Journalism BA (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Journalism at Kingston University prepares you for the workplace as well as offering plenty of choice to follow your interests and career aspirations. Our BA, taught by professional journalists, provides students with all the current skills they need to succeed – evidenced by our 100% graduate employment rate. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022)

You will get a thorough grounding in core skills including news and features, digital and social media, ethics and media law. Key to your learning will be hands-on experience at the River Newspaper and River Online and the opportunity to undertake work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry, supported by our work placement.

You will also get opportunities to create your own innovative media products such as a magazine or website, podcast series or documentary, as well as pursue research into current issues in the journalism industry. You will have the chance to pursue your interests in depth by creating a cutting-edge journalism portfolio that could include broadcast, sport, fashion, visual journalism, data, creative non-fiction, international, political or environmental reporting that will prepare you to pursue specialist beats on graduation.

All this learning is covered in broad-ranging core modules that develop your employability, innovative thinking, specialist knowledge and practical, academic and analytical skills. You will use our media facilities, which includes industry standard software, two dedicated newsrooms and a broadcast media suite.

Our graduates have gone on to work in top media companies including the BBC, Reuters, Sky, Channel Four, Hearst UK, Haymarket Media Group, EMAP, DMG Media, REACH and Vice.

Please follow our Journalism Twitter to see some of the great work we and our graduates are doing.

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time P500 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including foundation year P501 2023 (Clearing)
2024
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2023 (Clearing)
2024
Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston

  • Kingston is ranked No.3 in London for Journalism (The Guardian University Guide League Tables 2023).
  • You'll have many opportunities to do work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry. You'll be supported by our work placement scheme.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience at our student-run River newspaper and River Online (a past winner of the Guardian Student Media Award newspaper of the year).

The Art School Experience

As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.

Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.

Two students collaborate on a design project.

What our graduates say

Steph Spyro

Steph Spyro, Environment Editor and Political Correspondent at the Daily Express

Steph Spyro

"My degree from Kingston University created the perfect springboard to launch into a successful journalism career. The expertise of the course's lecturers, and their insight into industry, were invaluable in laying a solid foundation. The buzz of working on the student newspaper, The River, perfectly resembled the excitement of a national newsroom.

"Instead of being daunted by the prospect of a life outside of university, I left KU feeling incredibly well prepared. I have KU's journalism course - and its dedicated lecturers - to thank for nurturing my enthusiasm and equipping me with the skills I need to thrive in the industry."

Ella Devereaux

Ella Devereaux, Reporter at Nursing Times

Ella Devereaux

"The journalism course at Kingston University laid all the foundations I needed to successfully kickstart my career as a news reporter. Throughout the course I was able to develop my journalistic flair through a variety of opportunities to experiment with print, digital and broadcast formats. Meanwhile the balance of academic and practical assessments allowed me to understand the history and ethics behind the profession, whilst having set time to chase down stories for The River newspaper.

"I can't thank my lecturers enough for their unwavering support and for always pushing me to be the best reporter I could be. By final year I knew I had the breadth of skills to bring into a newsroom, and I was lucky enough to secure a job at Nursing Times before I had finished the course."

Naomi Grant

Naomi Grant, Digital Assistant and Contributing Writer at Country & Town House

Naomi Grant

"I am the first in my family to have accomplished a degree and because of this I felt incredibly lost and unsure about how I would transition into the working world however Studying Journalism really equipped me with all necessary tools to do so. From working on the River newspaper to putting together my CV and later developing my own magazine, KU Journalism gave me an array of skills and experience, many of which could be used in a variety of jobs.

"In addition to this our lecturers where extremely supportive and made sure throughout that I was okay and understood exactly what needed to be done to attain my 2:1. Because of this I am extremely proud to say I am a KU Alumni. I am currently a Digital Assistant and contributing writer for Country & Town House, and quite literally living my dream."

Shabana Adam

Shabana Adam, Editor-in-chief at FACT Magazine

Shabana Adam

"I can sincerely say that choosing to study Journalism at Kingston University is one of the best decisions I've ever made. You don't just learn the theory, but you are given great opportunities for practical, hands-on work to prepare you for a real-world position.

