BA (Hons) Journalism and Media
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
Institute code: H36
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Study abroad option
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Work placement option
Find out more
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Entry requirements
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS points A Level BTEC 112-120 BBC - BBB DMM- DDM -
Professional accreditations
This course is partnered with the prestigious Public Relations and Communications Association, giving students the benefit of accreditation, networking and tailored speaker sessions.
- Uche Amako, Sportswriter for The Telegraph who studied Journalism at UH.
- Theresa Malone, Visuals and Social Media Editor of The Guardian.
- Andrea Thompson, Editor in Chief of Marie Claire.
- Charlotte Jones, Global Content Creator, Life Coach who studied Media and Journalism at UH.
- Steve Swann, Producer and investigative Journalist, BBC.
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Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Introduction to Media Communications 15 Credits Compulsory The aim of this module is to provide an insight to the various fields of media practice and communication studies. It will also introduce students to some of the key theories used in understanding media cultures. Students will learn about different economic and political structures that underlay the UK media system and engage with some of the conceptual frameworks for understanding media communications. The module is structured in three parts. In the first sessions, students are introduced to the basics of media communications. The sessions might cover topics such as the different types of media and models of communications. The second part – Audiences, Industry and Politics – takes a closer look at Media Effects and Audiences, News Values, media biases as well as industry structures. The final part will enable student to explore some of the key theorists that have written on media, for example Marshall McLuhan and Stuart Hall. Journalism, Law and Ethics 15 Credits Compulsory In this module, students will be introduced to key laws impacting on journalists, including defamation, copyright and Freedom of Information. They will also explore the Human Rights Act as it affects journalists and compare defamation law across different countries. Students will also investigate the ethical dilemmas that may impact on journalists in any Western liberal democracy and look at the codes of conduct that have been put in place to encourage ethical behaviour. Global Media and Society 15 Credits Compulsory This module considers the relationship between the media and their social context. Throughout the module students will discuss the ways in which the media reflect and shape social attitudes and challenge their own assumptions about society and the media. Through discussions of issues such as class, race and gender this module will consider how different groups are represented in mediated images. The module will also examine the public role of the media and students will be asked to think analytically and critically about concepts such as free press, media impartiality or bias, and the relationship of the media with commercial and political institutions. The module further analyses different Global media systems, organisations and institutions and allows students to make a series of comparisons between local and international media systems. It places an emphasis on the relationships between products and the socio-political construction of their different audiences. Journalism Skills: Multiplatform 15 Credits Compulsory This module offers an opportunity to extend and consolidate core journalistic skills across several different platforms. You will develop a knowledge of new online media businesses and the skills needed to find work in them. You will also be introduced to online content management techniques and have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills by producing and publishing a range of multimedia stories. You will have a wider and deeper understanding of multimedia communication and the confidence to produce your own diverse journalism. Journalism and Government 15 Credits Compulsory This module will prepare you for the dealings you will have with national and local government. Audiences expect journalists to be abreast of current events and to have information explained to them in a clear and concise fashion, by commentators who are familiar with and who understand the UK political landscape. Local and national government are major sources of information and key players in events which shape the news. The information government provides willingly, by means of the press release for example, has to be treated with caution; it is the role of the journalist to extract salient information. Through a series of workshops in which you will take a hands-on approach to your own learning, you will learn the fundamentals of public affairs in the UK, which will prove crucial not only for your careers but also for the production of breaking news stories, features and documentaries. Sound and Image Storytelling 15 Credits Compulsory The module covers development of both audio and video projects and is designed for students of all levels of experience. In the first half of the module students will create audio content in the form of a podcast (or similar) and will discuss how to use sound for telling stories. In the second half students will learn how to record and edit a short video stories to be distributed online. Students and lecturers will discuss a range of audio and video topics and consider how each communicates. This module provides students with computing and communication skills, which will form a basis for future study in Media and Journalism. The module content includes- 1. -production of an audio project using audio editing software; 2. -production of a video project using video editing software; 3. -consideration of ways audio and video can be used to convey