Overview
2nd in London for Journalism - National Student Survey 2025
Perhaps you enjoy writing and have a keen interest in communication, culture, arts or sport, or want to present to camera as a broadcast journalist, or you are an experienced blogger or vlogger. If so, a journalism degree at Brunel might be a good match for you.
Brunel’s BA Journalism (Communication) degree combines a strong academic background in communication and culture with a broad range of essential journalism skills. You will graduate with communication in your degree title, flagging up to prospective employers that you have a dual specialism that combines academic rigour with practical competencies.
Alongside your degree, students will be able to apply to study - at no extra cost - for the prestigious Diploma in Journalism run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), the UK media industry's number one training body. Brunel has been accredited for many years to run the NCTJ Diploma, which significantly increases job opportunities after university.
In the journalism modules, you will learn how to research a story, pitch ideas, interview, report and write across different platforms. You will learn video, audio and magazine journalism and because it is so hand-on you will feel like you are building real skills for future.
There is a strong emphasis in the practical modules on digital technology and you will learn in a 24-hour, state-of-the-art, multi-platform digital newsroom with broadcast facilities, using the latest edition industry-standard hardware and software.
You will also develop an academically robust and critical understanding of the media, communication and cultural environments in which journalism operates and interacts as well as the analytical ability to explore intellectual inquiries and present findings.
"I enjoyed my three years at Brunel immensely - and would return for another helping in a heartbeat, had the staff and course not helped me walk into such a staggeringly good job" - Aaron Brown
"I have a lot of memories of studying at Brunel, such as being part of the Afghan Society, and met lots of amazing people during the years." - Ariana Abawe
"We have the luxury of having a dedicated newsroom, radio suites and private editing suites at our disposal" - Amalie Henden
"I enjoyed my three years at Brunel immensely - and would return for another helping in a heartbeat, had the staff and course not helped me walk into such a staggeringly good job" - Aaron Brown
"I have a lot of memories of studying at Brunel, such as being part of the Afghan Society, and met lots of amazing people during the years." - Ariana Abawe
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
Journalism (Communications) BA is an opportunity to acquire not only an understanding of journalism and communications, but also the skills needed to practice as a journalist and the technical know-how to deliver news stories in a variety of media.
Compulsory
- Introduction to Multi-Platform Journalism
This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to produce content for any platform and allows learners to seize opportunities as new platforms emerge. In this module, you'll learn to interview, research, report, write, shoot and edit audio and video; create graphics; and master social media
- Journalism, Communication and Politics
Journalism, Communication and Politics are intrinsically linked. This module examines key concepts and theories that includes Agenda-Setting, public opinion, journalism in liberal and illiberal societies, social media and its effects, celebrity journalism and the use and effect theory. It grounds students in the field and enables them to think critically about the media intersectionality.
- Key Ideas in Media
This module provides an introduction to the main theories, approaches and concepts in media studies. It will introduce you to the critical canon, as well as drawing on case studies to illustrate key topics in media and research. Key Ideas in Media will provide you with a firm conceptual and methodological foundation in communication and media studies focusing on themes of power, identity and culture.
- News and Feature Writing
This module grounds students in the fundamentals of news and feature writing. It examines the dynamics of the Inverted Pyramid structure for hard news and also explores the flexibilities and creativity that feature writing involves. Students will also be tasked to develop their writing competence as they get involved with the Hillingdon Herald
- Global London
Optional
- SC1601 - Fundamentals of the Social Sciences
This module will introduce students to key concepts, theories, thinkers and approaches in the social and political sciences and history. Students will also learn the techniques used by a range of disciplines within the social and political sciences and history for gaining and validating knowledge of the social and political world.
- SC1605 - Special Subjects B
This module will introduce students to the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study in relation to other areas of the social and political sciences; to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. It will also develop students' ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study.
- SC1604 - Special Subjects A
This module will introduce students to the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study in relation to other areas of the social and political sciences; to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study. It will also develop students’ ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study.
- SC1603 - Contemporary Challenges
This module will introduce students to methods and applications of social and political sciences. It will give students the opportunity to practice and develop their ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study. It will also provide students with the opportunity to practice the skills needed to communicate the results of their study / work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments.
Compulsory
Optional
- Digital Culture
This module considers the shape of new media technologies such as iPhones – it explores how new developments in media technology have changed the basis of contemporary social life and culture. This module will examine some of the key transformations that are taking place through digital culture.
- Gender, Sexuality and Feminism
This module will introduce students to core ideas in feminism via the key concepts of gender and sexuality. It will develop students’ understandings of social structures, human cultures, and economic inequalities and political relationships. The course will offer theoretical tools and historical insights into gendered, feminised, and sexualised socio-cultural worlds.
- Popular Culture and Creative Industries
This module explores how meanings are developed through contemporary cultural representations, practices and processes, with a focus on creativity and the creative industries sector. It examines popular culture and the rise of the creative and cultural sector in late modernity drawing on relevant sociological, media and cultural studies debates and theories.
