University of Leicester

What you'll study

This three-year honours degree balances practical journalism training with theoretical and contextual study of media. The programme develops core reporting and storytelling skills—newswriting, interview technique, feature writing—alongside multimedia production including audio, video and web publishing.

Typical year-by-year structure includes:

• Year 1: introductory modules in news reporting, media and society, digital skills for journalists, and media law and ethics basics to give a foundation in practice and context.
• Year 2: intermediate modules that expand multimedia production (radio, video, online), investigative reporting, data awareness for journalists, and optional modules in specialised areas such as cultural industries, political communication or documentary-making.
• Year 3: advanced modules and a substantial final project or dissertation; opportunities to produce a professional portfolio or run sustained broadcast/web projects. Some students take a placement or an industry-linked project in their final year where available.

Assessment is practical and varied: news and feature commissions, broadcast pieces, digital portfolios, reflective journals, essays on media theory, and a major research or practical project in the final year. The curriculum emphasises ethical practice, legal responsibilities and digital verification alongside technical competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education equivalent to UK A-levels, Scottish Highers or an international equivalent. Admissions consider academic achievement alongside evidence of written and verbal communication skills; a portfolio of journalistic work, relevant work experience, or a personal statement demonstrating commitment to journalism can strengthen an application.

Typical expectations include competency in English (both written and spoken); applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency through a recognised English language qualification. Mature and non-standard applicants are welcome and are assessed on a combination of qualifications, experience and potential.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers across journalism and the wider media and communications sector. Common roles include:

• Newspaper, magazine and online reporter or feature writer
• Broadcast journalist, radio or television producer and presenter
• Digital content producer, social media manager and multimedia storyteller
• Investigative journalist or data journalist (with further specialist training)
• Communications, public relations, media relations and press officer roles
• Editorial and commissioning positions, content strategy, and podcast production

The degree equips students with transferable skills in research, critical thinking, writing, multimedia production and audience engagement, which are valued across public, private and third-sector employers.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers a blend of practical training and academic rigour, taught by staff with professional and research expertise in media and journalism. Students benefit from practical facilities such as newsroom-style working spaces, radio and audio studios, video suites and digital editing software to build a professional portfolio while studying.

Leicester’s location as a diverse mid-sized city provides access to a range of local media organisations and community outlets for work experience and networking. The programme places strong emphasis on employability, with opportunities for industry placements, guest lectures from practising journalists and links with regional and national media. Small-group teaching and skills-focused modules help students develop both practical competence and a critical understanding of media’s social role.