Journalism BA (Hons)
Why choose this course?
Kingston University is ranked No. 1 in London for journalism, publishing and public relations (Guardian university league tables 2020).
Progression into work or further study stands at 100%. 90% of our students are employed within six months of finishing the course, with half working as media professionals, according to data collected from our graduates in the past two years. In addition, our graduates' first job salaries after six months of finishing the course reach £25,000 – higher than the UK average of £19,000 for journalism graduates.
Our alumni have progressed to roles such as senior broadcast journalist at the BBC, digital news editor at OK! Magazine, sports journalist at the Daily Star, and picture editor at The Sun. They also work in the business press, broadcasting, PR and media-related roles like fashion copywriter.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | P500 | 2021 2022 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | P501 | 2021 2022 |
| 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2021 2022 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
2021 entry
If you are planning to join this course in the academic year 2021/22 (i.e. between September 2021 and August 2022), please view the information about changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19.
Continuing students
Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2021/22 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2021/22. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas course page.
Reasons to choose Kingston
- Kingston is ranked No.1 in London for journalism and publishing (Guardian university league tables 2021)
- You'll have many opportunities to do work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry. You'll be supported by our work placement scheme.
- You'll gain hands-on experience at our student-run River newspaper and River Online (a past winner of the Guardian Student Media Award newspaper of the year).
What you will study
This programme is designed to equip you with knowledge and expertise, both to understand the world of journalism as consumers and to engage with it as practitioners.
You will also gain transferable skills that are of use in a variety of professions. These include the capacity to carry out independent research, and to demonstrate initiative and leadership; teambuilding, interview techniques digital skills; and the ability to produce precise, accurate, engaging written work to tight deadlines.
Modules
Each level is made up of four modules each worth 30 credit points. Typically a student must complete 120 credits at each level.
Year 1
Year 2
Optional year
Final year
Year 1 introduces the skills for becoming an effective journalist including digital skills, mobile reporting, video and social media, news and feature writing. You will also study the broader context of journalism in society and the critical issues facing journalists today.
Core modules
Practical Journalism 1
30 credits
Writing is a key communication tool of journalism. This module introduces you to the language, practical conventions, contexts and functions of written journalism in the multimedia environment. Through studying and critically analysing the structure, style and content of articles published on websites, in newspapers and magazines you will begin to develop an understanding of how copy is gathered, put together and directed at specific readerships.
Through lectures and through practice in workshops you will learn to identify a story from raw, diffuse or incomplete information by the application of news values, to write it in appropriate style, to add headlines and online "furniture" and to upload it to a content management system.
Writing clear, accurate and engaging text relies on understanding and applying the rules of grammar, using the right words and constructing coherent prose. This module also helps you to boost your grammar and punctuation skills, choose and use appropriate words and craft effective sentences and paragraphs. You will discover the underlying rules and principles, consider the impact of your writing decisions and develop your own writing and editing skills.
Also, by examining and practising skills needed to develop and write pieces such as: originating ideas, researching, assessing the reliability of sources, interviewing, organising material and adhering to house style, you will aim to produce journalistic news pieces and feature articles that are suitable for publication.
Thinking about Journalism
30 credits
This is a core module for full and half-field Journalism students. It offers a critical introduction to the discipline of journalism in all its forms, with particular emphasis on news. At its heart is a question central to studying journalism: why do journalists approach their trade in the way(s) they do, and what are the values, norms and assumptions underpinning their professional practice? The module commences with an examination of news values – the (often unspoken) 'rules of thumb' that determine the subjects/stories journalists report and the angles they pursue. It adopts a critical approach to examining reporting practice – introducing academic concepts like framing, agenda-setting and active audience theory to consider not only how journalists select and/or construct their narratives but also the increasing contribution of audiences themselves to the shaping of news discourse.
The module examines two other issues central to the role of the journalist: objectivity and public interest. Students are encouraged to critique the question of objectivity, with reference to real-world examples that both uphold and challenge this idea, including the practice of openly partisan/campaigning journalism. Public interest is examined in light of recent controversies that have exposed legal and ethical issues with contemporary journalism – including the 'phone-hacking' scandal and ensuing Leveson Inquiry and criminal prosecutions.
The module also acts as a more general introduction to the academic strand of the BA Journalism degree - introducing students to Kingston's personal tutor system and the conventions of essay-writing, Harvard referencing and exam technique.
Digital Skills for Journalists
30 credits
This two semester-long module introduces students to the background of the ‘online revolution' and its implications for the role of the journalist and the future of the industry. Through lectures and practical workshops students will gain understanding of the impact of the internet including social media on reporting and writing and an introduction to multimedia reporting including video. Assessment for this module takes the form of a portfolio (100%) of multimedia content including video, some of which is researched and created in students' own time.
