Journalism and Publishing students network at Meet the Experts event
Students were recently introduced to leading professionals including journalist and broadcaster Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and Managing Editor at Sky News, Louise Hastings.
BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing
College
LCC
Start date
October 2020
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
V0G3
Apply to start in October 2020
This course has places available. If you’re a UK or EU applicant, read our Guide to applying for a course starting this October and complete our self-apply form to make an application to UAL. If you’re an international applicant, complete our direct application form to apply.
For a full list of UAL courses open for 2020/21 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.
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.
Student Voices: Eve Cross
Eve talks us through her final year project on the closure of libraries in South London.
Student Voices: Aly McGuire
Aly talks to us about her magazine looking at cultural diversity in fashion.
ZONE/D magazine
BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing students made a film about ZONE/D magazine, a bespoke student magazine created in collaboration with Campus Society.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Year 2 BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing students produced content intended for the award-winning teenage mental health organisation MeeTwo Education as part of their Collaborative Project unit.
Course stories
Spotlight On: BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism & Publishing – LCC Degree Shows 2019
Explore projects from graduating students from London College of Communication's BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing course, exhibiting as part of LCC Degree Shows 2019.
Facilities
Printing and Finishing
Discover our printing techniques, from Lithographic Printing to Print Finishing and Bookbinding.
The Digital Space
The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.
Journalism
Journalism students have access to an onsite newsroom, media lab and audio studios.
Course overview
As a specialist institution, London College of Communication provides the teaching of magazine publishing and journalism in a thriving academic and vocational environment of media and communication.
Located in central London, LCC benefits from links with a number of major media organisations and publishers based in the Capital. These are reinforced via guest lectures, conferences and masterclasses to give our students invaluable access to the publishing industry.
What can you expect?
There are two main strands to the course: editorial and publishing.
Editorial is practice-based and focuses on the creation of magazine content. Students learn the editorial and production skills necessary to plan, commission and produce both print and digital magazines.
Throughout the three years of the course, collaborative and individual projects create opportunities for students to generate original editorial products.
Publishing complements our editorial strand by introducing the business side, including analysing existing and potential markets and readerships.
Students develop strong media management and entrepreneurial skills to enable the production of business plans directed towards magazine launches, financially sustainable online media and pitching for branded media projects.
Industry experience: Our two strands combined enable students to develop a toolkit of transferable skills, crucial for working in the new multi-platform media environment.
Practically, this experience includes the craft of writing and creating magazines, culminating in students producing their own creative and business publishing portfolio.
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
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
Year 1 is a broad introduction to all aspects of conceiving, creating, producing and publishing magazines – both practically and contextually.
Introduction to Magazine Journalism and Publishing (20 credits)
Provides an introduction to core themes and practices that characterise the course and to the College and its learning environment. Students will have a series of inductions to college facilities such as book-binding, the print room and the photography studio.
Essential Journalism Skills (20 credits)
Students will learn the core skills of effective story telling, such as researching, news gathering and interviewing, to create engaging news and features for magazine markets.
Magazines and Culture (20 credits)
Provides a thorough introduction to the history and culture of the magazine from the 18th century to the present day. Students look at different magazine genres from lads mags to celebrity titles, women’s publications to digital artefacts, and draw on international perspectives.
Lifestyle Journalism (20 credits)
Develops core journalism skills to create a range of written lifestyle features for consumer and customer magazines.
Art, Design and Production (20 credits)
Introduces the techniques and tools involved in magazine design - namely typography, picture editing and page layout through the creation of digital and print zines.
The Magazine Industry (20 credits)
Outlines the commercial aspects of magazine publishing, drawing on case studies, histories and theoretical analysis to understand how magazines identify and maintain their market position.
Year 2
Year 2 offers opportunities for collaboration, experimentation and specialization via individual and group projects and real industry briefs. Students also deepen their understanding of the publishing business and examine current and future trends within the industry.
The Business of Magazines (20 credits)
Places an emphasis on the importance of the economic imperative of sustainability and growth for media products, the understanding of ‘audience’ and market segments and the managing of creativity.
The Business Plan (20 credits)
A hands-on exploration of the importance of establishing financial and commercial structures in the publishing industry, skills developed include: market analysis, assessing the competition and managing human resources.
Print Magazines Production (20 credits)
An editorial project based around the creation of a print magazine from initial idea to final product.
Researching Magazine Contexts (20 credits)
Drawing on media and cultural theory, this unit examines historical, current and evolving issues and trends within publishing and media industries.
Digital Magazine Production (20 credits)
Students conceive, design and build their own digital magazine. This project includes the production of text, audio, video and other forms of content alongside platform-reader interactivity.
Collaborative Project (20 credits)
Working for an external client this unit provides real-life commercial experience. Student teams, with specific roles and responsibilities, provide the research, analysis, concept generation, and communication towards a final publishing solution.
