Journalism students takes shorthand

Journalism BA (Hons)

Build your path to a bold career as a powerful, informative reporter on our NCTJ-accredited Journalism degree course.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

P500

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Do you have the ambition to become a reporter who keeps the public informed and holds those in power to account? This BA (Hons) Journalism degree course – accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) – will prepare you for a career as a journalist.

Learn how to uncover and write breaking news stories, produce publications across print and digital media, and adapt to the fast-paced 24-hour news environment.

Earn the industry-recognised NCTJ Diploma in Journalism with help from our teaching team of experienced journalists, hone your craft on professional placements and become an outstanding journalist any editor would appoint.

Course highlights

  • Stand out to future employers by taking exams leading to the gold-standard NCTJ Diploma in Journalism
  • Build up a portfolio of work by the time you graduate, to show future employers
  • Learn from lecturing journalists with experience in international, national, regional and online publications
  • Expand your network by meeting visiting professionals from organisations such as Dream Team FC, The Times, Novara Media, Sky News, and other local and national news and media outlets
  • Gain industry experience with a 10-day journalism-based work placement and an optional placement year
  • Take shorthand training to capture information at a writing speed of up to 100 words per minute

Accreditation

National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Accredited Course

6th

for journalism in the UK

(Guardian University Guide, 2024)

90%

of graduates in work or further study

(HESA graduate outcomes survey 2020/21)

This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), one of three professional bodies that accredits journalism training in the UK. You'll automatically be entered into the examinations that lead to the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

The NCTJ accreditation also lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work as a journalist when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who didn’t do an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs.

Ollie Marsh – from work placement to full time role at Portsmouth Football Club

Ollie Marsh, a graduate of our BA (Hons) Journalism degree, now works for Portsmouth Football Club in the media team. Find out how he achieved his dream: from doing a work placement at the club, to securing a full time position.

My name's Ollie Marsh, I studied Journalism at the University of Portsmouth and I now work at Portsmouth Football Club in the media team.

I've always felt that a club's media output has a big impact on the identity of the club, and certainly we bear in mind that everything we do relates to and contributes towards a brand. So there's a little bit more responsibility than it seems on the surface.

In the briefest possible terms, I look after all of the digital side of things for the club, so that includes their social media channels and their Youtube channel. I wasn't always interested in sports marketing. In fact when I started uni, I said that my goal was to become a local journalist and my dream was to work at a football club. So from my point of view, I'm hugely thankful that my dream has now come true. And definitely the course equipped us as well, because it gave us a really broad range of skills that can be applied to lots of different situations and it gave us a real insight into all areas of the media industry.

It was easy to secure a placement at Portsmouth Football Club but it wouldn't have been were it not for the university. The lecturers really go above and beyond to put you on the right path, get your foot in doors and it pays off because I'm here now. Having a placement here did build my confidence because it's such a difference having your work actually seen by an audience. It's all well and good handing in assessments and that can be fun, but when your work is actually seen by 100,000 people 0150 which is the audience that Portsmouth have on their social channels – it's such a buzz and it's fantastic to see all the engagement coming through and all the positive feedback.

I think there's definitely a parallel between the lecturers at university and the football manager. Obviously, football managers have usually had a career in the game and all of our lecturers had a career in journalism so you knew what they were talking about. And also, they could sometimes give us the hairdryer treatment if they needed to, to motivate us. And just generally they looked for the right tactics, the right game plan to get us all the results that we wanted and it's that level of commitment that we really appreciated. And certainly the university and the football club are both massive parts of the identity of the city, so I think it's an incredible thing that there's now a close link between them.

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Journalism

Typical offers

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

Selection process

Evidence of interest and engagement with the field of journalism is required.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

Your facilities

Student behind a computer

Newsroom

Engage in hands-on learning and practical workshops in our newsroom, using the same hardware and software as news professionals. It features 25 Apple iMac computers with suites of image-editing, design and audiovisual tools as well as large monitors and TVs with Google Chromecast and 4K Apple TV capability.

More about the newsroom

Careers and opportunities

The world always needs qualified journalists to tell us what’s going on. Print media such as newspapers and magazines may be on the decline, but digital versions are replacing them.

Online reporting is expanding all the time, creating new opportunities and redefining the role of the journalist. Related industries such as PR or communications also attract journalism graduates with strong transferable skills.

With a Journalism degree and NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, you'll have the multimedia skills to take advantage of the changing nature of journalism.

You can also continue your studies to postgraduate level.

