BA (Hons) Journalism Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University
BA (Hons) Journalism at LJMU is accredited by the Broadcasting Journalism Training Council (BJTC), ensuring professional standards in your training.
About this course
Study NCTJ accredited Journalism at LJMU and learn professional reporting, digital media and storytelling skills for journalism. | Apply now for 2026 entry From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Journalism is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at LJMU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Journalism graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Media & Communications, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 1,265. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Introduction to ReportingCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop your skills required to identify and source news stories, including finding contacts, effective interviewing and first-class research skills. You will be taught in seminars in which students will practice conducting different types of interviews and develop practical skills, using appropriate sources of information and identifying contacts. Seminars will also cover how to critically analyse good practice and journalistic processes.
- Understanding JournalismCore20 credits
Module details
You will develop basic knowledge of key issues affecting the journalism industry including how it has evolved over time, looking at issues such as the changing economics of journalism and the influence of technology.
- Reporting SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to hone sourcing, reporting and interview skills developed in semester one. You will apply these skills to the reporting of courts, councils and other such institutions, while developing an understanding of the importance of health and safety when working as a journalist.
- Essential Law and EthicsCore20 credits
Module details
This module will prepare you for the NCTJ professional diploma examinations in Essential Media Law and Broadcast Regulation.
- Introduction to NewswritingCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of writing news and the conventions of journalism practice.
- Introduction to BroadcastCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to broadcast. You will be taught current professional broadcast conventions and develop the basic technical skills necessary to produce material for radio and/or TV. You will learn how to write for broadcast and develop story treatments; you will become familiar with industry-standard software as you learn how to shoot and edit video and how to capture and edit audio.
Year 2 7 modules
- Journalism for a Digital AudienceCore20 credits
Module details
This module gives you the opportunity to work as part of a news/sports news production team to create and update your own website. You'll learn how to craft web- and mobile-friendly headlines and write online stories designed to rank highly in search engine results (Search Engine Optimisation). You'll have hands-on experience of using an industry-standard content management system (CMS) such as WordPress, and use web analytics to tailor your content to your audience. The module will equip you to
- Developing Broadcast SkillsCore20 credits
Module details
You will learn how to research, write and produce high-quality, professional standard reports for radio and/or TV. You will develop research skills in sourcing original stories and producing them ethically and accurately for broadcast. Students will become familiar with the technology, techniques, language and conventions of broadcast newsrooms; using electronic newsroom systems, recording audio, filming and editing to produce material in line with current professional broadcast practice. You wi
- Reporting UK PoliticsCore20 credits
Module details
This module will prepare students for the NCTJ professional diploma examinations in Public Affairs for Journalists.
- Multimedia News ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
You will develop and evaluate their journalistic and transferable skills to design and create multimedia products reflecting industry-standard journalistic practice. Newsdays will provide a real-time work-based learning environment for you to develop your understanding of professional requirements, deadlines, management and team working with the further acquisition and application of technical skills in the production of journalism artefacts. You will work in flexible, creative and independent w
- Journalism IssuesCore20 credits
Module details
You will gain knowledge of key contemporary issues within the journalism industry and explore questions about the media's role in a modern, democratic society. This will include questions of diversity and inclusion such as changing attitudes towards the representation of different demographic groups and questions of inclusion within the media workforce. The module will include an examination of the international context of UK journalism and consideration of issues around decolonising journalism,
- Magazine JournalismCore20 credits
Module details
This module develops planning skills, page design skills, editing, interviewing and feature writing. The skills learned in this module will help prepare students for news days at level six, where interviewing, writing and editing will be required.
- Study Year Abroad - JournalismOptional120 credits
Module details
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be u
Year 3 9 modules
- Journalism CareersCore20 credits
Module details
This module enables you to apply and evaluate your skills in a professional setting. It also provides you with the means to identify your skills and match them to the employment market. You are expected to provide evidence of a work placement.
- Advanced Journalism PracticeCore40 credits
Module details
You will develop and reflect on their journalistic and transferable skills to design and create multimedia products reflecting industry-standard practice. Newsdays will provide a real-time work-based learning environment for students to deepen your understanding of professional requirements, and the acquisition and application of technical skills in the production of journalism artefacts.
