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

Journalism Studies BA

Department of Journalism Studies

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    You are viewing this course for 2024-25 entry. 2023-24 entry is also available.

    Key details

    Course description

    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.

    As part of your course, you'll practise journalism for real, covering your own patch in the city. Every assignment will present a different challenge. You could be on location filming for a documentary. You may be reporting from a courtroom on the details of a criminal prosecution. Another day could find you interviewing a politician or a sports star.

    The work you complete with us will help to build up your portfolio and CV. Our unparalleled connections in the media industry can help to open up a huge range of placement opportunities, and we offer you the option to take a placement year to help gain vital industry experience and get ahead of the competition before graduation day. 

    Many of our graduates go on to specialise in areas such as TV news, sports reporting or political journalism. Before they find their niche, we believe that our trainee journalists need to become fantastic reporters, editors, commentators and producers. This course will allow you to perfect the full range of skills you need as a contemporary media professional, including knowing the difference between 'good' and 'bad' journalism; practising within the bounds of media law and ethics; and how to spot and tell great stories in print, television, radio and online. 

    As a hands-on department at a prestigious Russell Group university, we're uniquely placed to offer you the best of both worlds. Our staff are award-winning editors and authors, active journalists and world-leaders in media and communications research. During your time with us, you'll receive the perfect balance of practical know-how and theoretical knowledge on the hottest issues within industry. 

    Join us and follow in the footsteps of alumni who are working for the BBC, Press Association, Bloomberg, The Guardian and countless other media organisations all over the world.

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

    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
    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 + additional qualifications 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 + additional qualifications 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.

    Department of Journalism Studies

    A girl wearing headphones sat at an audio mixing desk

    Our department is recognised within industry as one of the best places to train as a journalist. We regularly place in the top 5 of all three league tables: for 2023, we are #2 in the Complete University Guide, #4 in Times Education and #5 in the Guardian University Guide.

    But it isn’t all about rankings and statistics. Study with us and you'll learn vital practical skills, including how to spot big stories and write sparkling copy; edit audio, video and podcasts; become an expert in social media; and even ace those shorthand exams.

    As an elite Russell Group university, you'll also discover how journalism is part of an epic social narrative about right and wrong, liberty and democracy, war and peace - about the life stories of people, societies and entire continents.

    That’s why our graduates go on to become award-winning journalists for the BBC, ITV, Reuters, the Press Association and more.

    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

    The new Faculty of Social Sciences building will co-locate 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. 

    The building is set to be complete in 2023, complete with state-of-the-art lecture theatres, broadcast facilities and editing suites.

    Department of Journalism Studies

    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 2022

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 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


    Department of Journalism Studies

    No 1 in the Russell Group for teaching on the BA Journalism Studies course

    National Student Survey 2021

    2nd for Media and Communication

    Complete University Guide 2023

    5th for Journalism

    The Guardian University Guide 2023

    4th for Communication and Media Studies

    The Times Good University Guide 2023

    Graduate careers

    Department of Journalism Studies

    Our graduates are highly regarded by employers and work right across the media. Many begin on local newspapers and radio as junior reporters and the best move up to national or international level in roles such as editor or digital media editor. Some specialise in social media or video production.

    Recent graduates are working for the BBC, Daily Mail, The Guardian, Press Association, Oxford University Press, magazines, radio and digital media all over the world. Some go into public relations, teaching and other areas where communication skills are at a premium.

    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.

    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 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.

    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 Department of Journalism Studies

    Visit us

    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.