BA (Hons) Journalism and Digital Media

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: P903
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Clearing entry requirements

We’re committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. Over Clearing, we’ll be taking a flexible approach so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
112–120	BBC–BBB	DMM–DDM	Design Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services	Overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3	112–120 points

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements

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.

Why choose this course?

Learn latest skills - podcasting to video from award winning experts
Accredited by PRCA (Public Relations and Communications Association)
Network with media professionals from the UK and internationally

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:

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.

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.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introduction to Media Communications	15 Credits	Compulsory
This wide-ranging and dynamic module presents an introduction to the fields of media and communications studies, covering media texts, producers and audiences. Students are supported to read, write and debate like a scholar, thus enabling them to develop skills which are essential for completing a university degree.
Journalism, Law and Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students will be introduced to key laws impacting on journalists, including defamation, privacy and Contempt of Court. They will also explore the regulation of journalism as it affects journalists and compare the legal and ethical framework within which journalists operate, across different countries.
Global Media and Society	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module considers the relationship between the media and their social context. Students will explore ways media reflect and shape social attitudes and challenge their own assumptions about society and the media. By exploring issues such as class, race and gender the module will consider how different groups are represented in media. The module will also examine the public role of the media locally and globally, and students will be challenged to think critically about concepts such as free press, media impartiality or bias.
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.
Sound and Image Storytelling	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module supports students to develop practical audio and video skills. Students create audio content in the form of a podcast and discuss how to use sound for telling gripping stories. Students also learn how to record and edit a short video story, or reel, to be distributed online. Students learn professional skills such as audio and video editing to enable better production quality and user experience.
Visual Communication	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with computing and communication skills which will form a basis for future study in Media. The module aims to help students create attractive, eye-catching projects using images, text and other visuals for online delivery.
Introduction to Journalism	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students explore the exciting world of journalism. Students engage with 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. Students explore a range of journalism content and learn the skills of writing with accurate research as a journalist to create your first article.
Journalism and Politics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will prepare you for the dealings you might have as a journalist with government and international organisations. Government bodies and international organisations such as NATO, the European Union and the United Nations are important sources of information and key players in events which shape the news. It is the role of the journalist to extract salient, reliable information. Through a series of workshops, you will learn the fundamentals of public affairs,

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Radio Journalism	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students are expected to source original stories, which are suitable for radio and learn how to write, interview and structure audio reports and stories using appropriate techniques and equipment. Students acquire knowledge and understanding of radio journalism and technical skills needed to produce effective radio broadcasts. This module will introduce students to terminology used in broadcast environments; it will expand critical understanding of news values, agendas and legal and ethical requirements specific to broadcast journalism and awareness of the converging media landscape.
Research Methods in Media Communications	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module teaches relevant research principles and skills in media and communications including choosing a research topic, formulating research questions, conducting a literature review, develop a research plan as well as select and apply appropriate methodologies from textual analysis to interviews, among others. Students learn how to structure and write a research report and will be introduced to a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The module covers all key aspects of media and communication, including analysis of media texts, production, audiences, and industries.
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.
Journalism Skills: Features	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students will be introduced to researching, reporting, and writing techniques for features, developing, and extending the skills in writing acquired at Level 4. The sessions will enable them to gain practise in creating this genre and creating their own magazine style content and extensions for a range of audiences.
New Media Branding	15 Credits	Optional
The module is designed to teach graphic design and branding skills that facilitate the understanding of professional visual identities. The module will focus on understanding professional branding and identity and develop skills in visual design and graphics.
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. Sessions will enable you to gain practice in writing news reports in a simulated newsroom environment. In addition, you will model professional news journalism practices. You will be encouraged to use human sources through interviews, the Internet and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Students source news stories and write them, then reflect on what they have achieved.
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 psychometric 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	Compulsory
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. 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
The module is designed to teach skills in research, planning, and design of apps for mobile devices using current UI design software. The module develops understanding of current practice and user experience through market and competitor research and explores what makes some apps successful and usable.
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 digital design for the page and screen, 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.
Social Media and Critical Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module students gain insights into the practical use and theoretical understanding of social media. They research and analyse the impact of social media in one area of society e.g. politics, health, entertainment or public relations. At the same time, students are expected to develop their communication skills through professional practice and reflection.

