Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Journalism
Report on current events as they unfold on TV, radio, print or online with a career in journalism.
Course overview
-
P500 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
This professionally accredited course will develop the skills you’ll need for a rewarding career in this dynamic, growing sector.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Gain newsgathering skills and experience in modern journalism
- Understand the practice and principles of contemporary journalism including fairness and accuracy
- Create multimedia news content for print, digital and broadcast platforms
- Have access to purpose-built facilities including computer suites, TV and radio studios, and a dedicated newsroom
You'll have the opportunity to use our facilities to create multimedia news content for print, digital and broadcast platforms. You’ll combine the best of the past with an eye on the future.
Industry links
Gaining experience will be an important part of your course. Placement opportunities will give you the chance to encounter real-life journalism. We have links that can help you find work in organisations such as the BBC, Sky Sports and with a variety of local and national media companies. Our students have completed placements with The Independent, The One Show, local radio and newspapers.
Professional accreditation
This course is also accredited by the Professional Publishers Association, equipping you with the theoretical and practical skills to hit the ground after graduating.
Guest lecture series
You’ll have access to the guest lecture programme. Past speakers include the CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, past Chair and President of the Academy of Marketing, Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association, the Chief Economist of Yorkshire Bank and the Editor of Cosmopolitan. To view and register for any upcoming guest lectures, visit our university events webpage.
Why study the Journalism course at Leeds Beckett University?
- 93% of students on BA (Hons) Journalism were positive about the availability of specialist facilities*
- Professionally accredited
- Specialist facilities to create multimedia news content
- Open the doors to working in a practical environment at the BBC, Sky Sports and a variety of local and national media companies
*National Student Survey 2025
Explore videos and blogs
BA (Hons) Journalism | Make every moment matter Discover the kind of moments you could look forward to on our Journalism course, from getting creative with multimedia content to showcasing your skills in the Media Suite.
We Collaborate: Placement opportunities as a student at Leeds Beckett
A day in the life of Molly and Katie | Student vlog Molly and Katie who study Journalism show us what a day is like for them - including their time at university, work experience and more.
Why Leeds for business? Discover what the city of Leeds has to offer and why it’s a great choice for students studying business, finance or communications.
BA (Hons) Journalism | Student view Student Katie talks about her experience at Leeds Beckett University.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language Grade 5 or above and GCSE Maths Grade 4 or above (Grade B (English) and Grade C (Maths) respectively, for those sitting their GCSE before from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 3 are accepted in place of GCSE Grade 5 English Language. Key Skills/Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSE Grade 4 Maths.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
Study the the history of journalism. You will explore topics including how and why newspapers were first produced, the emergence of the professional reporter, the forces propelling the growth of news media and the origins and development of broadcast news.
Begin to study the journalism production, research and dissemination techniques used in online and digital contexts.
Study the historical, cultural and social contexts of journalism while focusing on practical, hands-on tasks that will enable you to become proficient journalistic writer.
Explore essential themes in news production and journalism focusing on three central areas: industry, text and audience. You will examine concepts such as the public sphere, ethics, audience reception models, media effects, culture, professionalism, blogging and citizen journalism.
Gain the foundation knowledge required for journalists and media practitioners to understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to the public. You will examine the legal and regulatory systems which govern the print and broadcast media in England.
Learn the journalism skills you will need for radio and TV production including technical, studio and newsgathering.
What you'll learn
You will build on the knowledge you acquired in the Introduction to Media Law module to develop the professional knowledge required for journalists and media practitioners to understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to their work in the public domain. You will examine the legal and regulatory systems which govern the broadcast and print media in England in relation to confidentiality, privacy, journalistic sources, data protection and copyright.
This practical module will encourage you to build on the skills you learned in the Reporting 1 module. You will learn how to source material to produce features, conduct in-depth interviews and write in a detailed, descriptive manner with specific publications in mind.
Build on the digital newsgathering and production skills developed in the Digital Publishing module. You will create content in a newsroom environment during a series of production newsdays and workshops will help introduce you to contemporary techniques in data, newsgathering and distribution.
This module explores the rapidly changing circumstances and environment of global media. You will look at the rise of network and digital technologies and how they impact on more traditional forms of media and provide critical awareness of changes in the production of the media. You will complete a practical element that will enable you to put your studies into practice.
