By choosing journalism, you become a storyteller of our times who uncovers truth, challenges perspectives, and shapes the stories that define our world.
If you want to be at the heart of storytelling, media, and communication, journalism will be for you. You'll develop the skills to investigate, report, and convey information across various platforms – whether that’s uncovering breaking news, crafting compelling narratives, or engaging with multimedia.
It opens many career paths including the traditional newsrooms as well as the fast-paced realm of digital media. Journalism not only equips you with the power to inform and educate, but also presents opportunities for growth into roles such as editor, correspondent, media strategist, or even areas like public relations, content creation, and digital marketing.
The impact you could make
- Become a voice for the voiceless, an agent of change, and a guardian of truth.
- Influence public opinion for the better.
- Contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of media and communication.
What you could study
- Advanced digital storytelling
- The ethnography of speaking
- TV documentary journalism
- Creative work in the cultural industries
- The professional newsroom
- Religion and media
- Media law
- Popular music and society
Study options
Options to study in this field include:
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Example module
"Politics – it informs real-life issues and experiences, such as tax, the council, MPs, and so on. I also like video editing and magazine designing, which brings out my creative side."
Second year journalism student, University of Gloucestershire
Example project
“I have thoroughly enjoyed our news days that we carry out weekly in groups. They allow journalistic freedom and really give us the opportunity to build up a portfolio of content to provide to employers when we graduate.”
Second year journalism student, University of Leeds
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some journalism courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Hard skills you'll develop
- Interviewing techniques
- Research skills
- Media production
- Media law and ethics
Soft skills you'll develop
- Curiosity and inquisitiveness
- Storytelling
- Written and verbal communication
- Networking skills
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying journalism. The following information is based on a typical journalism professional role.
Available jobs
38,500 vacancies in the past year
5.88% growth over next eight years
Average salary
£38,030
Up to £66,487
Career options
Media, publishing, and information services
Art, performance, and design
What is an… urban explorer blogger?
An urban explorer blogger is a modern-day adventurer, documenting the forgotten and abandoned corners of our world. Armed with a camera and curiosity, these journalists delve into the forgotten bits of society, uncovering the untold stories of abandoned buildings, forgotten factories, and derelict spaces. As unconventional storytellers, they not only capture the beauty in the abandoned but also spark conversations about the history, architecture, and social changes that happened inside these forgotten structures. Balancing the fine line between nostalgia and the curiosity of the unknown, the urban explorer blogger helps you reconsider the overlooked stories woven into our urban environments.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study journalism at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from journalism applicants.
Vocational
BTEC MMM – DMM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Other subjects you may be interested in
67% of students
studying journalism would recommend the subject to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Considering an apprenticeship?
Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:
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Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
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Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer.
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No limits
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
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Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
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Explore further
Go deeper into topics around journalism with the following:
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News and current affairs magazines
Why not consider subscribing to your favourite current affairs magazine to stay ahead on the topics that matter to our society?
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Follow your favourite journalists
Follow your favourite journalists on social media to stay up-to-date with the conversations they’re having with the world.
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TV and film
Why not watch some TV shows or films about journalism, like The Morning Show, Spotlight, or She Said – which range from lifestyle TV reporting to hard-hitting traditional print investigative journalism.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your journalism journey.
Skills, experiences and interests to mention
- Do you have a passion for storytelling in various forms, whether through writing, multimedia production, or investigative reporting?
- Your writing skills will be crucial for journalism so highlight how your written communication proves clarity, creativity, and an ability to adapt your writing style to different subjects.
- Talk about your curiosity about the world and an eagerness to explore different topics. Mention times where your inquisitiveness has led you to uncover interesting stories or delve deeper into subjects.
- Integrity and truth are important parts of journalism so demonstrate how you can gather information, fact-check, and validate claims.
- Journalism often requires quick thinking and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, so can you demonstrate adaptability and resilience, especially in the face of challenges or tight deadlines?
Personal statement guide
We asked admissions tutors to share their advice for writing a strong and engaging media studies and journalism personal statement. Here's what they told us.
Personal statement builder
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