Graduate roles

Our graduates have gone on to roles such as

  • reporter
  • social media editor
  • campaign assistant
  • public relations account executive
  • digital marketing executive
  • sports reporter

Graduate areas

Our graduates have worked in areas such as:

  • national, regional and local newspapers
  • magazines
  • radio and television stations
  • online publications
  • public relations
  • corporate communications and marketing
  • digital marketing and social media

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Only to be used for CCI Promotion purposes

...I've absolutely loved my journey at the University of Portsmouth and have completed a course that has significantly helped my professional development and boosted my future career prospects.

Dina Grinevica, BA (Hons) Journalism alumna

Placements

Our Journalism courses offer two placement opportunities during your studies – a placement year and a 10-day work placement.

  • The placement year is optional. It takes place after your second or third year, and you can work in any area you choose. You can work for an agency, company or organisation, or join forces with fellow students to set up and run your own business.
  • The 10-day work placement is essential. It happens during your final year, and is strictly journalism-based. You'll work with a company or agency.

Both placements will give you longer-term industry skills, knowledge and experience, as well as boost your CV and employability after graduation.

To make sure you get the most out of your time in the workplace, you'll get support from specialist staff before and throughout your placement – including our Creative Careers team.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

 

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Emma spicer interviewing clients

Featured placement

Emma – JaxPR

Emma, interning as a Marketing Assistant, reveals how she adapted to the pandemic and the skills and new career potentials she's discovered during her one-year placement.

Read Emma's placement story

Placement destinations

We have links with many well-known media organisations. Previous students have done placements at locations such as:

  • The Daily Telegraph
  • The Daily Mirror
  • The Sun
  • The Daily Mail
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Vogue
  • Heat
  • Reveal
  • BBC
  • Sky Sports

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

You’ll learn how to write effectively for academic purposes and find efficient study techniques to help you succeed.

By reflecting critically on your transferable skills, you’ll identify ways to enhance your employability.

You’ll also work on improving shorthand and research abilities. This will prepare you for the challenges of your degree and future career opportunities.

You’ll learn how to tell dramatic stories in different ways, from writing articles to using social media. Gain skills in audio, video, photography, and design, creating content that people will want to share. By looking into ethics and how to connect with audiences, you’ll produce material that both informs and interests your readers.

By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need for success as a journalist in today’s digital world, combining technical skills with creative thinking.

We will introduce you to philosophical ideas that will help you determine the most ethical way to report on various topics, including politics, economics, and sports.

You will have the opportunity to keep up with current events and see how reporting changes depending on the news source, type of media, and country. Additionally, you'll explore the concepts of truth, bias, and the role of news in society.

Through discussions, research, and presentations, you will be able to share your own views on ethics and understand the difficult choices that journalists face today. This module will equip you with the knowledge to produce fair, balanced, and honest journalism.

You’ll look into big topics, from regulation to digital disruption, and think critically about journalism. Analysing the relationships between journalists, audiences, and power, you’ll appreciate influences on reporting.

Gain the essential background to thrive as a journalist with this module, which covers ethics, laws, theories, and practical skills.

By getting into current issues and discussions, you’ll be ready to make work that really matters and keeps the public informed.

You’ll look at reporting limits and defenses in different sectors, gaining an understanding of how to ethically report while considering the public interest.

Study important legal decisions and self-regulation in the media to learn how to give advice on the best conduct in complex legal scenarios.

This course will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate your professional life in an ever-evolving industry.

You’ll improve your ability to spot news and write creatively by working on assignments with real deadlines. Discover how to uncover engaging stories, find the best angles, and make facts interesting with your writing. Master methods for creating attention-grabbing headlines and catchy social media posts.

In our simulated newsroom, you'll learn to discover stories and adapt your reports for different audiences and markets. Understand the legal and ethical rules that journalists follow. Put together a strong portfolio of your published work, showing off all your reporting skills.

By the end of this module, you’ll have the expertise and professional work to succeed as a journalist today. Let your dedication to truth guide you as you uncover and share the stories that count.

Core modules

You’ll write sharp reviews and features, and make editorial decisions for different audiences across various media.

By looking at writing styles and revenue metrics, you’ll learn how to create content that really connects with people.

You’ll also explore research methods, helping you to put together a persuasive media research proposal.

This experience will boost your creativity and analytical skills. By the end, you’ll be ready for jobs where you can use storytelling to unlock new opportunities.

You will also learn how to develop your shorthand skills and accurately record and analyse information.

Our goal is to prepare you for your professional qualifications and to increase your knowledge and confidence in reporting on public affairs. By the end of this course, you will have gained key skills and understanding that will be beneficial if you are pursuing a career path in UK politics and political journalism.

