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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing

A fan of magazines covers shot against a white background.
A range of publications by students on the journalism and publishing courses at London College of Communication. Wednesday's Child, Ritual Adoption, Mannequin, Brim & Proper. © University of the Arts London
College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
V0G3
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing is a unique course that combines the practical and technical skills of journalism, editing and production with a professional understanding of the business of publishing.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • To acquire the skills to manage the publishing process from idea to publication.
  • To mix writing and commissioning with the hands-on experience of producing magazines across print and digital media formats.
  • Every year we work on a real-life external publishing projects for prestigious organisations. Last year our students produced a posterzine for the Royal Academy of Arts.
  • Based in one of the global capitals of publishing, our students are well-placed to gain work experience before leaving us for a career in the industry. Recent graduates have secured positions with Shortlist Media, Hearst Magazine Group, the Daily Express, Three Sixty Degrees Communications and KCD Fashion Marketing.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

On BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing, you’ll explore multiplatform magazines through a combination of theory and practice. 

Throughout your degree, you’ll meet other creatives, develop a range of journalism and publishing skills and, of course, make and learn about magazines – a fascinating media sector of cultural, commercial and technological change. 

What to expect 

  • Through lectures, workshops and practical projects alongside access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, you’ll develop the necessary creative skills to manage the publishing process from idea to publication.  
  • You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with media partners and visit major publishing companies.  
  • Journalism and publishing are treated as interconnected activities – just like in the industry. You’ll learn the editorial, design and production skills needed to plan, commission and produce print and digital publications.  
  • In a rapidly-changing media environment, you’ll draw on your publishing knowledge to track existing and potential markets, building the relationship between audience and editorial that defines the magazine form. 
  • As platforms and technology evolve, you'll chart the development of a broad range of publications across sectors, genres and formats, and respond with new ideas for content and treatments. You'll consider magazines as interconnected functions, relationships and processes. 
  • You’ll graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the magazine publishing environment, a creative and business publishing portfolio, and a diverse range of skills that are applicable across many fields. 

Industry experience and opportunities 

Throughout your degree, you’ll have invaluable access to the publishing industry through guest lectures, alumni visits, employability events and masterclasses. You’ll also have opportunities to build your confidence and industry engagement through a mentorship programme. 

In Year 2, the Professional Practice unit will offer you the choice of undertaking a work placement or collaborating on a live industry brief, while the Entrepreneurial Practice unit in Year 3 will enable you to focus on career options post-graduation. 

Our students regularly secure placements with media companies including Harpers and Queen, Glamour, Elle, Dazed, National Geographic, Hearst Magazine Group and News UK, as well as in the broader fields of PR and marketing.  

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing runs for 93 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks. 

Course units

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are embedding UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into this course.

In common with all courses at the University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. 

To be awarded the BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits. All modules listed below are compulsory. 

Year 1 

Introduction to Magazine Journalism and Publishing (20 credits) 

You’ll be introduced to the course, key approaches for the study of magazines, and skills required for independent and collaborative learning. 

Exploring Magazines (20 credits) 

This theoretical unit situates magazine publishing within a broader cultural and social context. You’ll begin to grasp the subtleties of how publishers have defined and responded to the needs of their audiences. 

Essential Journalism Skills (20 credits) 

You’ll develop the basic skills of producing magazine journalism for print and online, and focus on shaping your content to fit the editorial ethos and tone of voice of specific publications.   

Multiplatform Journalism (20 credits) 

You’ll be introduced to multiplatform content creation and the role of the editor in developing cross-platform editorial treatments. You’ll put forward a strategy to promote your work on social media.    

Law and Ethics (20 credits) 

This unit covers the legal and ethical boundaries within which journalists and publishers operate, including defamation, privacy, contempt and copyright. 

Art, Design and Production (20 credits) 

You’ll focus on the magazine production process and learn how to use industry-standard software for designing across print and digital platforms. In doing so, you’ll consider how visual aspects contribute to the personality and editorial tone of a publication. 

Year 2 

The Business of Magazines (20 credits) 

You’ll learn more about magazines as commercial entities, investigating the methods publishers employ to generate sustainability and growth.  

Multiplatform Magazine Publishing (40 credits) 

As part of a team, you’ll conceive, create and publish a multiplatform magazine. You will further develop your journalism, editing and production skills while also drawing on publishing business skills to develop the brand while growing your readership and community.  

