Designed for committed would-be journalists, this BA degree course has strong links with television and radio, national newspapers, local newspaper groups and magazine publishers and belongs to a small ‘premier league’ of applied journalism taught in the UK.

Teaching on the BA Journalism degree course centres on the use of London College of Communication’s multi-platform newsroom, so that students can learn a truly convergent approach to their developing craft and gain practical experience of acting within roles such as editor, subeditor or writer.

LCC’s strong work-based learning experience offers unique opportunities for production work on the live university newspaper and website, the Arts London News so that training in reporting and writing is directly put into both print and online.

You can expect ...

You can expect to learn all the fundamental and more recent skills of journalism necessary in preparation for this fast-paced world. From traditional practices such as subbing, writing and newsgathering right through to digital production, multimedia and social networks, students will gain an all-encompassing view of the industry to help steer potential areas of specialism or simply have the versatility to undertake many entry-level posts, at least.

While this degree is very practice-based it is however supported by contextual and critical theory and your ability to research, debate, reason and critique will become advanced. You will also hear from a wide range of guest speakers, be taught by practitioners with extensive industry experience, develop a professional knowledge of contemporary affairs, the national ‘news agenda’ and ethical issues and graduate with a strong portfolio of work.

The range of related roles that students typically progress into range from editors, reporters, features writers and sub-editors, public relations officers, journalists through to newspaper and periodical editors with a recent alumni survey showing that 70 per cent obtained a salaried position in journalism within the year following graduation. Recent graduate successes include employment at BBC, Sky News, CNN, national newspapers, specifically Daily Mail, The Guardian and the Press Association, with others choosing to pursue postgraduate studies at Masters level.

Tutors on this course ...

Tutors on this course have typically held senior editing or production posts in national print and broadcast that takes in experience from fleet street papers, BBC Worldservice, Panorama and many other noted news sources.

Alumni include ...

Helen Boaden, BBC Director of News; Kate Thornton, TV Presenter; Lisa Smorsarski, The Stylist Editor, Chair of the British Society of Magazine Editors; Martin Townsend, The Sunday Express Editor; Ailsa Leslie, Daily Mail Sub-Editor; Jenny Purt, Press Association; Jonathan Overend, BBC Sports Commentator; Charlie Parker, Citywire Investment Editor; Nadene Gouri, Al Jazeera TV.

This course is taught within the School of Media at LCC.

Year 1

• Introduction to Study in Higher Education
• Practical Journalism - News Reporting
• Contextual Studies 1 - The Emerging Press
• Convergence Media 1

Year 2

• Collaborative Project
• Research
• Convergence Media 2
• Contextual Studies 2 - The Modern Media

Year 3

• Practical Journalism - Final Practice Project (Arts London News)
• Contextual Studies – Dissertation

Most students will progress into jobs in journalism (print, broadcast or in new media)

Entry to this course is highly competitive: applicants are normally expected to achieve, or already have, the course entry requirements detailed below:

• 2 Bs at A level in related subjects plus 3 GCSEs (A-C)
• OR equivalent awards

This educational level may be demonstrated by possession of equivalent qualifications; e.g. International Baccalaureate or High School Diploma.

Exceptionally, applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered if the course team judges the application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by: related academic or work experience; the quality of the personal statement; a strong academic or other professional reference; or a combination of these factors.

If you were to progress beyond the first stage of recruitment, we would expect to see copies of academic essays/assignments produced on other courses to establish further, your ability to write English for academic purposes.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English. Further information is available on our International Applications page.

Selection Criteria

The first stage of the selection process begins with the application form itself. The team will consider your projected or achieved formal qualifications along with the strength and appropriateness of your personal statement and the academic reference.

The personal statement is therefore an important part of your application and should provide evidence of your appreciation, understanding and knowledge of Journalism as well as any current or past experience in the field of journalism.

After this first stage, successful applicants may be invited for an interview where they will be asked to bring on the day, a short essay about why they would like to become a journalist.

Portfolio Advice

All application forms, personal statements and references will be read and considered. Depending on the quality of your application, you may be invited to an interview.

If you are successful at the interview stage you will be offered a place. Applicants are not guaranteed an interview.

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the Study Abroad website. 

Please apply through UCAS.

If you are a UK or EU student and you have an admissions enquiry please call +44(0)20 7514 6569 or email ugadmissions@lcc.arts.ac.uk. If your are a none-EU international student and you are unsure about how to apply, admission enquiries should be made through the International Office (call +44 (0)20 7514 8138).

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the Study Abroad website details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@lcc.arts.ac.uk