ENGLISH AND JOURNALISM - BA (HONS)

Our BA (Hons) English and Journalism course is ideal for anyone wishing to follow a career in the dynamic and competitive world of journalism. The course is housed in the School of English where you will be taught by world-leading academics and practitioners offering a diverse range of modules in literary studies, linguistics, creative writing, and drama...

Our BA (Hons) English and Journalism course is ideal for anyone wishing to follow a career in the dynamic and competitive world of journalism.

The course is housed in the School of English where you will be taught by world-leading academics and practitioners offering a diverse range of modules in literary studies, linguistics, creative writing, and drama. Your degree will allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations with both a local and global outlook.

The program focuses on the development of core knowledge and skills for English study and work experience placements on live stories in media environments will teach you how to craft a story in a way that engages the audience.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS COURSE?

The course brings together a study of English with knowledge of journalism practice and professional development. Combining the study of literature, language, drama, and creative writing from the School of English with the development of skills to become a thinking media worker at the School of Media, you will benefit from subject knowledge and transferable skills from both disciplines.

Through the study of English, you will develop an ability to work as an independent researcher, communicate effectively in spoken and written discourse, critically evaluate the work of others, and respond imaginatively to original briefs.

Understanding how language works in practice and how language and literature engage with societies are both vital aspects in understanding how the discipline connects with the wider world, enabling you to focus on the production, interpretation, and negotiation of meaning.

These skills are transferrable to the journalism component, where you will publish your stories, use blogs - including the student-run Birmingham Eastside website, runner-up in the Guardian Student Media Awards - create wikis and employ social media channels and other interactive media to support your work and self-development.

Work experience placements on live stories in media environments will teach you how to craft a story in a way that engages the audience.

Teaching for the journalism component takes place in radio, TV, and photography studios, editing suites, and computer suites in our £62 million Parkside Building, part of our City Centre Campus, where you will build on your skills as you begin to make contacts in the industry and make your first moves into media work.

Essential Requirements: 

• 112 UCAS tariff points.

GCSE: 

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above one of which MUST include English Language
• Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment

IELTS: 

• Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills.

The university's employability programme includes sector and industry-specific skills in creative writing, drama, linguistics, and literature, as well as transferable skills that hold real value regardless of employment direction. These skills include literacy, numeracy, time management, communication, teamwork, initiative, creative thinking, self-direction, discipline, independence, information gathering, and interpersonal skills. Students will have multiple opportunities to engage in problem-solving and problem-based learning, as well as participate in the Graduate+ scheme and other employability schemes. The course equips graduates with first-hand practical expertise and academic knowledge needed for a career in communications and journalism.
The university is committed to developing strong links with employers in Birmingham and the West Midlands. Language and creative writing modules have explicit employer and industry engagement, allowing students to work in collaboration with employers and external partners. The work placement module allows students to develop skills and abilities in a sector-specific context while ensuring academic aims and objectives are met. Students are expected to undertake at least two placements during their course, ranging from two-week placements in their first year to three-week placements in their second year.
The university seeks opportunities to build further links with partner organizations in the region, including Creative Black Country, Birmingham Literary Festival, Birmingham Museums Trust, Arvon Creative Writing Foundation, Flatpack Film Festival, West Midlands Screenwriters' Forum, and other schools within the University. Regular guest speakers and visiting lecturers from newspapers, broadcast, magazines, and online publications provide insight into the modern journalism industry. Students can also engage directly with industry through activities like hack days and projects with the BBC, The Times, and Trinity Mirror.