Birmingham City University United Kingdom

Journalism - BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Journalism at Birmingham City University equips you to navigate and contribute to the dynamic world of modern media. You will develop the essential skills and critical understanding needed to become an agile, independent reporter, capable of telling diverse stories across multiple platforms. This degree is ideal for aspiring journalists who are passionate about uncovering truth, understanding the democratic role of journalism, and engaging with contemporary issues. You will learn to work entrepreneurially and innovatively, preparing you for the evolving demands of the news industry.

This full-time, on-campus course, typically completed over three years, offers a blend of practical training and theoretical insight. You will engage in hands-on activities like live reporting and workshops, honing your digital reporting and journalism techniques. With opportunities for practical reporting, media law in practice, and optional placements or live projects, you will gain real-world experience. You will graduate with a strong portfolio and the adaptability to pursue diverse career paths in broadcast, print, and digital journalism, or further academic study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Journalism program equips students with essential skills in understanding media, industries, and audiences, alongside practical reporting and digital storytelling techniques. The curriculum progresses through foundational first-year modules to advanced reporting and a major project in the final year, with opportunities for specialization through a wide range of optional modules. Students can also undertake a professional placement year to gain valuable industry experience.

1 First Year

Understanding Media Texts, Industries and Audiences Compulsory
Investigating Media Texts, Industries and Audiences Compulsory
Telling Stories with Journalism Compulsory
Digital Reporting Compulsory
Journalism Techniques Compulsory
Community and Industry Collaboration Compulsory

2 Second Year

Journalism in Context Compulsory
Media Law in Practice Compulsory
Practical Reporting Compulsory
Work Placement Compulsory
Live Project Compulsory
Collaborative Practice Compulsory
Bi-Media Drama Optional
Comedy in the Media and Popular Culture Optional
Fandoms and Subcultures Optional
Photojournalism Optional
Television Studio Optional
Creating Compelling Content Optional
Digital Storytelling Optional
Radio Documentary and Podcast Production Optional
Commercial Photography Optional
Emotion, Media and Culture Optional
Media and Environment Optional
Television From Small Screens to Smart Screens Optional
Graphic Design Optional
PR Campaign Planning Optional
Disruptive Publishing Optional
Exploring PR, social media and influencers Optional
Live Music and Media Optional
Live Radio Production Optional

3 Professional Placement Year (optional)

Professional Placement Optional

4 Final Year

Advanced Reporting Compulsory
Major Project Preparation Compulsory
Major Project - Dissertation Core-Option
Major Project - Hybrid Core-Option
Major Project - Production Core-Option
Media Activism Optional
Understanding Social Media: Practices, Cultures and Debates Optional
Digital Futures Optional
Creative Camera Optional
Radio Station Optional
Audio Drama and Podcast Writing Optional
Audience and User Experience Optional
Gender, Sexuality and the Body Optional
Race, Media and Culture Optional
Popular Music Narratives Optional
Media Production Company Optional
Communication in Action Optional
Feature Writing for News Media Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

16% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,076.00 USD 25,101.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,101.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 71,278.00 USD 75,303.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 607.00 - USD 1,191.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 3,222.00
Utilities & Bills USD 4,028.00 - USD 5,034.00
Estimated Total USD 8,056.00 - USD 11,278.00

Living cost estimates are based on Birmingham City Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Animation & Visual EffectsCreative Production & Project ManagementDigital MarketingDigital Media & Online PublishingFilm & Television ProductionJournalism & ReportingMuseums & Cultural HeritageSocial Media & Community ManagementSports & AthleticsTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Sky Group

YouTube

Why Study Journalism - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Moderate Application response time

Birmingham City University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Birmingham City University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Journalism - BA (Hons) at Birmingham City University

Can I work while studying?

International students enrolled in Degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

International students must meet specific English test requirements: TOEFL requires scores of at least 80 overall, with minimums in listening (18) and other areas. IELTS requires an overall score of 6.0, while PTE requires a score of 59 across all components.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as reporters, news editors, multimedia journalists, and content producers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course develops your skills as a versatile journalist across various platforms, focusing on live reporting and interviewing. You will also explore the democratic role of journalism in society and tackle important contemporary issues.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Journalism - BA (Hons) course starts in September each year. Be sure to apply ahead of this date to secure your place.
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