- Features JournalismOptional20 credits
Module details
You will develop a critical understanding of the purpose of features and associated forms of writing such as reviews and opinion. You will construct and develop features/review ideas and write original material in a variety of specialist areas such as arts, lifestyle and culture. You will also analyse the impact of audience, market, available sources and other constraints on magazine production.
- DissertationOptional40 credits
Module details
This module allows you to carry out a major project of private study and research. The dissertation is student led but supported by a series of lectures on methods and techniques followed by one-to-one supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor.
- Sports JournalismOptional20 credits
Module details
This module enables you to develop your understanding and practice of the reporting/function of sport in modern news-oriented media. You will also gain a greater understanding of sport as a cultural and economic entity, underpinning notions of joy and despair and providing a peaceful platform for the expression of civic and national pride. You will study through workshops and real-time learning simulations, as well as live match reporting exercises on location.
- Final ProjectOptional40 credits
Module details
The Journalism Final Project gives you an opportunity to design and create individual innovative journalism products for a defined audience. You will build on skills developed at Level 4 and 5 to identify a suitable topic and market for your project and to produce an artefact matching professional standards. Examples include a magazine, website, video or audio documentary or a portfolio of professional journalism produced as part of an extended work placement to be agreed by the project supervis
- PhotojournalismOptional20 credits
Module details
This module is designed to equip a student journalist with the photography skills required to produce images of publishable quality that meet news industry standards. It is an option which aims to build on the essential skills learned in L4 and L5 with more advanced techniques in producing professional still news and sports images. The way a photojournalist behaves is also central to their skills base. It is designed to equip candidates with an understanding of the legal and ethical issues which
- Public Interest JournalismOptional20 credits
Module details
The court system; court reporting restrictions; contempt of court; anonymity rules in court reporting; defamation in court reporting; accessing court information; open justice; reporting inquests; a journalist rights in reporting councils, government and other public bodies; the application of the Freedom of Information Act.
- Public Relations for JournalistsOptional20 credits
Module details
This module will prepare you for the NCTJ professional diploma examinations in Introduction to PR and Communications.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This NCTJ-accredited course teaches professional reporting, digital media and storytelling skills for journalism. You'll usually start with foundations in media theory, audiences and representation, alongside practical production work in camera, audio and editing. Year 1 also covers how media industries generate revenue. In Year 2, you'll move into specialist practice, journalism modules focus on storytelling and reporting craft, alongside digital cultures, social media and research methods for media. Year 3 offers deeper specialisation in areas such as film & TV, social media, games & interactive, and PR & advertising, culminating in an industry project or placement and a dissertation or major production.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically arrived with a UCAS tariff between 96 and 111 points. This course suits those committed to developing journalism expertise across broadcast and related media contexts, with hands-on training integrated throughout.
Careers & job market
Across Media & Communications courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their degree, and 60% of working graduates are in highly skilled roles or continued study. National earnings data shows journalism and media graduates earning £22,000–£28,000 at the 15-month point, rising to £22,525–£31,800 after five years. These figures reflect the wider graduate population and vary by individual circumstances and career path.
University & format
BA (Hons) Journalism is studied full-time over 3 years at Liverpool John Moores University, a public university founded in 1823, based at City Centre Campus. Taught in English, the course is accredited by the Broadcasting Journalism Training Council (BJTC). The university holds Silver status in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code P500). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at LJMU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Media & Communications graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £22,500 – £28,000 | 1265 |
| 3 years after | £20,000 | £17,000 – £24,000 | 75 |
| 5 years after | £26,000 | £21,500 – £29,500 | 80 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,265. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in media & communications · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Media & Communications nationally
National figures for Media & Communications graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,265. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Media & Communications courses at the same study level.
Compared with 541 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Legal professionalsSOC 2020 241 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,000
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Media & Communications graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Media & Communications graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Media companies
- Agencies
- In-house comms teams
- Broadcasters & charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Media & Communications graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.9 out of 10: NSS 81% · in work or study 100% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Liverpool John Moores University
Media, journalism and communications across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City Centre Campus
5,301 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Media & Communications right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to LJMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by LJMU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check LJMU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with LJMU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at LJMU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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