ideas; 4. -planning of audio and video projects; Visual Communication 15 Credits Compulsory This module provides students with computing and communication skills which will form a basis for future study in Media. Students will create attractive, eye-catching projects using images, text and other visuals for online delivery. The module is appropriate for students with little computing or design experience but it also provides those with prior knowledge with the opportunity of enhancing and extending that knowledge. The module content includes- 1. -the production of a number of images using a graphics package; 2. -the consideration of design issues; 3. -the consideration of the way in which images convey ideas; 4. -the restrictions and potential of using images and other graphics on the web; 5. -the planning and conceptual development of a graphics project Introduction to Journalism 15 Credits Optional In this module you will learn about the exciting world of journalism, both within the UK and internationally. You'll learn about the key skills such as research and writing within specific structures., start to identify what makes news newsworthy and learn about the key roles within a journalism organisation that work together to create journalism products. You'll explore a wide range of articles and will learn the skills of writing and accurate researching as a journalist to create your first article. -
Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Radio Journalism 15 Credits Compulsory In this module, you will source original stories specifically suitable for radio and learn how to write, interview and structure reports for this media type. You will learn how to tell stories with the aid of audio techniques. All teaching will take place in workshops and you will acquire knowledge and understanding of radio journalism and the technical skills needed to produce effective radio broadcasts. Moreover, this module will introduce you to terminology used in broadcast environments; it will expand your critical understanding of news values and agendas; legal and ethical requirements specific to broadcast journalism (balanced and impartial reporting, compliance, etc.); and your awareness of the converging media landscape. By the end of the module, you will be able to tell stories with the aid of audio techniques; have gained confidence in presentational skills; demonstrate knowledge of the technical skills required to edit audio files; and work effectively in a team to produce a radio programme. Graduate Skills 0 Credits Compulsory You will be offered a variety of employment enhancing workshops and online activities such as interview skills workshops, personality profiling and career planning in order to improve your employment prospects after graduation and make you aware of current areas of strength and weakness in relation to employability. You will also have the opportunity to learn about self-employment options, graduate schemes and will attend speaker sessions with successful professionals in areas of employment appropriate for Humanities graduates so you can learn about the skills and attributes required for these areas and how to enhance your prospects of entering such areas. You will be required to undertake a certain number of activities chosen by you from a career "menu" and to reflect on what they have learnt in order to complete the module successfully. Research Methods in Media Communications 15 Credits Compulsory This module teaches the basic principles of research in media and the means by which to devise research questions and select appropriate methodologies. It will also give a detailed account of how to structure and write effective and informative research report. Students will be introduced to a range of different methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative. They will learn how to choose a research topic, conduct a literature review, and develop an appropriate research plan. The module covers all key aspects of media and communication, including analysis of media production, media texts, and audience studies. It further offers specific guidance and instruction on a systematic application of a range of research methods, and addresses methods of sampling and data collection, including interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions, as well as approaches to online research. Journalism Skills: Features 15 Credits Compulsory In this module students will be introduced to researching and reporting techniques for writing features and will be developing and extending the skills in writing acquired at Level 4. Workshop sessions will enable students to gain hands-on practise of writing features in a simulated magazine or supplement environment. Journalism Skills News 15 Credits Compulsory In this module you will develop your research and writing techniques for news reports, developing and extending the skills in writing news that you acquired at level 4. Workshop sessions will enable you to gain hands-on practice in writing news reports in a simulated newsroom environment. In addition you will model professional newsroom practice though "News Days" in which you will contribute original ideas and follow through to published stories within a single day. There will be an emphasis on your use of ICT to research stories and you will be encouraged to use the Internet and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and other advanced sites, for research and seeking comment. You will write four news stories and select the best for submission to assessment as well as writing a reflecting essay to consolidate your learning Social Media and Critical Practice 15 Credits Compulsory The module explores the usage of social media in media communications and the extent to which the platforms shape the media industries, politics, culture and society. Students will gain insights into the practical use and theoretical understanding, of social media and the different contexts of its application. They will critically reflect on their own social media usage in the context of the