City

What you'll study

This programme combines core reporting and storytelling skills with multimedia production, media law and ethics, and digital journalism practice. Teaching is practical and workshop-led, emphasising real-world output: students learn news writing, feature writing, interviewing, audio and video production, data journalism, social media strategies and photojournalism.

• Core reporting and newswriting — building speed, accuracy and source development for local, national and specialist beats.
• Media law and ethics — libel, contempt, privacy, regulation and ethical decision-making for practising journalists.
• Broadcast and audio journalism — scripting, presenting, editing and producing for radio and online audio.
• Video and multimedia production — camera, editing, video storytelling and packaging content for digital platforms.
• Data and investigative journalism — using datasets, FOI requests and digital tools to research and reveal stories.
• Digital journalism and social media — audience engagement, analytics, SEO and multiformat content strategies.
• Newsroom simulation and live publishing — practical projects run to professional deadlines, often working with real briefs.
• Final-year major project — an extended piece of journalism or portfolio demonstrating specialised skills and a professional standard of work.

Assessment is a mix of practical projects and portfolios, newsroom assessments, presentations and some written examinations or coursework for law and theory modules. Students are encouraged to build a professional portfolio throughout the course.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on a relevant school-leaving qualification (such as A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 diploma) or equivalent international qualifications. Applicants should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Many successful applicants also provide a short portfolio of written work or multimedia pieces and a personal statement explaining their interest in journalism.

Typical offers ask for GCSE-level passes in English and often mathematics; mature applicants with relevant experience are considered. Selection may include an interview or an assessment task to test news judgment, writing under time pressure and digital skills.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of media and communication roles. Common destinations include staff reporter or sub‑editor roles on regional and national newspapers, digital journalist, broadcast reporter or producer, multimedia content creator, and roles in magazines. The skillset also transfers into public relations, corporate communications, social media management, content strategy and freelance journalism.

City’s emphasis on practical skills and industry links helps graduates secure internships and entry-level placements across newsrooms, broadcast organisations and digital media companies. Many alumni progress to specialist beats, investigations, editorial leadership or further postgraduate training.

Why study at City

City is located in central London, offering direct access to national media hubs and frequent guest lectures and masterclasses from working journalists. The programme provides substantial hands-on experience in purpose-built newsrooms, radio and TV studios and multimedia labs, enabling students to build broadcast-ready and online portfolios.

Strong ties with industry providers and a careers service focused on media sectors support placement and internship opportunities. The course’s professionally oriented curriculum, combined with practical assessment and newsroom simulations, prepares students for the fast-paced demands of contemporary journalism.