You’ll learn to shoot and edit stories ready for mobile platforms, enhancing your ability to work in the field.

Reflecting on content creation aligned to platform strengths, you’ll be able to use data-led strategies to better engage with audiences.

You’ll finish this module with the essential skills you need to succeed in contemporary journalism.

You’ll learn how to analyse data and create stories while making editorial decisions that adhere to legal and ethical standards.

By using both social media and traditional news sources, you’ll find compelling stories even when you’re working under tight deadlines.

This experience will improve your professional conduct and versatility in various investigative areas. You’ll be well-prepared for journalism roles that demand resourcefulness and integrity.

You’ll study evolving reporting methods and audience interactions and suggest strategies suitable for new digital trends.

By looking at research on online communities, public discussion, and how people consume news on the internet, you’ll assess what these shifts mean for professional journalism—a field increasingly shaped by openness and audience involvement.

Optional modules

Through a study exchange overseas, you will manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.

Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you.

You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others.

This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.

You’ll look at the history, roles, and ethics of PR, and see how it differs from marketing and journalism. Through workshops and practical tasks, you'll gain real-world experience creating press releases, campaigns, and promotional materials for actual clients. Whether working alone or in groups, you’ll develop valuable skills in talking to people, managing projects, and making different media content.

This module will give you all the tools you need to succeed in the busy world of PR.

You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace.

By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.

You will learn how to source stories and write to industry standards for print, digital and broadcast in a newsroom setting.

Throughout the module, you will become familiar with the culture and issues of your chosen field, and will produce interviews, reviews, and features to strict deadlines. You will also build a portfolio, grow your contacts, and pitch your work to real outlets.

This specialist experience will be invaluable to your future career prospects, and will give you a competitive edge in the industry.

As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies.

Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, which will benefit your career.

Core modules

You’ll join in on simulated newsdays, working in teams to plan, research, and make professional multimedia content. Lead your team and improve your skills as you cover live events. Excel in digital tools to tell stories with text, pictures, audio, and video. Learn to make quick, smart decisions when you’re up against tight deadlines. Think deeply about the legal and ethical issues journalists deal with today.

This module gives you the advanced multimedia techniques, teamwork, and vital skills you need to thrive in journalism.

Use what you’ve learned in a real job setting, which helps you become more employable and grow your professional contacts. By working in areas like journalism, PR, or broadcasting, you’ll get a real feel for how the media world works. This module helps you make the move from being a student to starting your career.

With the right preparation, you can make the most of this placement to show that you’re ready to work in the industry.

Optional modules

You’ll ask sharp questions and look for answers, combining your analytical skills with a strong sense of ethics.

By referring to expert sources, you’ll deepen your understanding of a specific topic and improve your academic writing.

With careful project management, you’ll dive deep and turn your initial idea into a meaningful final study.

In this module, you’ll research, plan, and create engaging stories with attention-grabbing multimedia. Get help from our expert tutors to set clear goals and take charge of your own learning. Chat with people, gather data, and make sure everything you do is ethical. Your final work will show your skills in innovating, thinking critically, and communicating clearly for professional awards or publications.

You’ll finish this module with a piece of work to be proud of, showing your talent for journalism and a topic you care about. Let this module be your platform to uncover and share stories that make a difference.

You’ll look at how new technologies are changing political communication and giving more people a voice. Discuss the good and bad points: is social media bringing people together or dividing them?

Look into social movements and how people are using the internet to push for change. Study real-life examples of how political parties and leaders use (or don’t use) online tools. Get a solid understanding to judge what people say about the digital era. Learn to use critical theories to figure out technology’s role in running a country. Improve your ability to explain what digital media means for democracy to many people.

By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to join in on the conversation about how the internet is changing democracy.

You’ll consider how the news presents important events such as wars, disasters, and emergencies, and reflect on the impact of reporting. Dig into how news is made and think deeply about the forces that shape reporting on human rights. By studying real examples and doing your own research, you’ll learn to apply complex ideas to your analyses.

You’ll come to see the important role journalism has in society and learn how to cover world issues responsibly. Be a part of important talks on how the media deals with human rights — discussions that could lead to real change.

You’ll create a unique magazine for a specific niche and study the media environment. This will help you gain a competitive edge in everything—from branding to circulation.

Working as part of an editorial team, you’ll take on real industry roles, crafting engaging issues that perfectly blend concept, content, and visual excellence.

This practical experience is a solid base for coming up with ideas and producing magazines that truly stand out in the market.