scholarship and their own studies. These skills support career development in a range of fields such as media, journalism, public relations and marketing. Video Feature 15 Credits Optional An important aspect of digital convergence is the use of video by media outlets to spark public dialogue and generate reader participation. This module is designed to give students understanding and skills to make effective videos. Students will look at current practitioners such as Mike Kepka at the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Times 'Op-Docs' group and the MIT Open Documentary Lab. They will also examine the work of more traditional documentary makers, such as Errol Morris, Kim Longinotto and Nick Broomfield. There is, according to media artist Marilyn Freeman, "a digital storm that won't let up--of cat videos and self-surveillance videos and any thing or moment imaginably filmable". To stand out from the crowd, students must develop media literacy and skills in critical reflection. As there is an art of storytelling, students will be guided towards a clear understanding of the art of digital storytelling. New Media Branding 15 Credits Optional This module is designed to give you knowledge of branding and identity from the perspective of New Media Publishing. Through the use of vector graphics and layout software you will learn to produce a collection of professional documents such as CVs and business cards which have a consistent identity across a number of media platforms. You will also learn about professional branding used by companies and produce their own style guides which apply basic design principles such as consistency, repetition, alignment and position to logos, text and other visual design elements. The module content includes- 1. -the production of brand designs using vector graphics; 2. -the consideration of design issues relating to consistency, repetition, alignment and position; 3. -the consideration of how visual identities are created and understood; 4. -the planning and conceptual development of professional visual identities; Employability Skills 15 Credits Optional Producing graduates who are highly employable is a key aim of the University of Hertfordshire. This module aims to help you bridge gaps between your specialist academic studies and the world of graduate employment. As well as allowing you to reflect on and further develop your employability skills we will explore the changing nature of employers' needs. Using case studies, we will consider a range of issues (legal, gender, equality) that can arise in recruitment and the workplace. The module will also focus on career planning and job searching, as well as recruitment and selection processes including the work of assessment centres and pyschometric testing. Overall the intention is that you will be able to develop your job-market awareness and identify and explore potential career pathways. The module is worth 15 credits and may be chosen in place of a 15-credit subject module at Level 5, or as an additional module at Level 6, alongside 120 credits of modules in your subject(s). How Journalism Changed the World: from Watergate to Social Media and Fake News 15 Credits Optional This module will examine how journalism has emerged as a force for positive social change though use of research tools and major investigations, using historic and recent case histories. It will also examine the role played by different technologies in the late twentieth and early twenty first century to inform journalism whether through the use of sources or social media. This module will enable students to practice the various research techniques employed by successful journalists within a supported setting, whether traditional or cutting edge, how they can verify sources and avoid creating "fake" news. Mobile Media Design 15 Credits Optional At the end of this course you will be able to research, plan, and design mock-ups of apps for mobile devices using current software. You will be able to explore the contextual relationship between apps and mobile responsive websites. During the course you will complete market and competitor research for enterprising projects, and develop an understanding of (a) current practice and (b) the user experience through the creation of visual planning for your app. Working as part of a small team, you will conceptualise and develop your own app for pitching to a potential investor. Magazine Design 15 Credits Optional There is more to magazine design than learning a software package. As well as giving hands-on systematic software training, this module unfolds various aspects of design for the page, including the use of typography, colour and images. The module builds your confidence in the design process through presenting a clear understanding of layout and visual conventions, information design and contemporary visual style. You will undertake thorough analysis and evaluation of a range of examples. They are equipped to make sound aesthetic judgements in printed and electronic material. Assessments are real-life publishing projects which engage students in a problem-solving process, building experience essential for professional work. By the end of the module students will have developed a portfolio which they can show to a prospective employer. -
Level 6
