Journalism (NCTJ accredited) BA (Hons)

About the course

This exciting and challenging degree is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and prepares students for employment in professional journalism. It is designed for students who want to study a fascinating subject area and graduate with the industry-recognised qualifications to give them the best chance of getting a job within the industry straight away.

Reasons to choose to study Journalism at DMU:

• Learn how to become an effective, professionally qualified, multi-platform journalist, while also learning about the fascinating practice and theory of journalism.

• Taught by a range of respected and award-winning professionals and academic experts, including five former newspaper editors

• These courses take you into the fast-moving world of 21st century journalism with a real emphasis on practical, hands-on experience in this exciting and fascinating area

Featuring a range of prestigious and exciting work experience options, the course also allows our award-winning students to contribute to the Demon Media stable of multi-media platforms, including The Demon newspaper, Demon FM community radio station, Demon TV and The Demon website.

The NCTJ is the only UK-wide qualifications authority for multiplatform journalism. It has accredited DMU’s Journalism courses for nearly 20 years, and this specific course since it launched in 2009.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: P500

Duration: Three years full-time or six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

Entry requirements for 2014

• Normally 260 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent
• Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
• BTEC requirements: Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) at National Diploma Level.
• Additional qualifications can contribute towards the points score such as a third A Level or AS Levels
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ points.

If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

Most journalism is taught in two or three-hour practical workshops involving practical work every week. Other modules are taught in lecture and seminar formats, with the dissertation studied independently with support from tutorials with your tutor. Journalism students will spend time in taught sessions and be expected to do a lot of self study.

A wide variety of assessment methods are used, including practical sessions, essays, presentations, group work, portfolios and presentations. Most NCTJ qualifications are exam based.

Course modules

Year one

• Practical Journalism 1
• Journalism Skills
• Media Law
• Inside Journalism

Year two

• Practical Journalism 2
• News Writing
• Political Reporting
• Inside Journalism 2

Year three

• Practical Journalism 3
• Dissertation
• Sub-editing and Design

You then have a choice from the following:

• Sports Journalism
• The Business of Magazines
• Political Communication
• Broadcast Journalism
• Arts and Entertainment Journalism

Academic expertise

Journalism at DMU is taught by five vastly experienced, fully-qualified journalists, all of them former newspaper editors. They share their skills developed over up to 30 years in journalism in a very practical approach to the study of the subject. They are backed up by academic colleagues with expertise in many areas, and visiting lecturers from within the industry. All staff have excellent contacts in newspapers and magazines, particularly in the East Midlands. The course leader was awarded the prestigious DMU Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2007 and in 2008 and was awarded a DMU Teacher Fellowship in 2011.

Industry links and professional accreditation

DMU Journalism staff have the closest possible links with all forms of Leicestershire news media. Journalism staff have worked for – and continue to work for – most local newspapers and radio stations. This means our Journalism courses have unrivalled industry links with newspapers and radio stations in Leicestershire and the courses have an excellent reputation both regionally and nationally, allowing our students to win prestigious work experience placements for themselves.

Work experience and placements

Journalism students participate in a vast range of work experience opportunities, ranging from their own local newspaper, to local,regional and national broadcasters and a wide variety of magazines. Students also have the chance to contribute to the Demon Media stable of multi-media platforms, including; The Demon newspaper, Demon FM community radio station, Demon TV and The Demon website.

Graduate careers

Journalism students go on to work for some of the UK’s biggest media companies, including major newspaper groups, magazines, PR companies and the wider communications and digital media industries. Our students increasingly find employment in the digital economy, where their ability to communicate effectively on a variety of platforms gives them a significant advantage.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9,000 Placement year £650 Part-time (Where available) 4 year course £5,925 per year 6 year course £3,950 per year Per module £988 per 15 credits International
Full-time £11,250 Placement year £750

For more information please take a look at our Fees and Funding| section.

Scholarships

Scholarships and bursaries are available to home undergraduate students studying on a full time basis. To see if you are eligible, take a look at the Fees and Funding| section of the website.

Facilities

You will have access to excellent facilities, including five computer labs and your own dedicated newsroom. You can also use the university’s Creative Technology Studios including high-tech radio and TV studios as part of your studies and also for extra-curricular activities with Demon Media.