University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

This programme blends hands-on journalism and media skills with essential economics modules. Early years introduce newswriting, multimedia reporting, media law and ethics, and foundations of media and communication theory alongside introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics. Practical modules cover digital journalism, broadcast production, data and investigative reporting, and social media strategy, where students learn newsroom workflows, audio/video production and content management systems.

Economics teaching emphasises applied and policy-relevant topics: supply and demand, market structures, public finance, labour markets and basic econometrics/quantitative methods to interpret data and economic indicators. Honours-year options allow deeper study in areas such as investigative data journalism, political communication, international political economy, econometric methods, and policy evaluation. The programme commonly includes project work and a major dissertation or capstone project that can combine reporting with economic analysis.

• Newswriting and reporting
• Multimedia and broadcast production
• Media law, regulation and ethics
• Digital and social media strategies
• Media, culture and communication theory
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Quantitative methods and introductory econometrics
• Investigative and data journalism
• Dissertation or major project

Entry requirements

Entry is typically at undergraduate level and requires a combination of secondary qualifications such as A-levels, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, or equivalent international qualifications. Successful applicants will normally need strong grades that include good performance in English or another relevant subject; maths or a social science subject is advantageous because of the economics component. Mature applicants and those with relevant vocational experience are considered on an individual basis. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet recognised English language proficiency standards.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with practical newsroom skills, an understanding of media systems and the ability to interpret economic information. Typical career paths include roles as journalists and reporters (including business and economic journalism), multimedia content producers, broadcast reporters, data and investigative journalists, communications and public relations officers, policy analysts, market analysts and research assistants. The economics training also supports transitions into roles in think-tanks, governmental communications, financial media, and organisations that require clear communication of economic and policy issues.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Studying at Strathclyde offers a balance of practical, vocational training and academic grounding. The university’s location in Glasgow places students in a media-rich city with regional and national news organisations, providing opportunities for work experience, guest speakers and local placements. Facilities include digital newsrooms, broadcast and editing suites and specialised software for data and multimedia production. The programme’s interdisciplinary structure draws on staff expertise across journalism, communication and economics, preparing students to produce evidence-based reporting and to communicate complex economic ideas to diverse audiences.