Module Credits Compulsory/optional Launching a Digital Publication 15 Credits Compulsory The module consists of 12, two-hour workshops in which students - through a mix of, demonstrations, discussion and practical tasks - apply journalistic skills to an online environment. This will include an appreciation of the massive impact that digital communications technologies have had on the publishing industry, as well as a detailed understanding of how writing for the internet differs from print Journalism. Journalism Skills Portfolio 30 Credits Compulsory This module content enables you to practise your journalism skills in real world settings, enhancing your employability and developing an awareness of the variety of uses for those skills. You spend at least five days, generally more, in the first semester either working for a relevant company e.g. a newspaper, magazine, PR company or freelancing and gain an understanding of the media world from that perspective. You also create a varied portfolio of journalism pieces including a news piece, feature and interview to showcase the skills you have learnt. International Politics and Reporting Global News 15 Credits Compulsory The module will examine a variety of current news stories ranging from wars and revolutions to ecological disasters, and other topics on the global news agenda during the module timespan Students develop their international stories supported by the tutor. Students also learn how to tell complex international stories using a variety of media. Advertising 15 Credits Optional This module will look at advertising and the ways in which it attempts to construct desire for specific products. It will analyse the social function of adverts in relation to certain social categories such as gender, race and sexuality. Moreover, we will look at the placing of advertising in specific media and students will be asked to consider why adverts for certain types of products are placed in specific locations. This will include a consideration of market segmentation and TV scheduling. Students will then be encouraged to create their own advert based on a specific brief in order to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical way. Finally, this module will consider the relationship between advertising and other media forms, especially film and television as well as new media, to consider the degree to which advertising relies upon codes that are produced in other cultural products. Corporate Communications 15 Credits Optional This module provides a detailed understanding of the principles, techniques and strategies that underpin corporate communications, with particular emphasis on Public Relations and brand management. It is designed to reflect the current awareness of, and the benefits that organisations can derive from, adopting an integrated approach to communications. This module adopts a strategic approach to the study of corporate communications and builds an understanding of the variations in consumer behaviour, and how communication strategies and programmes can be developed, organised and implemented. The course also addresses critical issues relating to recent developments in the field and includes a strong practical component that aims to equip students with the skills necessary for working in this field. Representation and Identity in Contemporary Media 15 Credits Optional Using different theories of political communication, you will examine the subject of media representation, mediatization and the politics of cultural identities in the twenty-first century. You will engage with key theories and concepts of representation and media framing to illuminate an understanding of identity as a political concept. Journalism Matters: Your Independent Project 30 Credits Optional Professional Media Practice Project 30 Credits Optional This is an independent project designed to help you develop the skills needed for the professional world. You will produce a professional quality media package in response to a client brief or case study. The module is built around active learning and you will develop your design, self-management, production and communications skills which will be invaluable in your professional life. You will evaluate other media products to help formulate your ideas and will work to a schedule in the same way as a media professional. Music, Celebrity and Media 15 Credits Optional This module closely looks at emergent forms of media, particularly the influence of digital technologies on traditional forms of media, such as film and journalism. We will critically analyse the impact of the digital revolution, from HDTV to virtual realities, from citizen journalism to Wikileaks and cyber-criminality, from music downloads to E-books. Using a range of critical theorists, we will discuss the challenges of these developments for old media as well as the creative opportunities new media forms provide. Creating a PR Campaign 15 Credits Optional The module introduces you to a number of specialist fields within the communications industry and illustrates the value of specific communication skills across different sectors. During the module we will explore specialist areas, such as political PR, social campaigning, film marketing, non-broadcast filmmaking, sport, events and sponsorship. You will also learn how to deal with the press from a corporate point of view and how to create promotional material. The module further allows you to engage with the academic and practical content in a very hands-on manner and provides space for reflection on and critical engagement with the theories behind important transferable and subject specific skills, such as pitching ideas, presenting concepts and managing successful teams. Web Design for Media Professionals 30 Credits Optional Students will develop their knowledge and understanding through a series of lectures, online presentations and problem solving exercises, gradually building their design skills within the framework of a redesign of a real web-based project. You will be encouraged to create a unique and refreshing alternative for an existing publication and your documentation and project planning will be guided by real-life examples. This module will develop and extend your understanding of visual and interactive communication skills and introduce you to a range of techniques for creating engaging publications for specific audiences. In the second part of this module students will move onto the development of their own project, working with a real life client or case study and a brief in order to create a unique and attractive new online publication. In this second project you will develop an understanding of how design frameworks enhance a wider range of commercial publications. -
Study abroad
An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.
