Journalism BA (Hons) Undergraduate Programme By Ulster University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Year One: Building Strong Foundations In your first year, you will be introduced to the core principles of journalism, including news reporting, broadcast and digital journalism. You will develop your writing, researching, and storytelling skills, while learning how to produce content for TV, radio, and online platforms. You will work on live assignments, learning interview techniques, ethical reporting, and digital media production. Modules such as MED106 Journalism Practice and MED104 Public Affairs Reporting will give you an essential grounding in newsroom operations and political reporting. Year Two: Specialisation & Industry Practice Your second year focuses on developing practical and theoretical knowledge as well as application of specialist journalism skills. You will learn investigative techniques, video journalism training, and digital content strategies, ensuring you are ready to produce compelling multimedia stories. This year introduces Newsdays, in line with BJTC accreditation, simulating live journalism content creation. You will also take advanced media law training (MED324 Media Law and Regulation). A key highlight of this year is the industry placement, where you will gain real-world experience with professional media organisations, building your portfolio and industry connections. Year Three: Professionalism, Innovation & Leadership In your final year, you will refine your storytelling, production, and editorial leadership skills, preparing you for graduation and industry. You will undertake a major journalism project, focusing on documentary, investigative, or long-form reporting. Modules such as MED528 Programme Production and MED537 Journalism Futures will challenge you to push creative boundaries, using cutting-edge digital techniques to create longer-form productions. You will also develop entrepreneurial skills, preparing for freelance journalism, content creation, and innovative media startups. Your final year ensures you graduate with a portfolio of high-quality, industry-standard work, ready to step into the professional world. The programme uses a range of teaching methods including lectures, small group seminars and practical workshops. These are delivered and supervised by experienced teaching staff, including former journalists with BBC, ITV, Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and The Sunday Times. Guest editors from industry deliver bespoke masterclasses in software, alongside coaching and mentoring schemes. Students have access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students also receive dedicated vocal training as part of the course, helping develop confident, professional delivery for radio, podcasting, and on-screen presentation—an essential skill for careers in broadcast and multimedia storytelling. Students also have access to a wide range of professional quality video and sound equipment such as recorders, digital cameras and video cameras that can all be booked out and used for free.

Programme overview

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Year One: Building Strong Foundations In your first year, you will be introduced to the core principles of journalism, including news reporting, broadcast and digital journalism. You will develop your writing, researching, and storytelling skills, while learning how to produce content for TV, radio, and online platforms. You will work on live assignments, learning interview techniques, ethical reporting, and digital media production. Modules such as MED106 Journalism Practice and MED104 Public Affairs Reporting will give you an essential grounding in newsroom operations and political reporting. Year Two: Specialisation & Industry Practice Your second year focuses on developing practical and theoretical knowledge as well as application of specialist journalism skills. You will learn investigative techniques, video journalism training, and digital content strategies, ensuring you are ready to produce compelling multimedia stories. This year introduces Newsdays, in line with BJTC accreditation, simulating live journalism content creation. You will also take advanced media law training (MED324 Media Law and Regulation). A key highlight of this year is the industry placement, where you will gain real-world experience with professional media organisations, building your portfolio and industry connections. Year Three: Professionalism, Innovation & Leadership In your final year, you will refine your storytelling, production, and editorial leadership skills, preparing you for graduation and industry. You will undertake a major journalism project, focusing on documentary, investigative, or long-form reporting. Modules such as MED528 Programme Production and MED537 Journalism Futures will challenge you to push creative boundaries, using cutting-edge digital techniques to create longer-form productions. You will also develop entrepreneurial skills, preparing for freelance journalism, content creation, and innovative media startups. Your final year ensures you graduate with a portfolio of high-quality, industry-standard work, ready to step into the professional world. The programme uses a range of teaching methods including lectures, small group seminars and practical workshops. These are delivered and supervised by experienced teaching staff, including former journalists with BBC, ITV, Belfast Telegraph, Irish News and The Sunday Times. Guest editors from industry deliver bespoke masterclasses in software, alongside coaching and mentoring schemes. Students have access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, including Premiere Pro, Audition, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students also receive dedicated vocal training as part of the course, helping develop confident, professional delivery for radio, podcasting, and on-screen presentation—an essential skill for careers in broadcast and multimedia storytelling. Students also have access to a wide range of professional quality video and sound equipment such as recorders, digital cameras and video cameras that can all be booked out and used for free.

Admission Requirements

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements. The entry conditions below apply to applicants presenting qualifications from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain.

Sep

Scholarships

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