Journalism Studies BA

2024-25 entry
School of Journalism, Media and Communication

Practice journalism for real with your own patch in the city. Each day will present you with a new challenge: you could be on location filming for a breaking TV news story, heading to the courtroom to hunt down details of a criminal prosecution, or interviewing a sports star for an Instagram reel.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Two journalism students interviewing a member of the public, using a camera and mic

    Our students go on to specialise in areas such as TV news, sports reporting, political journalism or even PR and communications.

    Before you find your niche, you’ll learn and perfect the full range of skills you need as a contemporary media professional, including:

    • knowing the difference between 'good' and 'bad' journalism;
    • the ability to craft razor-sharp copy for a range of audiences;
    • practising within the bounds of media law and ethics;
    • and how to spot and tell great stories across all platforms, including print, television, radio, web and social media.

    You’ll get the chance to make contacts and learn on the job. Our long-standing connections in the media industry open up a huge range of placement opportunities at media organisations like the BBC, Press Association, Bloomberg and the Guardian.

    We also offer you the option to take a placement year to help gain vital experience and get ahead of the competition before graduation day. 

    As a hands-on department at a prestigious Russell Group university, we're uniquely placed to offer you the best of both worlds. You’ll be taught by award-winning editors and authors, active journalists and world-leaders in media and communication research.

    If you're interested in understanding as well as doing journalism, this course delivers the perfect balance of practical know-how and theoretical knowledge on the history, theory and key debates of the industry.

    Why study this course?

    • Greater employability - we have award-winning employability support tailored specifically to the competitive fields of Journalism, PR and marketing. You’ll receive regular alerts for work placement opportunities from some of the most famous newsrooms in the world, as well as digital agencies, PR companies and local events like Tramlines and Sheffield Documentary Festival.
    • Practice-based learning in outstanding facilities - hone your craft with industry-standard equipment in The Wave, the University of Sheffield’s flagship social sciences building. You’ll have unlimited access to five newsrooms, four radio recording booths and state-of-the-art TV and radio studios and galleries. We also have a fully-stocked media store, so you’re guaranteed access to the latest cameras, microphones and editing software.
    • Fully accredited - we are currently the only Russell Group university to be accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Professional Publishers Association (PPA). You’ll have the opportunity to earn your NCTJ diploma alongside your degree, free of charge, which will prepare you for the newsroom and help you stand out to any employer within the fields of journalism, PR or publishing.

    Our BA Journalism Studies course is currently accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and the Professional Publishers Association.

    A group of five people sat in a classroom. The man at the front holds up a poster that reads 'blow the whistle on domestic violence'
    The South Yorkshire Echo has launched Blow the Whistle. Pictured back from left: editor Madelynne Flack, Roman Reiter, Madison Burgess, and Siyu Ma. Front: campaign lead Stanley Willey.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Journalism Studies BA course structure
    UCAS code: P500
    Years: 2023, 2024
    First year

    Your first year of study comprises a single, integrated core module.

    Essential Journalism

    This module develops news writing, news production and academic skills, combined with theoretical understanding of journalism in both a national and international context. It also provides an introduction to key future themes such as media law, ethics and analysing information. Students will learn how to write and structure news stories, develop interviewing skills, source and use quotes, and journalistic social media skills, amongst others. Themes include; journalism and politics; media freedom; journalism and society; audiences; technology and innovation in journalism; law and ethics; current debates in industry; and analysing news agendas.

    120 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    • Practical journalism: you'll gather video, audio, interviews and copy from around the city, preparing the content using our professional-quality editing suite, newsrooms and broadcast studios.
    • Seminars and lectures: learn journalism ethics, law, history and critique through our lecture and seminar programmes.
    • News days: All your skills will be put to the test on our news days, where you’ll play your part in a simulated newsroom environment to find, write, proof and publish real stories for our live news website.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Our staff include professional journalists with many years of experience in radio, TV, newspapers, magazines and digital media. They also include academic researchers with big reputations for their work on journalism safety, freedom of expression, media law and ethics, political communication, and much more.

