Degree Subject

Study Journalism Abroad

Journalism degrees combine practical news-gathering skills with media law, ethics, and an understanding of how the press shapes public life.Programmes cover print, broadcast, and digital journalism β€” training you in reporting, interviewing, editing, and multimedia storytelling across platforms.Journalism graduates pursue careers as reporters, editors, broadcast journalists, digital content producers, and communications specialists across news, media, and public affairs.

Entry Requirements

  • A-Levels: BBB-ABB (varies by institution)
  • International Baccalaureate: 30-34 points
  • English at A-level or equivalent strongly preferred
  • Evidence of writing or media experience (student press, blogging, radio)
  • Portfolio of written work or articles for some programmes
  • Minimum IELTS 6.5 for international students
  • Strong current affairs knowledge expected at interview

Required High School Subjects

  • English (essential or strongly preferred)
  • Any humanities or social science subjects advantageous
  • Politics, History, or Media Studies valued

Personal Statement Tips

Your Journalism personal statement should demonstrate a genuine passion for news and current affairs, evidence of practical journalism experience (student newspapers, blogs, podcasts, community radio), critical awareness of different media outlets and their editorial approaches, examples of stories or issues you have written about or reported on, understanding of journalism ethics and the role of a free press, awareness of media law basics (defamation, contempt, privacy), knowledge of how journalism is changing in the digital age, and clear reasons for wanting to study journalism at degree level. Mention specific journalists or publications that inspire you, and show you consume and critically analyse news across different platforms.

Interview Preparation

Journalism interviews assess your news awareness, curiosity, and communication skills. Expect to discuss current news stories in depth, explain why a particular story matters and how you would report it, demonstrate knowledge of different journalism formats (print, broadcast, digital), show awareness of media law and ethical issues, discuss your own journalism experience and what you learned, explain the difference between news, features, and opinion, and articulate what makes a good journalist. Read quality broadsheets and watch broadcast news daily in the weeks before. Show intellectual curiosity, clear thinking under pressure, and the ability to explain complex topics simply.

Top Universities for Journalism

City, University of London

UK

BBB + portfolio/interview

Cardiff University

UK

ABB β€” highly regarded journalism school

University of Sheffield

UK

ABB, strong practical focus

Northwestern University (Medill)

USA

Top grades + portfolio

Columbia University Graduate School

USA

Postgrad β€” one of the world's best

University of Amsterdam

Netherlands

English-taught, competitive entry

Career Opportunities

News Reporter

Broadcast Journalist

Digital Content Producer

Investigative Journalist

Editor

Podcast / Audio Producer

Communications & PR Specialist

Political Correspondent

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a journalism degree to become a journalist?
A journalism degree is not strictly required β€” many successful journalists come from history, politics, English, or science backgrounds. However, a journalism degree provides practical training (shorthand, media law, news writing, broadcast skills), industry contacts, and structured work experience that can accelerate entry into the profession. For broadcast journalism specifically, vocational training (NCTJ-accredited courses or postgrad journalism MAs) is often valued by employers. If you have a strong subject specialism (science, economics, law), a degree in that subject followed by a postgraduate journalism qualification can be highly effective. Ultimately, a portfolio of published work, relevant experience, and demonstrable news instincts matter more to editors than the degree subject alone.
What practical experience should I get before applying?
Practical journalism experience significantly strengthens applications. Valuable experience includes: writing for a school or college newspaper or website, contributing to a student or community radio station, starting a blog, newsletter, or podcast covering a topic you care about, completing work experience at a local newspaper, radio station, or online publication, reporting for a community or hyperlocal news outlet, covering sports, arts, or local events, and entering student journalism competitions. Admissions tutors look for evidence that you have already tried journalism and love it β€” not just that you enjoy reading the news. Even informal experience (a well-maintained blog, a local sports report) shows initiative. Quantity of bylines matters less than the quality of your reflection on what you learned.
Is print journalism dying β€” should I be worried about career prospects?
Print circulation has declined but journalism as a profession is evolving rather than disappearing. Digital journalism, video, podcasting, newsletters, and data journalism are all growth areas. Strong journalists who can work across platforms β€” writing, filming, editing audio, understanding SEO and social media β€” are in demand. Public affairs, corporate communications, content marketing, and PR also draw heavily on journalism skills. Salary expectations vary: local news roles start around Β£18,000-Β£22,000, national press and broadcast journalists earn Β£28,000-Β£60,000+, and experienced specialists can earn considerably more. Competitive but rewarding β€” curiosity, adaptability, and excellent writing remain valuable. The best preparation is building a diverse portfolio of multimedia work during your degree.
What is the NCTJ and does it matter?
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the main industry accreditation body for journalism in the UK. Many employers β€” especially regional and national newspapers β€” prefer or require NCTJ qualification, which covers news reporting, media law, public affairs, shorthand, and portfolio assessment. Some undergraduate journalism degrees are NCTJ-accredited (City, Sheffield, Cardiff), meaning you graduate with both a degree and the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Others offer NCTJ as an optional module. If you want to work in UK news journalism, choosing an NCTJ-accredited programme or completing the qualification alongside your degree is strongly advisable. It is less critical for broadcast, digital-only, or international journalism careers.

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