Option Unit (20 credits)

You'll choose to pursue academic or practice-based research in a specific area of journalism or publishing. Topics may include branded content, social justice journalism, or magazine design and branding. 

Researching Magazines (20 credits) 

You’ll explore a combination of theories for analysing magazine publishing activities alongside essential academic skills to prepare for the Year 3 Dissertation Unit, such as the use of sources, research methods and how to write a literature review. 

Professional Industry Practice (20 credits) 

You’ll have a choice of either completing a period of work experience or collaborating on specific briefs provided by media industry partners. 

Year 3 

Final Major Project (60 credits)

You’ll use a range of journalistic, editorial, organisational and business skills to create – and, if you wish, to launch - a new magazine publishing project of your choice.  

Research Project (40 credits) 

You’ll write a dissertation on a magazine-related topic, carrying out relevant primary and secondary research under 1-to-1 supervision. This also offers great preparation for further study at MA level. 

Creative Futures (20 credits) 

You’ll have the opportunity to focus on career options, preparing you for life post-graduation. 

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

UAL Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Workshops
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Online tasks and engagement 
  • Directed reading
  • Outside speakers and visits
  • Work placement
  • Assessed assignments

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Course Leader, Anne Coddington, gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing.

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • DAMNHOT Magazine
    DAMNHOT Magazine, Jiayao Wang, 2023 BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing, London College of Communication, UAL
  • FUZED Magazine - Final Major Project
    FUZED Magazine - Final Major Project, Indigo Wallis, 2021 BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing, London College of Communication, UAL
  • ST!GMA Magazine
    ST!GMA Magazine, Carrerra Lydon, 2021 BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing, London College of Communication, UAL
  • Steamer Magazine
    Steamer Magazine, Elizabeth Wiart, 2021 BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing, London College of Communication, UAL

Student voices

Carolina Semprucci

Retrospective

Inspired by a mixture of magazines, books, and archival material, Carolina’s magazine, ‘Retrospective’, is a platform for discussing art in an intimate and accessible setting.

Roz Jones

Limb

Roz’s project is an A5 book that uses elements such as articles, poetry and imagery to examine the topic of addiction.

Course stories

Facilities

  • Student using the Screen Printing facility
    Libo Li working in Screen Printing Workshop, Postgraduate Diploma Design for Visual Communication. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    Printing and Finishing

    Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.

  • Student reading a book in between two bookshelves in the Library
    Students in the Digital Space. London College of Communication, UAL. Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    The Digital Space

    The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.

  • A journalism student working in one of the audio studios.
    Image © Alys Tomlinson

    Journalism

    Journalism students have access to an onsite newsroom, media lab and audio studios.

Staff

Associate Lecturers

Hilly Janes – editor and journalist
Dan Humphry – digital editor and content creator
Samm Taylor, editor, journalist and lawyer
David Stam – business and marketing director
Lydia Garnett – editor and photographer

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

104 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences).
  • Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Creative Media and Journalism, Business/ Business Studies, IT & Computing, Media).
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Journalism, Digital and Creative Media, Marketing, Humanities and Social Sciences).
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum

And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. Please check our English language requirements page for more information.

Selection criteria

The details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • A considered and demonstrable interest in and appreciation of the subject disciplines.
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach (through research and practice) to this area of study.
  • Commitment to the study and development of your own creative practice and subsequent career opportunities.

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

V0G3

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

V0G3

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

Our graduates are working as researchers and creatives in media planning; as journalists in busy news organisations; in design and production roles in both traditional and new media publishing and in exciting marketing positions, everywhere from major brand publishers through to innovative craft creators.

Alumni include:

  • Sarah Sandiford, former Social Media Assistant at Laura Ashley (also fashion blogger).
  • Jessica Weston, Corporate Communications Manager at KP Snacks.
  • Jennifer Harvey, Project Manager at Google.
  • Chris Cooley, Content Assistant at Quad (creative media agency in London).
  • Danny Reed, Assistant Editor at GQ Style Magazine (twice yearly brand extension).
  • Liam Fearn, Associate Creative Director at McCANN Paris
  • Margaret Werner, Graphic Design Assistant at Biedermann und Brandstift (agency in Frankfurt).