Develop the knowledge of current affairs required by professional journalists. You will look systems of public administration at central and local level in the UK, within the EU and at a global level. Your studies will include looking at the institutions, agencies and organisations at each level of government. You will put your knowledge into practice in a portfolio of journalistic work.
Refresh and build upon your knowledge and skills in radio and television reporting. You will have the opportunity to take part in industry-style broadcast radio, TV and live streaming newsdays.
What you'll learn
Learn the practical skills required for magazine production including layout, aesthetics and design, flow, flat planning and content optimisation. Your tools will be digital, though the product you produce will be a magazine suitable for both print and digital contexts.
Develop the skills you will need for the real working environment of a multimedia journalist, including the need to work on the move, in the newsroom and in media studios.
Complete the project, you'll create a long-form piece of journalism for TV, radio, print or online.
Pull together the skills you developed in the Reporting, Digital Publishing and Writing Features modules by producing a business magazine serving the region. You will gain professional experience that will enhance your employment prospects while you gain new perspectives on the publishing process and business scene.
Option modules may include
Engage with fashion theory and history with particular emphasis on fashion and cultural movements. You'll learn how to create fashion articles and promotional materials.
Explore traditional games journalism, including reviewing, news reporting and feature writing for magazines and websites. You'll also look at emerging reporting on e-sports, a rapidly growing genre that has significant crossover with sports journalism. Developed with advice from industry partners, this module will prepare you for roles in the field of video games journalism, from staff writing to freelance or entrepreneurial posts. You'll learn to produce specialist journalism to the high quality expected in your final year.
Study digital camera techniques through the process of researching and developing a substantial piece of photographic journalism. A series of photographic assignments will enable you to acquire technical and practical skills in digital photography and combine them with digital publishing and journalism skills.
Through a mix of theory and practice, you will explore the relationship between sport and the media, and the role of the sports journalist. You will develop the skills of sports reporting across different media but will also examine the professional, ethical, cultural, sociological and financial background of the modern world of sport.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Professional body subscription fees - For courses with professional body subscriptions, you will need to pay any necessary fees directly to the professional body.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Student membership of National Union of Journalists (£10 per year of study collected annually).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840. Professional body subscription fees - For courses with professional body subscriptions, you will need to pay any necessary fees directly to the professional body.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Student membership of National Union of Journalists (£10 per year of study collected annually).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
93%
of students on BA (Hons) Journalism were positive about the availability of specialist facilities
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
BA (Hons) Journalism - Emmie Penkett Graduate Emmie talks about reasons for choosing the course, highlights, support at university and future plans.
In today's news gathering operations, you need to be able to work both in print and digitally. Having undertaken the news and feature writing modules on my course, I know exactly how to write a feature when I need to and I am just as comfortable when I have to sub-edit some news copy.
Hannah Robinson
Content editor, Hull Daily Mail
Career Prospects
You’ll be primed with the strong practical and multimedia skills demanded in today’s newsrooms. Exciting opportunities in news, digital content creation and digital agencies will be open to you. You’ll also benefit from our staff’s close links to regional and national broadcasting, print and online media industries. Previous students have completed placements with the BBC, ITV, magazines and national newspapers and have gone on to work for media organisations across the world. Job roles you could go onto, could include:
- Journalist
- Copywriter
- Researcher
- News editor
We prepare students in traditional journalism methods, focusing on digital, radio, TV, print and online, from the perspective of a team who have worked in the industry.
Karl Hodge
Course Director
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We are ranked 13th Best UK University for Careers Service
(Student Crowd Awards, 2024 – the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
It’s such a practical course and everything you learn is valuable to the working world. Over the past three years, I have experienced significant growth, not only in the quality of my work but also in my personal confidence. The staff are so helpful and welcoming too.”
Annabel Wales
BA (Hons) Journalism student
Make every moment matter at Leeds Business School Discover the kind of moments you could look forward to at Leeds Business School, from learning from experts to being inspired by business leaders. Our students have gone on placements, worked on live industry projects and benefitted from connections with employers such as Disney, Sky Sports, Nestlé, Flamingo Land and North Brewing. Together we can power your future advantage.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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