"The dedication and support received from the teaching staff went above and beyond; they are true mentors who always kept us motivated and in good spirits. I have since moved to the UAE to work as Editor-in-Chief for a regional lifestyle publication - a role in which I find myself putting all the skills and advice learned at KU into practice every day."

Student work

What you will study

This programme is designed to equip you with knowledge and expertise, both to understand the world of journalism as consumers and to engage with it as practitioners.

You will also gain transferable skills that are of use in a variety of professions. These include the capacity to carry out independent research, and to demonstrate initiative and leadership; team building, interview techniques digital skills; and the ability to produce precise, accurate, engaging written work to tight deadlines.

Modules

Each level is made up of four modules each worth 30 credit points. Typically a student must complete 120 credits at each level.

 

Year 1

Year 2

Optional year

Final year

Year 1 introduces the skills for becoming an effective journalist including digital skills, mobile reporting, video and social media, news and feature writing. You will also study the broader context of journalism in society and the critical issues facing journalists today.

Core modules

Practical Journalism 1

30 credits

Writing is a key communication tool of journalism. This module introduces you to the language, practical conventions, contexts and functions of written journalism in the multimedia environment. Through studying and critically analysing the structure, style and content of articles published on websites, in newspapers and magazines you will begin to develop an understanding of how copy is gathered, put together and directed at specific readerships.

Through lectures and through practice in workshops you will learn to identify a story from raw, diffuse or incomplete information by the application of news values, to write it in appropriate style, to add headlines and online "furniture" and to upload it to a content management system.

Writing clear, accurate and engaging text relies on understanding and applying the rules of grammar, using the right words and constructing coherent prose. This module also helps you boost your grammar and punctuation skills, choose and use appropriate words and craft effective sentences and paragraphs. You will discover the underlying rules and principles, consider the impact of your writing decisions and develop your own writing and editing skills.

Also, by examining and practising skills needed to develop and write pieces such as: originating ideas, researching, assessing the reliability of sources, interviewing, organising material and adhering to house style, you will aim to produce journalistic news pieces and feature articles that are suitable for publication.

Thinking about Journalism

30 credits

This is a core module for full and half-field Journalism students. It offers a critical introduction to the discipline of journalism in all its forms, with particular emphasis on news. At its heart is a question central to studying journalism: why do journalists approach their trade in the way(s) they do, and what are the values, norms and assumptions underpinning their professional practice? The module commences with an examination of news values – the (often unspoken) 'rules of thumb' that determine the subjects/stories journalists report and the angles they pursue. It adopts a critical approach to examining reporting practice – introducing academic concepts like framing, agenda-setting and active audience theory to consider not only how journalists select and/or construct their narratives but also the increasing contribution of audiences themselves to the shaping of news discourse. 

The module examines two other issues central to the role of the journalist: objectivity and public interest. Students are encouraged to critique the question of objectivity, with reference to real-world examples that both uphold and challenge this idea, including the practice of openly partisan/campaigning journalism. Public interest is examined in light of recent controversies that have exposed legal and ethical issues with contemporary journalism – including the 'phone-hacking' scandal and ensuing Leveson Inquiry and criminal prosecutions.

The module also acts as a more general introduction to the academic strand of the BA Journalism degree - introducing students to Kingston's personal tutor system and the conventions of essay-writing, Harvard referencing and exam technique.

Digital Skills for Journalists

30 credits

This two semester-long module introduces students to the background of the ‘online revolution' and its implications for the role of the journalist and the future of the industry. Through lectures and practical workshops students will gain understanding of the impact of the internet including social media on reporting and writing and an introduction to multimedia reporting including video. Assessment for this module takes the form of a portfolio (100%) of multimedia content including video, some of which is researched and created in students' own time.

Journalism in the Wider World

30 credits

A key part of a journalist's role is to inform readers what is going on in the world. To do this well, journalists have to understand how the world works and why. This module aims to build on existing understanding to provide students with the necessary political, economic, historical social and cultural context to underpin their development as journalists. Areas for exploration and discussion will include Britain's role in the world; the UK's relationship with Europe, the US and the developing world; British institutions and their role and influence (including the monarchy, parliament, the judiciary, Whitehall, religious bodies, universities, local government, banks and finance houses) and the history and emergence of competing ideologies such as capitalism, socialism and liberalism. The module will explore emerging social and cultural trends and the way these are covered in the media. Underpinning the module will be the key questions of "Where does power lie?" "Who has control?" "Who is responsible?" "Who really runs things?"

