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BA (Hons) Journalism
Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street, Derby Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Spanning three years full-time or four to six years part-time, the BA (Hons) Journalism program at the University of Derby provides students with a robust foundation in journalism. The curriculum is structured to offer both core and elective modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. With a focus on real-world application, students engage in coursework and placements that provide direct experience in producing stories across online, print, and broadcast formats. The program is delivered at the Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street campuses, both equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Curriculum: The curriculum is continually updated to reflect the evolving media industry. Notable modules include "Live Radio and Podcasting," "The Newsroom," and "Fashion Journalism." Students gain proficiency in researching, sourcing interviewees, writing news articles, producing online content with an emphasis on search engine optimization (SEO), and recording and editing audio and video. The program also covers essential topics such as Media Law in an engaging manner. From the second year onwards, students have the flexibility to choose modules that align with their interests, such as politics, PR and social media, or data journalism.
Research Focus: While the program emphasizes practical skills, it also encourages critical thinking and research. Modules like "Future Trends in Journalism" delve into the impact of emerging technologies on journalism, teaching students how to use smart devices and associated technologies to tell stories and understand audience engagement. This analytical approach ensures students are not only content creators but also informed observers of the media landscape.
Industry Engagement: The University of Derby places a strong emphasis on industry engagement. Students benefit from a packed program of guest speakers and events designed to boost industry contacts and career prospects. For instance, students have visited the BBC’s flagship political program and participated in Q&A sessions with prominent journalists. Additionally, the university hosts an annual Employability Day, offering students the opportunity to interact one-on-one with media professionals.
Global Perspective: Recognizing the global nature of journalism, the program incorporates a worldwide outlook. Modules consider journalism’s role in global affairs, politics, international relations, and decolonization. This global perspective ensures that graduates are prepared to operate in diverse media environments and understand the international implications of their work.
Location
Kedleston Road and Markeaton Street, Derby Campus
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14900
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Derby offers various scholarships and funding opportunities to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad and make higher education more accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The University of Derby offers the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for international students. This scholarship provides up to £2,000 for students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It is awarded based on academic merit and achievements, recognizing outstanding students who demonstrate potential in their field of study.
International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is designed to assist new international students with their tuition fees. This scholarship offers up to £2,000 for students from specific countries or regions and is awarded to students who meet the academic requirements and demonstrate contributing to the international community at the University of Derby.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general scholarships, the University of Derby offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions. These scholarships aim to support students from countries such as India, China, Nigeria, and many more. The value of these scholarships varies, but they often range from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the country and the student's academic background.
Alumni Loyalty Discount: The University of Derby offers a special alumni discount for students who have previously studied at the university. International students who have completed a degree or program at Derby and return for further study are eligible for this discount, which helps to reduce the overall cost of their education.
Early Bird Discount: International students who apply early may be eligible for the Early Bird Discount, which provides a reduction in tuition fees for students who accept an offer of admission before a specified deadline. This discount is intended to encourage timely applications and assist students with their planning.
External Scholarships: In addition to internal scholarships, international students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities. The University of Derby provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for scholarships offered by government bodies, organizations, and private foundations in their home countries or internationally.
The University of Derby's BA (Hons) Journalism program offers students not only an in-depth understanding of journalism but also a variety of career opportunities in the dynamic media sector. With a curriculum designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills, graduates are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of professional paths in journalism and related industries.
Journalist: One of the most direct career paths for graduates is journalism itself. Students can pursue positions in various formats, including print, digital, and broadcast media. Journalists often work for newspapers, magazines, websites, radio, and television stations. Specializations within journalism could include news reporting, feature writing, sports journalism, or entertainment journalism.
Broadcast Journalist: Graduates with an interest in the broadcasting industry may choose to become broadcast journalists. This role involves presenting and reporting on news stories on television or radio. Broadcast journalists must have excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of production techniques, which the University of Derby program ensures students are well-versed in.
Digital Content Producer: With the increasing shift towards digital media, graduates can explore careers in digital content production. This may involve creating content for websites, social media, blogs, and other digital platforms. Digital content producers manage the production of multimedia content, including videos, articles, and infographics.
Social Media Manager: As social media continues to play a significant role in modern journalism, many graduates find success as social media managers. These professionals curate and manage content across various social media platforms, ensuring that it resonates with the target audience while building brand engagement.
Public Relations Specialist: Many graduates with a background in journalism also transition into public relations (PR) roles. PR specialists manage communications between organizations and the public, writing press releases, organizing events, and handling media relations to shape the public image of companies or individuals.
Editor or Sub-editor: Graduates with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling may become editors or sub-editors. Editors are responsible for overseeing the editorial process, ensuring content is clear, accurate, and engaging, while sub-editors focus on the finer details of grammar, style, and fact-checking.
Content Strategist: Content strategists work in a variety of industries, developing plans for how content is created, distributed, and consumed. Journalistic skills such as storytelling, audience engagement, and SEO knowledge are essential in this role.
Investigative Journalist: For those passionate about uncovering stories and presenting in-depth investigations, the role of an investigative journalist is a highly rewarding career path. Investigative journalists typically work for news agencies and focus on uncovering hidden truths, corruption, or social issues that require thorough research and ethical reporting.
Freelance Journalist or Blogger: Freelancing offers flexibility and independence. Many graduates opt for freelance careers, writing for various publications or platforms. Freelance journalists often specialize in particular subjects such as politics, technology, or culture, and may also run their own blogs or YouTube channels to build personal brands.
Corporate Communications: Some graduates may find careers in corporate communications, creating internal and external communications strategies for organizations. This role often involves writing newsletters, managing corporate blogs, and producing speeches or presentations for leadership teams.
