Course units
UAL is committed to ensuring that its students’ knowledge and skills are set within a contemporary personal and professional ethical framework, in order they may make a positive impact in practice, particularly in relation to UAL’s Principles for Climate, Racial and Social Justice. The UAL Principles help inform the course’s approach to ethical awareness and application in the curriculum, leading to advocacy, mitigation and urgency in developed practice. Ethical behaviours and values are embedded in course aims and are assessed throughout. Aligned with this is our expectation that students will be ready to apply these to their careers and to respond and adapt to societal change and emerging technologies, including AI.
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) Journalism qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.
Year 1
Introduction to Journalism and Publishing (20 credits)
You’ll be introduced to the course, the college and your tutors, key approaches for the study of journalism and publishing, and the skills required for independent and collaborative learning.
Essential Journalism Skills (20 credits)
This unit introduces the key skills for producing news and short form features across a range of different formats. You will learn news gathering and interviewing techniques, as well as how to write for a target audience.
Key Concepts in Journalism and Publishing (20 credits)
This unit situates journalism within a broader cultural and social context. You will gain a historical perspective on the development of the media industry and the role of the journalist, as well as considering the impact of technological change and the evolving audience.
Law, Ethics and Social Principles (20 credits)
This unit introduces the essential laws which govern journalism and publishing, including defamation, privacy, contempt of court and copyright. You will also discuss broader ethical questions and consider how responsible media practitioners might navigate them.
Digital Content (20 credits)
You will learn how to generate audio-visual journalism for digital platforms including framing, shooting, editing and uploading content, giving you the creative and technical skills to produce your own stories from concept to completion.
Digital Publishing (20 credits)
You will learn the design and production skills to present, format and share information across different media channels to optimise audience reach. Alongside this you will be introduced to industry-standard software and publishing templates, as well as how to access LCC technical facilities.
Year 2
Contextual Option (20 credits):
Social Justice Journalism
If you choose this specialist area of contextual study, you will explore ways in which journalism can become a vehicle for social change. You will analyse recent journalism related to topics discussed in class as a basis for exploring key theories and academic writing in this field. Your work on this unit will help you to prepare for Year 3’s Research Project.
or
Lifestyle Journalism (20 credits)
If you choose this specialist area of contextual study, you will explore the definitions and challenges of lifestyle journalism and its role as a relevant and potentially disruptive form of storytelling. You will analyse recent journalism related to topics discussed in class as a basis for exploring key theories and academic writing in this field. Your work on this unit will help you to prepare for Year 3’s Research Project.
Feature Writing and Social Media (20 credits)
You will develop a fully digital approach to journalism: engaging your target audience via the creative integration of text, image and graphics as well as using social media to enhance your reach. You will also apply the principles of ethical reporting and consider the challenges of AI and misinformation.
Professional Industry Practice (20 credits)
As part of developing your own professional practice and media profile, you will have the opportunity to complete a period of work experience as well as collaborate on live briefs provided by industry partners.
Practice Option 1:
Design, Production and Project Management (20 credits)
As part of a team, you will create a multiplatform brand, learning a range of design and editing skills to conceive and shape your artefact, plus the project management knowledge to bring it to fruition.
or
Video Storytelling (20 credits)
You will learn how to give your video stories a professional edge, using advanced camera techniques on location and in the studio, plus the journalistic skills required for researching, scripting and interviewing.
Contemporary Challenges in Journalism (20 credits)
This unit explores many of the most pressing issues facing journalists today. You will examine how changes in technology, politics and culture are reshaping journalism as a profession and its evolving role in democratic societies.
Practice Option 2 (20 credits)
You will have a choice of units, giving you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of a specialised area of journalism or publishing. Topics may include photojournalism, podcasting and magazine design.
Year 3
Journalism Project (40 credits)
This unit is the culmination of your practical journalism studies on the course, resulting in a final portfolio of work produced for the Artefact brand, our public-facing website, social feeds and magazine. You will be able to choose between written and audio-visual formats.
Audiences and Analytics (20 credits)
This unit will build on your knowledge of how to attract and analyse an audience. Using Artefact as a real-life example, you will develop strategies to engage particular demographics, managing and monitoring the brand’s social media platforms.
Research Project (40 credits)
You'll produce a piece of research based on a topic of your choice related to journalism, applying relevant research methods under one-to-one supervision. You will be offered options for your methodology and presentation of findings. This unit will be very useful for those considering further study at MA level.
Creative Futures (20 credits)
You'll have the opportunity to explore career options and employment trends as well developing your professional profile and an action plan in preparation for life post-graduation.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL 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.
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) Journalism (with Creative Computing).
Diploma in Storytelling (Optional)
Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Storytelling. Enhance your creative voice and discover how to engage audiences and enact change through compelling storytelling - a skill that's in demand across a range of creative industries. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Journalism (with Storytelling).