Journalism in the Wider World
30 credits
A key part of a journalist's role is to inform readers what is going on in the world. To do this well, journalists have to understand how the world works and why. This module aims to build on existing understanding to provide students with the necessary political, economic, historical social and cultural context to underpin their development as journalists. Areas for exploration and discussion will include Britain's role in the world; the UK's relationship with Europe, the US and the developing world; British institutions and their role and influence (including the monarchy, parliament, the judiciary, Whitehall, religious bodies, universities, local government, banks and finance houses) and the history and emergence of competing ideologies such as capitalism, socialism and liberalism. The module will explore emerging social and cultural trends and the way these are covered in the media. Underpinning the module will be the key questions of "Where does power lie?" "Who has control?" "Who is responsible?" "Who really runs things?"
In Year 2, you will be able to develop your skills in a range of specialist modules including broadcast, and magazine journalism. In the Practical Journalism 2 module you will produce your own live digital and print publications. You will also study core subjects such as video, layout and media law and have the opportunity to pursue a research project. You can also choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities.
Core modules
Practical Journalism 2
30 credits
This is a core module taken by both all second year journalism students. It aims to expand, develop and hone the print and online skills acquired in Practical Journalism 1. The module will also explore how journalism is shaped by the legal and regulatory context in which it is practised. Students will focus on story development, writing and editing in print and online, layout and page design, and video story-telling. They will also learn Teeline shorthand, aiming to reach a speed of 60-100 wpm. They will acquire a working knowledge of libel, contempt and privacy law as well as court reporting skills.
Journalism in History and Literature
30 credits
This module aims to set the processes and outputs of UK journalism within their historical and literary context. You will develop an understanding of how journalism developed as a commercial activity and a recognisable profession in the nineteenth century and how these beginnings influenced the shape of journalism throughout the twentieth century, with the growth of the tabloid press, the battles of the press barons, the rise and fall of the power of the print unions and the growth of consumer and lifestyle journalism. You will discuss and debate key issues such as the growth of campaigning and investigative journalism and the freedom of the press in a democratic society.
You will be introduced to the journalism of writers such as Defoe, Swift, Steele, Dickens, as well as more modern literary journalists such as George Orwell. You will develop an understanding of how these writers helped shape the course of journalism. You will also have the opportunity to study two key texts in depth, chosen as examples of literary journalism, and examining them in their historical, cultural and theoretical contexts.
Optional modules
Journalism Research Paper
30 credits
This module offers students a chance to carry out an in-depth piece of research into an aspect of journalism which interests them and to work independently under the guidance of a tutor. Students will be able to choose their own topic, frame it in the way they want and select the most appropriate primary and secondary sources. Students can use their research not only to gain insight into a chosen topic but also to contact and question journalists working in the industry to find out what is really going on and to start networking. This module provides an excellent foundation for independent empirical research focused within the main course discipline. It will be especially relevant for students planning to do a dissertation or special study in their final year.
Magazine Journalism
30 credits
The UK magazine industry has never been more exciting and challenging. Despite digital and economic changes modern magazines devoted to trends and interests endure. This module looks at how these contemporary publications are positioned and how they co-operate to weave together strands of information. In this module you will learn about the contexts in which contemporary magazines operate. You will look at the current state of the periodicals sector and reflect on trends and developments by researching, originating and developing a magazine concept for a specified readership. You will build effective editorial, team-working skills and adapt these to the needs of differing audiences and objectives through the origination and production of your own magazine. You will apply journalistic skills to create a portfolio of articles and will use design and layout skills to produce a dummy magazine.
Broadcast Journalism
30 credits
This module will give students the hands-on editorial experience of news broadcasting using video and audio and provide them with the tools needed to deliver compelling stories. The course will be taught through weekly lectures and technical workshops. At the end of the module, students will have a digital portfolio containing a TV package and a radio report.
Students will be supported while they learn how to capture and record news using industry standard equipment. They will develop an ability to write for pictures and to craft sound. They will receive voice coaching and get the chance to read a radio bulletin and present pieces to camera. They will become confident in the language of the broadcast newsroom.
In an increasingly digital media environment broadcast news has had to adapt the way it produces content. These technological advances have also influenced the way people digest news coverage. Therefore, alongside learning traditional methods of broadcast journalism, students will be introduced to podcasts. They will learn what the digital world means for storytelling and what the video-enabled internet means for live reporting.
Although the world of conventional broadcasting is changing rapidly, good ideas will always hold creative currency. Students will be required to generate and pitch two original TV and radio ideas with particular audiences in mind.
You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad.
