Course units
UAL is committed to ensuring that its students’ knowledge and skills are set within a contemporary personal and professional ethical framework so that 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 within 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 and Publishing qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits. All modules listed below are compulsory.
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’ll 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 and publishing within a broader cultural and social context. You’ll gain a historical perspective on the development of the media industry and the role of the journalist, editor and publisher, 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’ll also discuss broader ethical questions and consider how responsible media practitioners might navigate them.
Digital Content (20 credits)
You’ll 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’ll learn the design and production skills to present, format and share information across different media channels to optimise audience reach. Alongside this, you’ll be introduced to industry-standard software and publishing templates, as well as how to access LCC technical facilities.
Year 2
Publishing as a Creative Business (20 credits)
You’ll learn more about the business models, concepts and tools that publishers use to generate commercial sustainability and growth. Using case studies and real-world examples, you’ll also consider how publications innovate and are managed as creative businesses.
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’ll 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’ll choose to either complete a period of work experience or collaborate on live briefs provided by industry partners.
Design, Production and Project Management (20 credits)
As part of a team, you’ll 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.
Journalism and Publishing Research (20 credits)
You’ll explore key theories for analysing journalism and publishing activities alongside academic skills to prepare for the Year 3 Research Project unit, such as the use of sources, research methods and how to write a literature review.
Practice Option (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
Publishing Project (40 credits)
In this unit, you’ll draw on your journalism, editorial and project management skills to conceive, create and, if you wish, launch a new publishing product of your choice.
Business Strategy (20 credits)
You’ll develop a feasibility plan for your Final Major Project publication. This includes executing readership research, analysing market trends and considering competitor publications, as well as designing a marketing plan and launch strategy.
Research Project (40 credits)
You’ll produce a piece of research based on a media-related topic of your choice, applying relevant research methods under one-to-one supervision. 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 and Publishing (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 and Publishing (with Storytelling).