In Year 2, you will be able to develop your skills in a range of specialist modules including broadcast, and magazine journalism. In the Practical Journalism 2 module you will produce your own live digital and print publications. You will also study core subjects such as video, layout and media law and have the opportunity to pursue a research project. You can also choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities.

Core modules

Practical Journalism 2

30 credits

This is a core module taken by both all second year journalism students. It aims to expand, develop and hone the print and online skills acquired in Practical Journalism 1. The module will also explore how journalism is shaped by the legal and regulatory context in which it is practised. Students will focus on story development, writing and editing in print and online, layout and page design, and video story-telling. They will also learn Teeline shorthand, aiming to reach a speed of 60-100 wpm. They will acquire a working knowledge of libel, contempt and privacy law as well as court reporting skills. 

Journalism in History and Literature

30 credits

This module aims to set the processes and outputs of UK journalism within their historical and literary context. You will develop an understanding of how journalism developed as a commercial activity and a recognisable profession in the nineteenth century and how these beginnings influenced the shape of journalism throughout the twentieth century, with the growth of the tabloid press, the battles of the press barons, the rise and fall of the power of the print unions and the growth of consumer and lifestyle journalism. You will discuss and debate key issues such as the growth of campaigning and investigative journalism and the freedom of the press in a democratic society.

You will be introduced to the journalism of writers such as Defoe, Swift, Steele, Dickens, as well as more modern literary journalists such as George Orwell. You will develop an understanding of how these writers helped shape the course of journalism. You will also have the opportunity to study two key texts in depth, chosen as examples of literary journalism, and examining them in their historical, cultural and theoretical contexts. 

Optional modules

Journalism Research Paper

30 credits

This module offers students a chance to carry out an in-depth piece of research into an aspect of journalism which interests them and to work independently under the guidance of a tutor. Students will be able to choose their own topic, frame it in the way they want and select the most appropriate primary and secondary sources. Students can use their research not only to gain insight into a chosen topic but also to contact and question journalists working in the industry to find out what is really going on and to start networking. This module provides an excellent foundation for independent empirical research focused within the main course discipline. It will be especially relevant for students planning to do a dissertation or special study in their final year.

 
Magazine Journalism

30 credits

The UK magazine industry has never been more exciting and challenging. Despite digital and economic changes modern magazines devoted to trends and interests endure. This module looks at how these contemporary publications are positioned and how they co-operate to weave together strands of information. In this module you will learn about the contexts in which contemporary magazines operate. You will look at the current state of the periodicals sector and reflect on trends and developments by researching, originating and developing a magazine concept for a specified readership. You will build effective editorial, team-working skills and adapt these to the needs of differing audiences and objectives through the origination and production of your own magazine. You will apply journalistic skills to create a portfolio of articles and will use design and layout skills to produce a dummy magazine.

Broadcast Journalism

30 credits

This module will give students the hands-on editorial experience of news broadcasting using video and audio and provide them with the tools needed to deliver compelling stories. The course will be taught through weekly lectures and technical workshops. At the end of the module, students will have a digital portfolio containing a TV package and a radio report.

Students will be supported while they learn how to capture and record news using industry standard equipment. They will develop an ability to write for pictures and to craft sound. They will receive voice coaching and get the chance to read a radio bulletin and present pieces to camera. They will become confident in the language of the broadcast newsroom.
In an increasingly digital media environment broadcast news has had to adapt the way it produces content. These technological advances have also influenced the way people digest news coverage. Therefore, alongside learning traditional methods of broadcast journalism, students will be introduced to podcasts. They will learn what the digital world means for storytelling and what the video-enabled internet means for live reporting.

Although the world of conventional broadcasting is changing rapidly, good ideas will always hold creative currency. Students will be required to generate and pitch two original TV and radio ideas with particular audiences in mind.

You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad.

The final year enables you to put your learning into practice through hands-on experience at The River Newspaper and River Online – a past winner of the Guardian Student Media Award newspaper of the year. You will have the opportunity to undertake work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry, supported by our work placement scheme. 

You will study key subjects such as ethics and media law to prepare you for the workplace, and specialist modules such as sport, fashion, data or international journalism. You will expand your critical and analytical skills by undertaking a research paper on a specialist module or through a dissertation.