The final year enables you to put your learning into practice through hands-on experience at The River Newspaper and River Online - a past winner of the Guardian Student Media Award newspaper of the year. You will have the opportunity to undertake work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry, supported by our work placement scheme.
You will study key subjects such as ethics and media law to prepare you for the workplace, and specialist modules such as sport, fashion, data or international journalism. You will expand your critical and analytical skills by undertaking a research paper on a specialist module or through a dissertation.
Core modules
Practical Journalism 3
30 credits
The module incorporates involvement in the production of the campus newspaper, The River, and its web-based version, River Online as well as undertaking a period of at least two weeks work experience within a media organisation working in a professional environment producing and practising journalism.
Each student will take on an editorial role on The River as well as contributing news and feature articles. Roles may vary, but will allow students to observe and participate in essential activities which contribute to producing real journalism. Teaching takes place in our dedicated newsroom, equipped with live news feeds, online content management system, and industry-standard software packages including Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
The placement will typically be for two weeks, although students who show initiative in negotiating more substantial work experience may be allowed to extend this period.
Journalism, Ethics and the Industry
30 credits
This module aims to build on students' critical understanding of the function of journalism, its place in society and its ethical, legal, technological and commercial framework. It develops material on the nature, history and purpose of journalism covered in earlier modules to critically examine how the UK media has risen to the challenge of reflecting and representing the ever more socially and culturally diverse Britain of today – as well as its duty to accurately and impartially report on foreign affairs and conflicts.
By considering concepts such as truth, objectivity, accountability, a free press, freedom of information and public interest in relation to journalism, students will develop an awareness of the tensions between journalists, readers, sources and proprietors in a changing media landscape and what it means to be an ethically responsible journalist.
Students will also examine the impact of social, technological and commercial changes on the practice and business of journalism, including the decline of conventional advertising, the increasing plurality of media forms, changing audience demands and expectations, and the rise of news aggregating websites and cheap ‘content' over costly original reporting.
Optional modules
Journalism Dissertation
30 credits
This module aims to encourage independent research and hone study and research skills developed earlier in the degree course. Students will be asked to formulate a specific hypothesis relating to journalism and then conduct a systematic and sustained inquiry focused on that hypothesis. Students will conduct secondary research but great value will also be placed on their own primary research efforts. At the end of this year-long module, students will be assessed on a 10,000 word piece of writing that is expected to demonstrate keen analytical skills and logical thinking and offer a cogent, coherent argument that complies with the dissertation model.
Special Study: Literary Journalism and War
30 credits
In this special study you will read closely four exceptional books of journalism dealing with war. In these books – from George Orwell's account of the Spanish Civil War to Dexter Filkins's reporting on the American invasion of Iraq – the writers are centre stage, exploring their own feelings and beliefs as they try to make sense of the chaos of war. Through analysing the texts you will examine the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts of the conflicts themselves and how journalism deals with describing war. Through close attention to the style of these writers you will become familiar with literary journalism and be given an opportunity to develop your own narrative writing.
Special Study: International Journalism
30 credits
The module aims to encourage students to analyse the content and production of foreign news and to critically assess the many factors that combine to create the foreign reports we currently consume. Students will study media ownership, so-called dominant world views and perceived unfairness in the current system related to what and who gets covered - and how.
The changing face of foreign news will be critically assessed as the number of "traditional" foreign correspondents continues to fall and new forms of foreign news gathering evolve. Students will research the impact of economic, social and technological change on foreign news operations. Is the future of foreign news as bleak as some experts forecast or could the new emerging models outshine those they replace - and even be fairer? The issues may seem abstract but they will be explored through concrete foreign reporting from the most peaceful of news patches to war-ridden conflict zones.
The countless ethical dilemmas that face individual foreign reporters and their foreign news desks will be examined along the way along with the practical challenges particular to foreign reporting e.g. the difficulties of providing context for complex stories from distant lands.
Specialist Journalism: Sport
30 credits
This module offers an introduction to and broad experience of sports journalism. It is a practical course aimed at helping students to develop their writing and reporting skills to produce professional sports copy, including deadline-driven match reports, running copy, interviews, sports news stories, profiles, factboxes, comment, analysis and newspaper/multi-media sports packages. It also aims to help students understand the context and pressures under which sports journalism is produced in the modern media.
Workshops, alongside live reporting assignments, will be used to explain concepts and develop skills. During project work in the second half of the module, students will produce a publishable sports package. Guidance will be offered though seminars and tutorials.
Specialist Journalism: Fashion
30 credits
This highly practical module allows students to explore in depth and actively engage with the world of fashion journalism. Students will develop their researching, writing and reporting skills to allow them to write professional fashion news, catwalk and trend reports, interviews and features for specialist fashion and mainstream press and websites. They will also explore different fashion forums and build a range of digital skills such as blogging, vlogging and social media networking. They will learn about editorial styling – putting together shopping pages, makeovers and get-the-look pieces – and gain an understanding of main fashion and photoshoots. They will apply their newly-gained skills to the production of a portfolio of cutting-edge fashion journalism.
