Journalism Courses in the UK for International Students

The UK has long been a hub for quality education, and international students looking to pursue a career in journalism will find a plethora of opportunities in the UK. Renowned for its rich media history and diverse culture, the UK offers an excellent platform for aspiring journalists. As per the recent data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Media, there are a total of 48,135 students enrolled in journalism and communications courses in the UK. Although there are numerous universities in the country to pursue journalism, the top 5 universities ranked by The Guardian are

1. City, University of London
2. Oxford Brookes University
3. Edinburgh Napier University
4. University for the Creative Arts
5. The University of Sheffield

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the world of journalism courses in the UK, exploring the reasons that make them attractive to international students.

Overview of Journalism Courses in the UK

Why Study Journalism Courses in the UK?

Quality education: The UK is renowned for its high-quality education system. Universities in the UK are recognized globally for their excellence in journalism programs. Students can expect to receive a quality education, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their careers.

International reputation: A journalism degree from a UK institution holds international recognition and credibility. This can be particularly advantageous if you plan to work globally.

Cutting-edge research: UK universities often conduct cutting-edge research in journalism. This provides students with the opportunity to engage in innovative research projects, stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Accredited courses: Journalism programs in the UK are accredited by professional organizations and governmental bodies, ensuring that graduates receive a quality education that meets industry standards. 

Diverse student population: The UK attracts a diverse pool of students from all over the world. This multicultural environment fosters cultural exchange and collaboration, providing students with a global perspective essential in the field of journalism.

State-of-the-art facilities: Journalism universities in the UK typically have modern facilities, including multimedia newsrooms, broadcast studios, and equipment that mimics industry standards. These resources can help students develop practical skills. 

Diverse options: The UK universities offer journalism and media-related courses, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate programs. This diversity allows students to choose a course that aligns with their interests. 

Global industry connections: Many UK universities have strong ties to the global media industry, which can provide students with opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and networking. This can be beneficial for building a professional network and gaining practical experience.

Strong alumni network: Many UK universities have a strong alumni network, which can be beneficial for networking and job placement after graduation.

Career opportunities: The UK is home to a diverse media industry with a range of job opportunities for journalism graduates. Global news outlets like the BBC, The Guardian, and many other international media organizations have offices in London, which can be advantageous for job prospects. 

Ranking: Top 5 Journalism Colleges in the UK

City, University of London

City, University of London, often called as “City,” is a prestigious and globally recognized institution based in the heart of London. It has a rich history dating back to 1894 and is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of business, law, journalism, and the arts. It ranks first for its journalism courses delivered by its highly regarded journalism school, the Department of Journalism. It offers a range of journalism programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, making it a popular choice for aspiring journalists.

Oxford Brookes University

Aldo known as Brookes, this public university in Oxford, England received its university status in 1992.  has a history dating back to 1865 when it was originally established as the Oxford School of Art. The university is well-known for its strong emphasis on practical, career-focused education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, arts, journalism, social sciences, engineering, health, and life sciences.

Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University is a prominent and modern institution of higher education situated in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Known for its innovative approach to teaching and research, Edinburgh Napier University offers a range of academic programs and boasts a strong emphasis on employability. It provides the following courses in journalism for international students. 

University for the Creative Arts

UCA or the University for the Creative Arts has an academic history of 160 years. It is the UK’s top specialist art and design university for world-leading research. The Guardian ranked it the second-highest specialist creative university in the UK for 2024. The university is renowned for offering courses in architecture, fine arts, photography, film, media, performing arts, creative business, etc. It has campuses across Surrey and Kent in the country as well as in China (the Institute for Creative Innovation in Xiamen). 

It delivers a BA degree in journalism and communications that is available in the following study options. 

The University of Sheffield

Founded in 190, the University of Sheffield is an independent research university with a global reputation for excellence. The university was formed by the merger of three institutes: Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield Technical School, and Firth College. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities and is top 50 international universities in the world. There are 55 academic departments that enrolled 30,129+ students. The journalism BA courses at the University of Sheffield are offered through its Department of Journalism Studies. 

Admission Requirements for Journalism Courses in the UK 

Undergraduate Courses 

High school education: Students wanting to pursue an undergraduate degree in forensic science in the UK are required to have UK equivalent high school level education. It can be an International Baccalaureate Diploma, A levels, international qualifications, GCSE, etc. 

English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. UK universities accept IELTS normally with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 (no individual band less than 5.5). 

Other admission requirements: As a part of the admission process, international students must also have a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters, a statement of purpose, etc. They must also provide financial proof to cover their fees and living expenses in the UK.

Graduate Courses

Bachelor’s education: To be admitted to graduate-level courses, students must have a first-class honors degree (minimum 2.2) in journalism or any other related field from an accredited university. 

English language proficiency: Submitting English language proficiency scores is compulsory for applicants whose first language is not English. Students can prove their English language proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Universities usually require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent.

Other admission requirements: International students must also submit transcripts, a study visa, a valid passport, reference letters (at least two academic references), a statement of purpose, etc. Some programs may require students to have academic or work experience. Few fashion institutions also conduct personal interviews as part of their admission process.

Employment Opportunities

Studying journalism in the UK can open up a variety of employment opportunities in the field. Here are some potential career paths after completing journalism courses in the UK. 

• Print journalism
• Digital journalism
• Broadcast journalism
• Photojournalism journalism
• Public relations
• Corporate communications
• Media production
• Content marketing
• Social media management
• Book publishing

Since the journalism job market is competitive, networking and gaining practical experience through internships or freelance work is crucial in securing a journalism-related job in the UK. Additionally, staying updated with industry trends is essential as the field is continuously evolving with new media platforms and technologies.

The annual salary of journalism graduates in the country is £32,616 (Indeed). Trainee journalists are paid as low as £12,000 to £15,000. With experience, you can expect to earn over £40,000 per year. This salary again differs depending on what part of the UK you work in, your experience, and the type of journalism you are pursuing. 

Conclusion

The top 5 universities where you can pursue a degree in journalism are the City, University of London, Oxford Brookes University, Edinburgh Napier University, University for the Creative Arts, and The University of Sheffield. They offer courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.  Many of these universities offer a range of bursaries, scholarships, and funds to help support you while studying. 

It is important to research and choose the specific journalism program that best aligns with your goals and interests. Consider factors such as the faculty, curriculum, location, internship opportunities, etc., when making your decision to study journalism courses in the UK. A balanced and informed decision will save you a lot of money, energy, and time. If you need assistance in choosing the right journalism university in the UK, reach out to us at OneApply. Book your free video call now!