Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme combines practical newsroom skills with theoretical understanding of journalism’s role in society. You will learn news reporting, feature writing, interviewing, shorthand basics, sub-editing, and media law and ethics. Modules emphasise digital and broadcast production — including audio and video storytelling, social media strategy, and multimedia editing — so students graduate able to produce content for multiple platforms.

Course structure typically moves from core skills in your first year (news writing, media law, introduction to multimedia) to increasingly specialised and project-based work in later years (investigative reporting, broadcast package production, data journalism, advanced multimedia projects). The final year commonly includes a major individual project or portfolio, plus optional modules that can cover areas such as environmental reporting, sport journalism, feature writing, or PR and communications.

Teaching methods are practice-led and may include newsroom simulations, live briefs set by external partners, studio sessions, and assessed portfolios. Assessment is usually a mix of written assignments, practical projects, presentations and reflective work. Opportunities for short work placements or live briefs with local and national media are integrated into the programme to build real-world experience.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requires successful completion of secondary education including qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Applicants should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and an interest in current affairs; a portfolio of relevant work (news articles, blogs, audio or video pieces) can strengthen an application.

Conditions commonly include a requirement in English (a GCSE grade equivalent to grade 4/C or better), and equivalents are accepted for applicants with vocational qualifications or international credentials. Mature applicants with relevant experience in media, community journalism or communications are considered, and the university provides guidance on recognised English-language tests for international students (for example, commonly accepted university-level qualifications or equivalents).

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across journalism, media and communications. Typical jobs include reporter, multimedia journalist, broadcast researcher, news editor, sub-editor, content producer, social media editor and features writer. Many alumni also work in related fields such as public relations, corporate communications, content strategy, copywriting and media production.

The programme’s practical focus, portfolio development and placement opportunities are designed to help you build a showreel or portfolio that employers look for. Graduates find employment with regional and national newsrooms, digital media start-ups, broadcast organisations, PR agencies and in-house communications teams for public, private and third-sector organisations.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers a career-focused newsroom environment and practical facilities that mirror professional media settings, helping students develop industry-standard production and editorial skills. The university places emphasis on employer engagement: students benefit from guest lectures, workshops with practising journalists and live briefs that connect study with current industry practice.

The university’s broader support for employability includes placement services, mentoring and opportunities to work with student-run media and external partners. Studying in Nottingham provides access to a lively local news ecology and transport links to major media centres, which supports networking and work-experience opportunities while you study.

Overall, the BA (Hons) Journalism is suited to students who want a practical, modern journalism education with clear routes into professional media and communications roles.