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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Journalism

A fan of magazines covers shot against a white background.
A selection of Artefact Magazines, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication UCAS code
P500 Start date
September 2023 Course length
3 years

Kickstart your media career on BA (Hons) Journalism, where you’ll build practical skills for the modern journalism landscape while delving into wider social and political contexts.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Flexibility: After a groundwork year of learning core journalism skills, you’ll choose your own pathway in either Print and Online or Audio and Video media.
  • Outstanding facilities: Our multimedia newsroom will help you to gain hands-on experience.
  • Employability: Prepare for your future career through opportunities to develop a professional CV on a work placement, or by studying abroad for a semester in Denmark or Madrid.
  • Industry links: You'll have opportunities to connect with industry insiders. Previous guests have included Laura Kuenssberg (Political Editor, BBC), Alison Phillips (Editor, Daily Mirror) and Misan Harriman (Photographer and Cultural Commentator).
  • Alumni network: You'll join a network of LCC graduates working for leading media organisations such as Thomson Reuters, Vice Media, the Independent, Sky, BBC, Daily Express, FT and Google.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be on Saturday 21 October. Book your place.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Follow

Instagram: @lccjournopub

Course overview

The course delivers practical journalism teaching alongside academic study of relevant contextual theories.

In Year 2, you can choose between the Print and Online Journalism or Audio and Video Journalism pathways. In Year 3, you will work to produce the Artefact magazine and website.

You will be encouraged to develop your own authentic and individual journalism in your chosen medium, building up a portfolio of your original work.

What to expect

A combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops, taught in Mac suites, AV- equipped classrooms and studios, as appropriate.

The course covers:

  • Core journalism skills: researching, interviewing, writing and pitching
  • Broadcast techniques: self-shooting video, audio recording, digital editing
  • Critical analysis of contemporary media, legal and ethical issues
  • Contextual study of relevant cultural and historical theory
  • Use of a fully Mac-equipped newsroom, video and radio studios
  • Field trips, guest speakers and special events
  • Choice of theoretical unit in Year 2

Print and Online pathway includes:

  • Multimedia storytelling: using text, images, graphics and social media.
  • Longer-form journalism: from initial idea to rigorously researched original long feature.

Audio and Video pathway includes:

  • Audio journalism and podcasting: writing for broadcast, creative sound recording, advanced editing, radio studio production and social media promotion.
  • Advanced audio-video journalism: video packages, digital storytelling for social media, advanced camerawork, editing and video studio production.

Industry experience and opportunities

The Professional Practice unit offers you the choice of a work placement or a collaborative industry project. Students have a successful track record in securing work placements with media companies such as The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, BBC, Sky Sports, Vice, Elle, Dazed, Freemantle media, Diva, The Week and The Independent.

The Preparing for Industry unit will take you through how to create an online professional profile, offering valuable CV tips and advice on freelancing.

Throughout the course you’ll get the opportunity to meet graduates and other industry figures to hear about their professional journeys, either in guest lectures or special employability events.

You’ll also 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) Journalism runs for 93 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

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) Journalism qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

All units in Year 1 are compulsory. In Year 2, you will take either the Print and Online pathway units or the Audio-Video Journalism pathway units. You will also be offered a choice of ‘Option’ units. In Year 3 all three units are compulsory.

Year 1

Introduction to Studying Journalism (20 credits)

An introduction to your course, journalism as a subject of study and the skills required for independent and collaborative learning.

Print and Online Journalism (20 credits)

​This unit covers the basic skills and techniques of written journalism, focusing on the conventions of news writing and short features. Critical analysis of contemporary writing.

Journalism: Perspective and Theory (20 credits) 

The historical and theoretical underpinnings of journalism, its place in democracy and technological developments.

Law and Ethics (20 credits)

The unit covers the legal and ethical boundaries within which journalism operates, including defamation, privacy and contempt of court.

Audio and Video Journalism (20 credits)

Basic audio and video production techniques, including recording, editing and interviewing. Critical analysis of broadcast journalism.

Contemporary Challenges in Journalism (20 credits)

Key concepts in contemporary journalistic practices and the challenges posed by changing cultures, markets and technologies.

