BA (Hons) Journalism

The BA (Hons) Journalism program at the University of Sunderland offers students a comprehensive and practical education designed to prepare them for a dynamic career in the ever-evolving media industry. This course provides a solid foundation in core journalistic skills, including news writing, editing, reporting, and multimedia production, alongside a thorough understanding of ethics, law, and media regulation. Students are encouraged to develop their own unique voice and journalistic style through hands-on projects, industry placements, and collaborative assignments, ensuring they are workplace-ready upon graduation. The program covers a wide range of media platforms, including print, broadcast, digital, and social media, enabling students to adapt to the changing landscape of journalism and media communication. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as editing suites, radio studios, and multimedia labs. Students gain valuable experience through work placements, live briefs, and engagement with professional journalists, which enhances their employability and industry understanding. The program also emphasizes important aspects of journalism such as ethical reporting, fact-checking, and audience analysis, fostering responsible and credible journalism practices. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Journalism course are prepared for diverse roles in news organizations, broadcasting companies, digital media outlets, public relations firms, and freelance journalism. The university’s strong links with industry partners and its dedicated careers service provide students with networking opportunities and mentoring throughout their studies. By the end of the programme, students will have built a comprehensive portfolio of journalism work, ready to launch their careers in a highly competitive environment. With a focus on both traditional and new media, the course ensures graduates possess the digital literacy and critical thinking skills essential for success in today’s media industry.

Journalism at the University of Sunderland offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the principles, practices, and ethics of modern journalism. The programme is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in the fast-paced and constantly evolving media industry. Throughout the course, students will develop a strong foundation in news gathering, reporting, editing, and publishing across various platforms, including print, broadcast, and digital media. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience, encouraging students to generate original content, conduct interviews, and produce multimedia stories that meet industry standards. Participants will learn about the role of journalism in society, critical thinking, and the importance of ethical reporting. The programme also provides insights into media law, regulation, and the impact of new technologies on news dissemination. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated journalism studios, multimedia labs, and editing suites, to hone their technical skills. The course features a combination of taught modules, workshops, field visits, guest lectures from industry professionals, and internships, offering valuable real-world experience. Graduates of the programme will be prepared for diverse career opportunities such as news reporter, editor, broadcast journalist, digital content creator, and media analyst. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends and innovations in journalism, ensuring students are industry-ready upon graduation. By the end of the programme, students will have built a compelling portfolio of work and developed the confidence and professionalism needed to thrive in the competitive media landscape.

Typical entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Journalism programme at the University of Sunderland include a minimum of grades BBC at A-level or equivalent qualifications. Applicants are usually required to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification, such as BTEC Extended Diploma in relevant subjects, with a merit or distinction profile. The university also considers a combination of GCSEs, with a particular emphasis on English language proficiency, often requiring a minimum of grade C or 4 in GCSE English. For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of English language proficiency is necessary, commonly an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. In addition to academic qualifications, applicants need to demonstrate an interest in media and journalism, which may be evidenced through a personal statement, previous work experience, or a portfolio of writing. The selection process may include an interview or submission of a written task to assess communication skills, creativity, and motivation. The programme welcomes applications from mature students and those with relevant work experience, and assesses these applications on an individual basis. Prospective students should ensure their application highlights their interest in journalism, previous skills in writing, digital media, and their awareness of current media issues. There are no specific subject prerequisites beyond general English language requirements; however, students with prior experience or qualifications in media, communication, or related fields may find it beneficial. The university promotes diversity and equal opportunities and encourages applications from candidates with varied backgrounds. Overall, the entry requirements aim to ensure that students are prepared for the rigorous study of journalism, including practical skills training, understanding of media law, ethics, and the role of journalism in society. The university offers support for preparing applications and guidance on meeting all admission criteria.

The University of Sunderland offers various funding options and financial support opportunities for students enrolled in the Journalism degree program. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the range of scholarships, bursaries, and grants available to help finance their studies. The university participates in government funding schemes such as Student Loans, which provide eligible students with financial assistance to cover tuition fees and living costs. Funding eligibility and application procedures are detailed on the university's official website and are subject to government regulations and criteria. Additionally, the university offers a range of merit-based scholarships for outstanding students, including awards specifically for those pursuing media and journalism programs. These scholarships may support tuition fee reduction or provide stipends to assist with expenses. Students are advised to apply early and ensure they meet all specified requirements to maximize their funding opportunities. Furthermore, part-time work opportunities are often available on campus or nearby areas, allowing students to earn income while studying. The university also provides financial advice and guidance services to help students plan and manage their budgets effectively throughout their academic journey. International students should review specific visa regulations regarding funding and work rights, and may consider external funding sources such as national and international scholarship programs. Financial planning is an essential part of the student experience, and the university strives to support students in making informed decisions about financing their education. Overall, the combination of government loans, institutional scholarships, external funding opportunities, and part-time employment options creates a comprehensive support system designed to make journalism studies accessible and affordable for a diverse student body.

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of Sunderland offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and practices of journalism. The programme is designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the media industry by developing their skills in reporting, editing, media law, ethics, and digital journalism. Throughout the course, students will engage with both traditional journalism techniques and emerging digital media platforms, ensuring they are versatile and adaptable in a rapidly evolving industry. The curriculum includes modules on news writing, feature writing, broadcast journalism, and multimedia storytelling, complemented by practical assignments and real-world projects. Students will also have opportunities for work placements and internships with local and national media outlets, providing valuable industry experience and professional networking opportunities.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking, ethical journalism practices, and the importance of audience engagement. Students learn to analyze complex issues, create compelling content, and utilize various media tools and technologies to reach diverse audiences. The course is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual project work, with particular focus on developing skills in digital content creation, social media management, and investigative journalism.

Assessment methods include essays, reports, presentations, and practical journalism projects. The university boasts excellent facilities, including modern newsroom studios, multimedia labs, and access to industry-standard equipment. The faculty comprises experienced journalism professionals and academics who bring real-world insights into teaching. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers as reporters, editors, multimedia producers, communication officers, or to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

The university encourages an inclusive learning environment and provides support services to help students succeed academically and personally. The course also aims to foster a global perspective on journalism, encouraging students to understand and analyze media from different cultural contexts. Overall, the Journalism programme at Sunderland aims to produce skilled, ethical, and innovative journalists ready to meet the challenges of the modern media landscape.