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.
Advertising	15 Credits	Optional
This module will interrogate advertising and ways it constructs desire for specific products. It will explore the social function of adverts in relation to, for instance, gender, race, and sexuality. The module will consider why adverts for certain types of products are placed in specific locations and explore market segmentation and TV scheduling. Students will have opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge to the practical creation of advertisements The module will examine the relationship between advertising and other media forms.
Corporate Communications	15 Credits	Optional
Essential for those wishing to work in the field of media and communications, Corporate Communications offers students a wide-ranging education in the ways that companies utilise the media to manage their reputation. We cover everything from branding to public relations, developing practical skills and understanding the theory of corporate communications.
Journalism Skills Portfolio	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module enables students to practise their journalism skills in real world settings, whether undergoing five days' work experience, trying to get published as a freelance or learning how to pitch. Students produce a portfolio of work to highlight the skills they have learnt and will reflect on how these skills can be used in your future career.
Representation and Identity in Contemporary Media	15 Credits	Optional
Using different theories of political communication, students examine the subject of media representation, mediatization and the politics of cultural identities in the twenty-first century. Students engage with key theories and concepts of representation and media framing to illuminate an understanding of identity as a political concept.
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.
Professional Media Practice Project	30 Credits	Optional
This module is designed to help students develop the skills needed for the working in a professional media production environment. The module will lead students through the production of a professional quality media package in an active learning environment and develop design, self-management, production and communications skills.
Music, Celebrity and Media	15 Credits	Optional
This module looks at emergent forms of media, particularly the influence of digital technologies on traditional forms of media, such as film and journalism. Students will have the opportunity to 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, students will explore the challenges of these developments for established media as well as the creative opportunities that new and emerging media platforms provide.
Creating a PR Campaign	15 Credits	Optional
The module introduces students to specialist fields within the communications industry. Students learn how to deal with the press as a communications professional and how to create promotional material. The module allows students to engage with the content through experiential learning and critical engagement with the theories behind transferable skills, such as pitching and presenting communications concepts.
Web Design for Media Professionals	30 Credits	Optional
Students 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 portfolio assessments. Students are encouraged to create a unique and refreshing publications and their documentation and project planning will be guided by real-life examples. This module will develop and extend students understanding of visual and interactive communication skills and introduce you to a range of techniques for creating engaging publications for specific audiences.

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.
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.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

You will be allocated a personal tutor to monitor and advise on overall academic and personal development supplemented with drop-in skills sessions and specialist tutors to refine and polish your writing.
For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you will also have access to our Academic Support Services (ASU). You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) run drop-in study skills sessions.

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Kate Stephenson

Meet Kate Stephenson who has excelled in the publishing industry since graduating. She currently works as the Education Editor at National Geographic Kids magazine.

Read more stories BA (Hons) English Language and Media

Current job role	Education Editor
Year of graduation	2013
Course of study	BA (Hons) English Language and Communication with Journalism and Media Cultures

University experience

Kate always knew that she wanted to work in the media and her unique degree gave her the flexibility to understand the logistics behind magazines as well as develop her writing and communication skills. The variety of topics and modules covered in her course enabled her to understand a lot about her dream career and enable her to develop valuable skills for working in the industry.

While studying, Kate took every opportunity offered to her. Her lecturers gave her opportunities to network with their colleagues for the industry enabling Kate to secure work experience and explore different career opportunities upon graduation.

She also worked as part of the Students’ Union student media, called Triden Media, writing regularly for their newspaper and magazine. Kate says, ‘Take advantage of every opportunity while it’s on offer and dive in as much as possible.’

The future

In the future, Kate hopes to further develop and grow the project she is working on at National Geographic and their educational content. One of her recent projects was launching their Primary School resource service by writing the curriculum.

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.
View our Alumni profiles

Kate Stephenson

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Journalism and Digital Media	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Journalism and Digital 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	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
21/09/2026	31/05/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2026	31/05/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
22/09/2026	31/05/2027	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

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
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 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.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Apply through Clearing

Book your open day

Get info and updates

BA (Hons) Journalism and Digital Media

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: P903

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Clearing entry requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

'Media Matters' industry speakers and networking.

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Kate Stephenson who has excelled in the publishing industry since graduating. She currently works as the Education Editor at National Geographic Kids magazine.

University experience

The future

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing now

2024

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 