Year 3
Year 3 enables students to bring together all that they have learned – conceptually and practically - via an in-depth research project; to engage with professional practice through the creation of a high-quality client magazine (the ultimate live brief) and consider the relationship between publishing, management and the creative industries
Client Publishing Project (40 credits)
Working to a detailed brief, students will learn how to manage an editorial project, taking on roles in areas such as planning, commissioning or producing high-quality content across a number of genres and media. This will be fulfilled alongside broader publishing functions including promotion, advertising sales and distribution.
Media Management (20 credits)
In the era of multi-platform media, magazine publishers are now a myriad of entities, from large digital global media companies through to small creative enterprises, ‘independents’.
This unit examines this media industry diversity with a focus on the organisations involved, the processes underway and patterns of commercial success.
Final Major Project (60 credits)
Students have the opportunity to pursue an extended piece of work on a topic in which they have a special interest either through the creation of an original editorial artefact such as a print magazine or digital product or by researching a specific area relevant to the course via a formal dissertation.
Learning and teaching methods
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Directed reading
- Outside speakers and visits
- Work placement
- Assessed assignments
Assessment methods
- Reflective statements
- Presentation
- Portfolios of journalistic and publishing work
- Essays
- Projects
- Research papers and reports
Staff
Anne Coddington
Course Leader, BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing
Simon Das
Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing
Keith Martin
Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing and MA Publishing
Simon Hinde
Programme Director, Journalism and Publishing
Frania Hall
Course Leader, MA Publishing
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
Oswin Tickler – graphic designer
How to apply
Opportunities for all
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
Entry requirements
Home/EU/International
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:
80 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).
- Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4).
- Merit, Merit, Pass 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 (International/EU)
IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English language requirements page for more information.
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.
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.
Making your application
Personal statement advice
This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in magazine journalism and publishing, 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.
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry – complete our self-apply form to make an application. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
You must apply for this course though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you'll need to provide the following information:
- University code: U65
- Course code: V0G3
London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.
Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the University Applying through UCAS page.
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate Application page, and for further advice for international applicants, please visit the UAL International Application page.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 15th January for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.
External student transfer policy
If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 120 credits (year 1) or 240 credits (years 1 and 2) in the equivalent units/modules on a degree course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer to year 2 or year 3 respectively.
The Admissions Tutor will consider applicants for entry to year 2 and 3 on a case by case basis, subject to places being available on the course. You must apply through UCAS and indicate POE 2 for entry to year 2 or POE 3 for entry to year 3 on your application.
Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.
Click here for important information about our UAL External Student Transfer Policy.
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.
Erasmus
For further information on Erasmus and UAL exchange schemes, please visit the Erasmus and Non-Erasmus Exchanges section on the UAL website.
This course has places available for 2020/21 entry – complete our direct application form to apply. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
International applicants can apply through either of the following routes:
- Through one of our official representatives in your country
- Through a direct application
- Through UCAS
If you are applying through UCAS you will need the following information:
- University code: U65
- Course code: V0G3
London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.
Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the University Applying through UCAS page.
For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate application page.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 15th January for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Deferring your place
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
Immigration history check
International applicants, whether applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or by direct application, you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check, we will not be able to proceed with your application.
External student transfer policy
If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 120 credits (year 1) or 240 credits (years 1 and 2) in the equivalent units/modules on a degree course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer to year 2 or year 3 respectively.
The Admissions Tutor will consider applicants for entry to year 2 and 3 on a case by case basis, subject to places being available on the course. You must apply through UCAS and indicate POE 2 for entry to year 2 or POE 3 for entry to year 3 on your application.
Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.
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) Magazine Journalism and Publishing 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. To find out more, view our Undergraduate Application Process page.
International applicants may be invited to interview in person at LCC, or via Skype if overseas or unable to attend. Details of this interview will be sent via the UAL Portal.
What happens next?
We will advise you of your application outcome through UCAS Track. 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 come to London College of Communication to attend one of our Offer Holder events. Offer holders will have the chance to meet the team, find out more about the course, and see our diverse and vibrant student community in action.
Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.
Deferring your place
If you are offered a place for 2020/21 but wish to defer to 2021/22, information on how to do this and who to contact can be found in your offer letter.
International applicants will have to pay a pre-payment in order to defer. In all cases, deferred places will be held for one year.
Fees & Funding
Home / EU fee
£9,250 (2020/21).
Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.
International fee
£22,920 (2020/21).
Additional costs
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
Accommodation
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
Scholarships and awards
There are a number of scholarships and awards available to students on this course. Use our search tool to find out more information.
Careers and alumni
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, Social Media Assistant at Laura Ashley (also fashion blogger).
- Jessica Weston and Victoria Brown, Media Sales at ITV.
- 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, Copywriter at Select NY agency (Paris based advertising agency).
- Margaret Werner, Graphic Design Assistant at Biedermann und Brandstift (agency in Frankfurt).