The practices of fashion journalism will be placed in a context throughout the module. Through a series of lectures and in-class discussions students will gain insight into the fashion industry and how it works: the designers, brands, seasons and how clothes are made. They will acquire an appreciation of the fashion industry's relationship with the media, the role and function of fashion PR, and the historical, cultural and global economic issues which fashion journalists must understand.
Students will demonstrate their skills and knowledge in an original, independent fashion journalism project.
Digital Detectives: Data Journalism
30 credits
In this module, students will build an understanding of the role and context of data journalism in the light of developments in data transparency, online ‘data dumping' by ‘hacktivists' and accompanying changes to the role of the professional journalist as the traditional ‘gatekeeper' to news and information. Students will gain practical skills in searching for and developing original investigative stories from online datasets, as well as learning how to make use of advanced digital tools to visualise their findings in dynamic graphic formats.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
Foundation year
You can also study this course with a Foundation year.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods include workshop-based core skills modules. There are lectures by practitioners, student-led seminars and guided research.
Assessment methods are often based on the production of news stories, features and essays. You may also be appraised on your performance on work placements and work on the campus newspaper.
You will also benefit from weekly guest lectures. In the past year guest lecturers have included senior journalists and editors at The Guardian, Glamour, The Sunday Times, VICE, Vogue, New Statesman and CNN.
Who teaches this course?
Many of the Journalism teaching team are published writers, reporters, international correspondents and editors, with extensive experience and professional links: they will help you to develop your skills, networks and gain access to industry contacts. Their expertise and knowledge is closely matched to the content of the modules on this course.
You will also benefit from weekly guest lectures. In the past year guest lecturers have included senior journalists and editors at The Guardian, Glamour, The Sunday Times, VICE, Vogue, New Statesman and CNN.
Facilities
The campus at Penrhyn Road is a hive of activity, housing the main student restaurant, the learning resources centre (LRC), and a host of teaching rooms and lecture theatres.
At the heart of the campus is the John Galsworthy building, a six-storey complex that brings together lecture theatres, flexible teaching space and information technology suites around a landscaped courtyard.
Fees and funding
After you graduate
Our graduates have progressed to roles at many of the main media organisations such as Reuters, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Channel 4 News, Sky, the BBC, The Times and Al Jazeera.
Examples of recent first jobs after graduation include:
- Journalist, Express Newspapers
- Picture editor/researcher, The Sun, News UK
- Sub-editor, MailOnline (Snapchat Discover desk)
- Junior feature writer, Harvey Nichols
- Junior fashion writer, SecretSales.com
- Multimedia reporter, Pink News
- Reporter, Copenhagen Times
- Reporter, EuroMoney Institutional Investor
- Trainee reporter, South West News Service
- Video journalist, RT UK
- Editorial assistant, HMG Aerospace
- Copywriter, Health & Care
What our students say
Links with business and industry
Our links with business are key to the course – whether it is the wealth of experience our lecturers bring from their own careers, the top calibre guest speakers who pass on tips every week or the extensive industry work experience you get as part of the course.
A diverse team of journalists teaches on the course. All have current or recent experience of either the national press or key local or trade press. This means that teaching is informed by the latest industry expertise and you will have access to practical help and career advice from people with insider knowledge.
Our guest speaker programme is a fantastic opportunity for students to listen to, and question, key media figures from every sphere of the industry. To give you a taste of what our speakers can offer, take a look at this selection of prominent names who have visited recently:
- Farah Storr, editor in chief of Cosmopolitan
- David Jenkins, editor of Little White Lies
- Ben Machell, feature writer at The Times
- Samira Ahmed, BBC presenter and former Channel 4 news anchor (Samira is currently Visiting Professor at Kingston)
- Rossalyn Warren, award winning foreign affairs journalist and former Buzzfeed reporter
- Fatima Manji, presenter at Channel 4 news
- Alex Whiting, creative producer at Vogue Video
- Charlotte Duck, deputy editor at Glamour.com
- Will Dean, commissioning editor at The Guardian
- Richard Monynihan, head of digital journalism at The Daily Telegraph
- Anoosh Chakelian, deputy web editor at The New Statesman
- Radhika Sanghani, features writer for The Daily Telegraph
Course combinations
You can combine a foundation year with the following subjects:
- Journalism with Foundation Year – UCAS code: P501
- Journalism and Media – UCAS code: PP53
The courses are 4 years full time, including foundation year.
Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