You’ll explore global finance and grasp how it sways political decisions through a virtual portfolio exercise. By studying the establishment, you’ll uncover where the power truly lies, from global factors to the media. You’ll critically assess if the media challenges those in power or simply echoes their views. The module combines theory and real-world examples to explain the connections between money, government, and the media.

With this knowledge, you'll enhance your critical thinking skills, ideal for careers in journalism, public relations, or policymaking. Above all, you’ll take part in discussions on current events as an informed and ethically aware person.

During this module, you'll spend 6 months working on your own business venture, then 3 months gaining industry experience. This opportunity allows you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting while exploring different career options. You'll also have the chance to develop professional relationships and expand your network.

Assess your personal strengths and weaknesses to set goals for the future. Throughout the module, you'll demonstrate increasing independence while still valuing the support of others. Gain a broader understanding of the world through real-world experiences and insights. Additionally, you'll earn valuable credits for your CV and enhance your skill set.

By the end of this module, you'll graduate with the practical experience that employers are seeking.

This experience lets you learn firsthand how to set up and run a small business. You’ll absorb professional practices and business situations that matter to your entrepreneurial goals. Make important connections while working independently within set rules. Think deeply about your strengths, weaknesses, criteria for success, and future plans.

This opportunity is useful for your career. It lets you use what you’ve learnt in your degree in the real world and helps you understand your capabilities.

After finishing this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get more credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable step in developing an entrepreneurial way of thinking.

You’ll spend 24–48 weeks at a chosen company, learning from professionals and helping out with actual projects. Gain confidence, knowledge, and skills by taking on more responsibility with gradually less help. As you progress, you’ll make professional connections and think about how you’re doing. Take in what you learn about how industries and businesses work.

This placement is an ideal chance to grow in your career. By using what you’ve learnt in a workplace, you’ll understand more about your own strengths, what you need to work on, and your plans after you graduate.

After this placement and the related assessments, you’ll get extra credits for your sandwich degree. This practical experience is a valuable part of your education.

Undertake specialised assignments to demonstrate your abilities. Reflect on how global creative culture has expanded your perspective. Identify new transferable skills to empower your continued educational and professional journey.

Examining international contexts, you'll critically assess activities through the lens of your disciplinary knowledge, gaining insights into communication practices around the world. Managing tasks independently in an overseas environment, you'll complete projects showcasing skills transferable to future studies and careers.

When you return, you'll reflect on your personal growth, identifying new cross-cultural competencies and how this transforms your worldview and ambitions. This module provides an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding of media and communication while developing adaptability and self-reliance.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

How you're assessed

  • essays and close textual analysis
  • in-class tests
  • media artefacts
  • seminar presentations
  • a 10,000-word dissertation or special investigation
  • post-placement assessment

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

 

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • practical workshops
  • group-based activities, including magazine, newspaper and Web page production
  • work placements

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.

Teaching staff profiles

These are some of the expert staff that will teach you on this course

User profile default icon

Mr Ian Tapster

Academic Lead (Communication)

Ian.Tapster@port.ac.uk

Read more
User profile default icon

Ms Emma Beatty

Senior Lecturer

Emma.Beatty@port.ac.uk

School of Film, Media, and Communication

Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

Read more
James William Dennis Portrait

Dr James Dennis

Senior Lecturer

james.dennis@port.ac.uk

School of Film, Media, and Communication

Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries

PhD Supervisor

Read more
User profile default icon

Mrs Penny Legg

Senior Lecturer

Penny.Legg@port.ac.uk

Read more

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Journalism degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, workshops  for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.

Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

​Course costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Costs breakdown

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You’ll do a placement module on this course, the cost of which is included in your course fees. But you’ll have to cover travel costs yourself. These will vary from £50–£500 depending on the location and duration of the placement.

You’ll need to contribute towards the cost of any exams you repeat to get professional accreditation during the course. These costs range from £13–£55.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – P500
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

How to apply from outside the UK

See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

What skills and qualities do I need for this journalism degree course?

As well as meeting the entry requirements, you'll need good written English skills, curiosity, enthusiasm, adaptability, determination and a willingness to meet people.

How can I prepare for this journalism degree?

Evidence of good ability in written and spoken English is required, so having a GCSE in English is essential.

Many applicants take humanities-related A level subjects that sharpen their writing skills, such as English, politics, media studies or history. However, journalism covers many areas, so knowledge of science-related subjects is also useful.

Try to gain work experience on a local publication, or on a school or college newspaper or magazine.

You could also start a personal blog as this shows initiative and gets you used to writing regularly.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.