Core modules

Practical Journalism 3

30 credits

The module incorporates involvement in the production of the campus newspaper, The River, and its web-based version, River Online as well as undertaking a period of at least two weeks work experience within a media organisation working in a professional environment producing and practising journalism.
Each student will take on an editorial role on The River as well as contributing news and feature articles. Roles may vary, but will allow students to observe and participate in essential activities which contribute to producing real journalism. Teaching takes place in our dedicated newsroom, equipped with live news feeds, online content management system, and industry-standard software packages including Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
The placement will typically be for two weeks, although students who show initiative in negotiating more substantial work experience may be allowed to extend this period.

Journalism, Ethics and the Industry

30 credits

This module aims to build on students' critical understanding of the function of journalism, its place in society and its ethical, legal, technological and commercial framework. It develops material on the nature, history and purpose of journalism covered in earlier modules to critically examine how the UK media has risen to the challenge of reflecting and representing the ever more socially and culturally diverse Britain of today – as well as its duty to accurately and impartially report on foreign affairs and conflicts.

By considering concepts such as truth, objectivity, accountability, a free press, freedom of information and public interest in relation to journalism, students will develop an awareness of the tensions between journalists, readers, sources and proprietors in a changing media landscape and what it means to be an ethically responsible journalist.

Students will also examine the impact of social, technological and commercial changes on the practice and business of journalism, including the decline of conventional advertising, the increasing plurality of media forms, changing audience demands and expectations, and the rise of news aggregating websites and cheap ‘content' over costly original reporting.  

Journalism Independent Project

30 credits

This module gives final year students the opportunity to work on a major piece of independent work, which consolidates and further develops the skills and knowledge they have acquired through prior learning, in an area of journalistic practice or dissertation research. Work carried out in each of these areas will lead to real and specific outputs. Practical projects could include, for example: a video documentary; a portfolio of long-form journalism; a podcast series; or a new media product such as a magazine or website. Students undertaking a practical project will situate and critique their journalistic work with reference to academic debates and concepts. Their practical output will be accompanied by a 3,000-word critical rationale setting out the background to the project as well as its significance, novelty and objectives.

Students will agree the scope and aims of their project through discussion and agreement with an individual project supervisor. They will then write a proposal. Students will be expected to work independently, under supervision, to demonstrate effective self-management and decision-making when operating autonomously in the planning and execution of their dissertation or practical project. Students will be supported in the production of their practical outputs by our academic subject specialists and dedicated media and broadcast technicians.

Journalism Specialism

30 credits

This highly practical module allows students to explore in depth and actively engage with a range of journalism specialisms which could include: Sports Journalism, Fashion Journalism, Investigative Data Journalism, Creative Non-fiction, Foreign Correspondence, Environmental Journalism, Business Journalism, Arts and Entertainment Journalism, Health and Science Journalism or Political Journalism.

Students will further develop their researching, writing, reporting and digital skills acquired through prior learning to produce professional copy and other outputs pertinent to each specialism such as: social media, video, data visualisations, etc. They will apply their newly-gained specialist knowledge using their acquired skills to the production of a portfolio of cutting-edge specialist journalism.

The practices of each area of specialist journalism will be placed in a context throughout the module. Through a series of lectures and in-class discussions students will gain insight into each specialism and how it works. They will acquire an appreciation of the historical, cultural, global and economic issues which specialist journalists must understand. The module prepares students to pursue jobs within specialist beats upon graduation.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

You can also study this course with a Foundation year.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: 120-136 for BA (Hons); 64 for BA (Hons) including foundation year.

Level 3 qualifications, not including General Studies (A-levels, BTEC Diploma, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc.).

Typical offer 2023

UCAS tariff points: 120-136 for BA (Hons); 48 for BA (Hons) including foundation year.

Level 3 qualifications, not including General Studies (A-levels, BTEC Diploma, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc.).

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English Language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in Writing and all other elements at 5.5. Please note that we do not accept Indian Standard XII English to meet the English language entry requirements for this course.

Make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we consider.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from a recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods include workshop-based core skills modules. There are lectures by practitioners, student-led seminars and guided research.

Assessment methods are often based on the production of news stories, features and essays. You may also be appraised on your performance on work placements and work on the campus newspaper.

