. Students will have the opportunity to engage in research projects and collaborate with industry professionals.