Compulsory
- Fake News, Images and Websites
The module aims to provide postgraduate students with a critical knowledge and understanding of how different disciplines have sought to make sense of political hoaxes, fake news or images and disinformation in as well as the contexts in which they flourish and are challenged.
- Journalism Dissertation
The dissertation aims to enable students to conduct independent research within their field. This will teach students to choose a feasible research project, locate it within relevant academic literature, and devise an appropriate analytical framework to construct arguments that can justify the research question has been answered. Individual supervision will support students in developing and executing the research project.
- Journalism Practice Project & Portfolio
The practice project aims to extend students’ understanding of journalism practice and principles through the planning and execution of a mini-portfolio that aims to enable students to begin to develop specialisms. It enables students to apply editorial judgement in the selection of stories, the target audience, and the approach taken and the preferred medium, and to recognise and employ ethical and legal knowledge in researching and reporting.
Optional
- Digital Audiences and Identities
This module provides students with a critical overview of key debates about media audiences and identities. Students will engage with key contemporary debates about media influence and be able to apply theoretical concepts to a range of contemporary sites.
- Media and Social Justice
The module explores how media represent social justice and identity giving particular attention to race, ethnicity, poverty and social justice, and focusing on both theory and production. Over the course of the module, you will learn about theory and practice in relation to diversity, stereotypes and prejudice, and you will produce media content that highlights the importance of social justice.
- Media, Social Movements and Change
The module provides students with an understanding of how social movements occur, succeed, or fail in bringing social and/or political change. By focusing on empirical cases, students will study the use of old and new media tools, the role of leaders and collective identity formation during the social movements, as well as governmental and international responses to these developments.
- Social Media and Society
This module will enable students to critically engage and analyse the historical and current impact of social media on social relations and contemporary culture. It will allow students to develop a critical understanding of social media in the context of broader changes in the media landscape, and how it impacts identity, power and everyday life.
- Cities, Power and Social Change
An introduction to urban sociology and will develop the students understanding of urban development, cultures, and representation. The course will offer theoretical tools and provide practical applications for the relationship between space, culture, and social life in contemporary cities.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Careers and your future
The combination of practical skills in journalism and rigorous academic study of communication will equip you for a range of careers including as a general reporter or arts/culture correspondent or as public relations officer or communication officer. Career options such as marketing, public relations or event management are possible.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE English Language (grade C/4) or GCSE English Literature (grade B/5)
Standard Offer: GCE A level BBB
Contextual Offer: GCE A level BCC
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DDM in any subject
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma DMM in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma DM in any subject and an A Level grade B
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma MM in any subject and an A Level grade B
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in any subject, with A level grades BB
Contextual Offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate Merit in any subject, with A level grades BC
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 28 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 120 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in any subject
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 104 tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 in any subject
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Merit overall in any subject
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants, as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 5 (min 4 in all subscores)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,535 full-time
International
£17,400 full-time
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
International fees may change annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
You'll be taught by world-leading experts in your field of study, and have the opportunity to interact with fellow students on London’s leading campus University.
Your programme will consist of a variety of learning and studying activities, including lectures, seminars and discussions. Students will study six modules during two terms across the academic year (4 modules and a dissertation in the third year). Each module will have on average two-to-three hours in person contact time per week in lectures, seminars and workshops in the teaching terms. There'll also be the opportunity for a further six hours per week to seek guidance during module lecturers’ feedback and consultation hours. Additionally, students will be able to seek support in individual meetings with their personal tutors, both on campus and online. There'll also be regular cohort meetings and student society events, at both programme and departmental levels. Field trips and excursions to support students’ learning will be organised throughout the year.
All lectures, seminars, cohort meetings and other social activities will occur in person on the Brunel campus. It is expected that students will regularly attend these events, as sustained engagement with a learning community is a central dimension of the Brunel experience. Online provision of some activities will be made available when it is appropriate to the learning outcomes of your programme.
Students are strongly advised to purchase core texts from module reading lists, although copies are also available via Brunel Library.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical classes and one-to-one tutorials by experienced senior journalists and academic staff with international reputations for research and many of whom serve as consultants to government departments, think tanks and NGOs.
You'll learn the fundamental skills of journalism in our new state-of-the-art, multi-platform digital newsroom with broadcast facilities, using industry-standard hardware and software including Adobe editing suit.
Throughout the degree, you’ll also get to hear from alumni and guest speakers about what it’s really like to work in journalism. Previous representatives from regional papers, as well as the BBC and The Guardian, have helped to provide further insight into the industry.
The proximity of the Brunel campus to central London’s world-class research facilities, the British Library, Westminster, Wembley Stadium and the West End with its theatres, clubs and festivals (film and fashion).
Should you need non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
You will be assessed by a combination of practical work, coursework and exams but much of your time will be spent going out collecting and videoing for news stories, in private study and reading. In the process, you will build up a portfolio of practical work you can show prospective employers and in interviews be able to talk competently about the political issues of the day. In your final year you will research and create a practical project and a final dissertation on a subject of your choice under the guidance of supervisors. Many students value the unique experience and opportunities to become authorities on a particular area of journalism.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