Year 2

Print and Online Journalism Pathway 1: Multimedia Storytelling (20 credits)

Creative integration of text, images and graphics to produce features, alongside social media strategy and critical analysis of current practice.

Print and Online Journalism Pathway 2: Longer-form journalism (40 credits)

Narrative storytelling techniques, such as developing story ideas, rigorous research and audience awareness, alongside critical reflection.

OR

Audio and Video Journalism Pathway 1: Audio Journalism and Podcasting (20 credits)

Production of short scripted radio news journalism, creative packages and longer form podcasts, alongside social media strategy and critical analysis of current practice.

Audio and Video Journalism Pathway 2: Advanced Audio/Video Journalism (40 credits)

Video packages, digital storytelling for social media and collaborative productions, alongside critical reflection.

Option Unit (20 credits)

A choice of units will allow you to pursue academic research in a specific area of journalism.

Professional Industry Practice (20 credits)

A choice of either completing a period of work experience or collaborating on specific briefs provided by media industry partners.

Research into Journalism (20 credits)

Essential academic research skills to prepare for the dissertation unit in year 3, such as use of sources, research methods and writing a literature review.

Year 3

Final Major Project (60 credits)

Produce a journalism portfolio in your pathway specialism for Artefact magazine and/or website, covering a range of genres and themes.

Research Project (40 credits)

Research and write a 7,000 word dissertation, carrying out relevant research into a topic of your choice under one-to-one supervision. 

Creative Futures (20 credits)

Learn how to produce a professional online profile and CV, demonstrate an understanding of the current media industry and explore the opportunities of a creative career.

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) Journalism (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Practical, hands-on workshops 
  • Workshops
  • Group work
  • Artefact website and print magazine
  • Field trips
  • Workshops 
  • Theory
  • Research methods
  • Industry-based learning

Student voices

Stella Schmieder

The Future of Diabetes: How Modern Technologies Influence People with Diabetes

Stella's final major project is a research article published through the student-led Artefact Magazine.

James Cropper

James talks us through his involvement in LCC's Refugee Journalism Project.

Course stories

Facilities

  • Red light indicating recording is taking place.
    Image © Vladimir Molico

    Lens-Based and Audio-Visual

    Find out about the workspaces and studios that support Lens-Based and Audio-Visual practice.

  • 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

Senior Lecturers

Lynda Smith, Alejandro Abraham-Hamanoiel

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

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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, 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) including English.

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 the discipline of journalism;
  • 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

Home International

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: P500

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in journalism, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course. 

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC. 

You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future. 

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Please note: This course does not require a portfolio as part of the application.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

You must apply through UCAS, where you will need the following information:

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – P500

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.  Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in journalism, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course. 

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC. 

You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future. 

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Please note: This course does not require a portfolio as part of the application.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Study abroad applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join BA (Hons) Journalism for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student.

Visit the Study Abroad page for details of how to apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will consider you for a place on the course.

We make our offers based on the strength of the whole application, and therefore don’t routinely invite applicants to interview.

International applicants may be invited to an online interview. Interview details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

What happens next?

We will advise you of your application outcome through UCAS Hub. If you are an International applicant and have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL Portal.

We invite all offer holders to attend one of our online Offer Holder events. This is your opportunity to meet the academic team and fellow offer holders, find out more about the course, and get a taste of what it will be like to study here.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

Graduates of the course have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of leading media businesses such as Vogue UK, Daily Mail, Guardian, Sky, Sunday Times, Legal Week magazine, Grazia, CNBC, Vice Media, International Herald Tribune, Metro online, TalkSport, Press Association, The BRICS Post, City Index.

In addition, graduates have secured public relations, marketing or content management roles for companies like Samsung, Transport for London, EasyJet, Donna Karan, Sainsbury's, Media Citizens and the University itself.

Many others have established themselves as freelance writers or have set up their own companies. Each year there are some graduates who go on to study MA Arts and Lifestyle Journalism and MA Public Relations at LCC, or other related MA courses.

Alumni

London College of Communication

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 6500
Address
Elephant & Castle

London
SE1 6SB