    Assessment

    You'll be assessed in a number of ways, including both exams and coursework you produce in response to theory-based modules, and through the news stories and broadcasts you create as part of the practical elements of the degree. There'll also be the opportunity to sit exams for the NCTJ diploma qualification.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in the EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    33
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AAABB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB + B in the EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    32
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDM in a relevant subject
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level
    Scottish Highers
    AABBB
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    School of Journalism, Media and Communication

    Our graduates go on to achieve great things and remain part of our legacy forever. They change the world through the power of storytelling - be they journalists, documentarians, PR experts, novelists, or teachers.

    Employers have previously included include Reach, the Financial Times, LADbible, National World PLC and Hearst Magazines (publishers of Esquire, Prima, Good Housekeeping and Men’s Health).

    A profile photo of undergraduate student Martha Kelner.

    Knowing media law is vital, even as a sports journalist

    Martha Kelner Journalism Studies BA

    A specialist reporter on issues and investigations in sport, Martha has worked for the Mail, the Guardian and Sky News since studying journalism at Sheffield.

    A profile photograph of Journalism Studies graduate Daniel Sheridan giving a talk.

    The course gave me a rounded perspective of the different skills I would need

    Daniel Sheridan Journalism Studies BA

    During the UK's 2019 general election campaign Daniel broke the famous story of the boy on the hospital floor. Studying journalism at Sheffield was the perfect preparation.

    Portrait of journalism graduate Sam Moir

    A Premier League career in communication

    Sam Moir Journalism Studies BA

    Sam Moir has used the media skills he developed at Sheffield in a rewarding career, first with Ministry of Sound and now as a video producer/director for Chelsea FC.

    School of Journalism, Media and Communication

    A girl wearing headphones sat at an audio mixing desk

    Here at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, we’ve been training extraordinary journalists and conducting pioneering research since 1994, when our department was launched by Observer Editor Donald Trelford at our first home in Minalloy House.

    After 30 years in the industry, we’ve learnt a thing or two about networking. Study with us, and you'll have exclusive access to our unrivalled contacts and alumni network, situated in newsrooms across the world. We’ll also provide you with award-winning employability support in the form of one-to-one support sessions, weekly masterclasses and an array of placement opportunities  to help you get your foot in the door.

    You’ll learn to ace the basics on our practical courses, including how to spot big stories and make them shine; edit engaging audio, video and podcasts in our state-of-the-art facilities; become an expert in social media; and even ace those shorthand exams.

    We’re the only Russell Group University to be accredited by the NCTJ, BJTC and PPA, so you know you’re learning from the best of the best.

    For those with an eye for journalism’s bigger picture, our research-led programmes will help you piece together the epic social narratives of global journalism, mass media and political communication. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with experts in media law, mis/disinformation, propaganda and freedom of the media - taking full advantage of the research excellence we have to offer as a Russell Group institution.

    Support and wellbeing

    We also have a dedicated student support staff and a personal tutor system in place within the department to help you deal with any issues. If you need support regarding your workload, fees and finance, disability services or your mental health and wellbeing, there is always someone on hand to help. 

    How we support you

    Where you'll study

    Journalism at Sheffield extends beyond the university. As well as seminars and lectures on campus and production work in the newsrooms and Broadcast Zone, you'll be assigned your own patch of the city to report from. This means building up local contacts to help you hunt down stories, and there's court reporting too.

    We'll also help you find a work experience placement so you can sharpen up your skills in a real-life newsroom or other professional communications setting.

    Facilities

    Brand new Faculty of Social Sciences building The Wave co-locates many of our departments to promote interdisciplinary excellence in research, learning and teaching and help us to lead the way in addressing important societal challenges.

    Our facilities in The Wave include state-of-the-art lecture theatres, broadcast facilities and editing suites.

    School of Journalism, Media and Communication

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    School of Journalism, Media and Communication

    1st in the Russell Group for learning opportunities, student voice and assessments for the BA Journalism Studies course

    National Student Survey 2023

    5th for media and communication

    Complete University Guide 2023

    5th for journalism

    Guardian University Guide 2023

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Additional funding

    Details of funding awards and what the fees cover can be found on the department site.

    Fees and funding for the School of Journalism, Media and Communication

    Placements and study abroad

    Placements

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. 

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range of transferable skills
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    Study abroad

    Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

    You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Practice journalism for real with your own patch in the city. Each day will present you with a new challenge: you could be on location filming for a breaking TV news story, heading to the courtroom to hunt down details of a criminal prosecution, or interviewing a sports star for an Instagram reel.