You will also benefit from weekly guest lectures. In the past year guest lecturers have included senior journalists and editors at The Guardian, Glamour, The Sunday Times, VICE, Vogue, New Statesman and CNN.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Time spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity

  • Year 1: 27%
  • Year 2: 44%
  • Year 3: 19%

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 319 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 881 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 140 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 160 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 55 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 235 hours

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios and dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2 - Core modules

Year 3 - Core modules

Year 1
  • Coursework: 75%
  • Practical: 10%
  • Written exam: 15%
Year 2 - Core modules
  • Coursework: 30%
  • Practical: 20%
  • Written exam: 50%
Year 3 - Core modules
  • Coursework: 100%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 40 students and lecture sizes are normally 20–50. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

Many of the Journalism teaching team are published writers, reporters, international correspondents and editors, with extensive experience and professional links: they will help you to develop your skills, networks and gain access to industry contacts. Their expertise and knowledge is closely matched to the content of the modules on this course. 

You will also benefit from weekly guest lectures. In the past year guest lecturers have included senior journalists and editors at The GuardianGlamourThe Sunday Times, VICE, VogueNew Statesman and CNN.

Facilities

The campus at Penrhyn Road is a hive of activity, housing the main student restaurant, the learning resources centre (LRC), and a host of teaching rooms and lecture theatres. 

At the heart of the campus is the John Galsworthy building, a six-storey complex that brings together lecture theatres, flexible teaching space and information technology suites around a landscaped courtyard.

Our journalism students in action

Watch this time lapse video of Kingston University's student-run publication, The River, being produced.

Fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Field trips

There may be optional study visits and field trips. These range from £25 for local trips to various costs for international trips.

External shows and exhibitions

There may be costs for participating at external shows and exhibitions. You could incur travel costs which will vary according to the location.

After you graduate

Graduates work at many large media organisations such as Reuters, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Channel 4 News, Sky, the BBC, The Times and Al Jazeera. Examples of first job student destinations after graduation include journalist, picture editor/researcher, sub-editor and junior feature writer.

Examples of recent first jobs after graduation include:

  • Journalist, Express Newspapers
  • Picture editor/researcher, The Sun, News UK
  • Sub-editor, MailOnline (Snapchat Discover desk)
  • Junior feature writer, Harvey Nichols
  • Junior fashion writer, SecretSales.com
  • Multimedia reporter, Pink News
  • Reporter, Copenhagen Times
  • Reporter, EuroMoney Institutional Investor
  • Trainee reporter, South West News Service
  • Video journalist, RT UK
  • Editorial assistant, HMG Aerospace
  • Copywriter, Health & Care

Links with business and industry

Our links with business are key to the course – whether it is the wealth of experience our lecturers bring from their own careers, the top calibre guest speakers who pass on tips every week or the extensive industry work experience you get as part of the course.

A diverse team of journalists teaches on the course. All have current or recent experience of either the national press or key local or trade press. This means that teaching is informed by the latest industry expertise and you will have access to practical help and career advice from people with insider knowledge.

Our guest speaker programme is a fantastic opportunity for students to listen to, and question, key media figures from every sphere of the industry. To give you a taste of what our speakers can offer, take a look at this selection of prominent names who have visited recently:

  • Farah Storr, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan
  • David Jenkins, editor of Little White Lies
  • Ben Machell, feature writer at The Times
  • Samira Ahmed, BBC presenter and former Channel 4 news anchor (Samira is currently Visiting Professor at Kingston)
  • Rossalyn Warren, award winning foreign affairs journalist and former Buzzfeed reporter
  • Fatima Manji, presenter at Channel 4 news
  • Alex Whiting, creative producer at Vogue Video
  • Charlotte Duck, deputy editor at Glamour.com
  • Will Dean, commissioning editor at The Guardian
  • Richard Monynihan, head of digital journalism at The Daily Telegraph
  • Anoosh Chakelian, deputy web editor at The New Statesman
  • Radhika Sanghani, features writer for The Daily Telegraph

Course combinations

You can combine a foundation year with the following subjects:

  • Journalism with Foundation Year – UCAS code: P501
  • Journalism and Media – UCAS code: PP53

The courses are 4 years full time, including foundation year.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.