This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.
If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.
Find out more about Study abroad opportunities
Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
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Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.
This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.
Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.
Why choose this course?
This is a fascinating time to be a media professional, with traditional media like magazines, television and radio, jostling for attention alongside PR, blogs, podcasts and social media. You’ll gain two vital media skills by combining journalism and media. This exciting course will develop your practical, professional writing skills, shed new light on how the media works and get you some hands-on experience that employers are really looking for.
You'll gain real-world skills including how to create and publish content for a broad range of formats including video, podcasts, print and online. In the final year you can take up work experience, work for a client or even start your own media business—all guided by tutors.
The course places a strong emphasis on building confidence in your communication skills and employment prospects. You'll have the opportunity to learn about internships and take part in industry events thanks to our affiliation to the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), one of Britain's top trade organisations for PR professionals. You can attend our Media Matters guest lectures (see below for more detail) given by a range of media speakers from top journalists to our recent graduates.
Our inspiring, industry-experienced academic team will develop your journalistic skills, alongside learning about media theory and skills, including digital, and other roles within the media.
In the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS), our media degrees achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 82%. 85% of students reported that lecturers were good at explaining things and 82% of students (above the sector average) appreciated the chance to bring information and ideas together from different topics.
What's the course about?
Teaching delivery is varied. Workshops are used for modules where the degree of practical skills taught is enhanced by the supervision of experts in their field but there are also seminars and lectures. Attainment of learning outcomes is also assessed in a range of formats from traditional essays to presentations, creating adverts or campaigns or working in a small group to create presentations or other creative project.
In your first year, you’ll explore the basics of journalism, learning about how to tell factual stories in written form, through blogs and podcasting and video. You’ll also reflect on how journalists should and do behave and their relationship with government. You’ll also learn about the media industry and about how media is changing in our globalised world.
In your second year, you’ll start to broadcast, brainstorm ideas for a magazine concept, learn about how journalism changed the world and gain insights into the fast-paced world of news. In media, you’ll explore the world of branding or magazine design, learn about the publishing industry and have the opportunity to create a short video documentary.
Work placement/study abroad option*: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or complete a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about, but it will also give your CV a boost. If you would rather go straight to your final year, that’s fine too. You can decide in your second year with us, so there is still plenty of time to think about this.
In your final year, you’ll get a wide range of options. In journalism you will report on international stories, create your own website, have work experience, freelance or create your own media business. You will also practice writing for a variety of audiences. In media, choose between practical projects such as creating a media project for a client or designing for the web, or learning more about Public Relations, Advertising or the relationship between media and identity and celebrity and media. This is when you’ll use our membership of the PRCA and BSME to best advantage to gain opportunities to network professionally and build up your professional skills.
'Media Matters' industry speakers and networking.
Each year the School of Humanities hosts the Media Matters Guest Lecture Series featuring a range of industry professionals, giving talks on their experience in the industry. These lectures are recorded by our final year students and available on our Media Hub. Some of our previous speakers have included:
Your main campus is College Lane
This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.
What will I study?
Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below is a list of compulsory and optional modules. However, whatever choices you make, you will study no more than eight modules a year and possibly less in your final year depending on your degree.
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What's next for my career?
Our graduates have an excellent record of gaining employment in media, publishing, teaching and information management where their skills in analysis, communication and evaluation are highly valued. Many of our graduates go on to higher levels of study engaging in research in their chosen fields. Whatever your future career plans, what is important to your potential employers is the range of intellectual, transferable, personal skills and experience you have gained and can demonstrate. We ensure our programmes are relevant to the world of work through active links with regional employers across a range of industries and professions.
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Further information - includes assessment method
Course fact sheets Media Programme Download Programme specifications BA (Hons) Media Download Media (Joint and Minor) Programme specification Download Journalism (Joint and Minor) Programme specification Download Additional information Sandwich placement or study abroad year
Optional
Applications open to international and EU students
Yes Course length
Location
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How to apply?
To find out more about how to make an application, please visit the How to Apply pages.
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Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.
View detailed information about tuition fees
Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
Other financial support
Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students
Living costs / accommodation
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.