BA (Hons) Journalism Full-time

Learn essential journalism skills and produce content for print and online platforms. Be a journalist from day one, working for our award-winning radio station and websites in our mediaHUB. You'll cover news, sport, fashion, arts, and entertainment. Study for the NCTJ diploma.

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Journalism staff and students working in the media hub on a news day

Start date/study mode:

UCAS codeP500

Duration3 years

Fee (UK)£9,790

Fee (Int)£17,500

LocationOn campus

Course summary

On the BA (Hons) Journalism course, you'll learn how to:

Write and research news stories and feature articles
Create video and interactive content
Design newspaper, web, and magazine pages
Use the latest digital tools for storytelling on websites and social media.

You’ll also study how journalism has developed over time, along with the key principles and ethics that guide it. You'll learn from professional journalists who've worked for The Mirror, Grazia, Private Eye, and more.

You’ll work towards the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) diploma. This is an industry-recognised qualification.

You’ll also be able to choose from a range of optional modules to build your experience. These include sports writing, fashion journalism, public relations, and investigative journalism.

This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, public relations, and digital media. Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:

Sky News
The Guardian
The Daily Mirror
BBC
Reach
JPIMedia
Newsquest.

Why Sunderland for Journalism

Accreditations and approvals

This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

In your first year, you'll explore different types of journalism. You’ll learn the basics of media law and discover the latest digital storytelling techniques. It’s a great chance to find out what kind of journalism suits you best.

In your second and final year, you’ll build on your skills. You’ll work in our newsroom, learning about newspaper, web, and magazine design. You'll try video, audio, and social media journalism, while developing your online skills. You’ll take a shorthand course too, at no extra cost.

As you progress, you can choose from a range of optional modules to shape your learning.

In your final year, you’ll complete a work placement with a journalism or communications organisation. You’ll create a large-scale piece of journalism – a great addition to your portfolio to help you stand out to employers.

Teaching methods includ

Lectures
Newsdays
Seminars
Workshops
Group projects.

Our teaching staff are experienced journalists with strong industry links. We also welcome guest speakers from across the industry.

Assessment methods include portfolios of practical work, essays, exams, reports, and presentations.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is 104-120 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications. These may include A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

We accept a maximum of 6 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

As part of our NCTJ accreditation, we'll also invite you to an informal interview. We’d like to hear about you and why you’re interested in journalism. We'll also tell you a bit more about our course and what makes us special.

You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above. This must include maths and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE that has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

See how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator(opens in new tab).

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you're eligible for a tariff point reduction.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

If you're studying an HND or Foundation Degree, you may be able to enter the final year of our degree course. For more information, please contact admissions@sunderland.ac.uk.

Fees and finance support

UK£9,790

International£17,500

The tuition fee includes the NCTJ exam fees. It covers the cost of one attempt at all seven exams required for the NCTJ Diploma, including each shorthand speed.

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. If you're a Home fee-paying student, the fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,790. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

See all course tuition fees.

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Start date/study mode:

UK students

Full-time September 2026
Apply now

International students

Full-time September 2026
Apply now

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.