Journalism (Politics) BA

Perhaps you enjoy writing and have a keen interest in politics, or you like the idea of presenting to camera as a broadcast journalist, or you're already an experienced blogger or vlogger. If so, a journalism degree at Brunel might be a good match for you. 

The Brunel Journalism (Politics) BA degree combines a strong academic background in politics taught by experts in the field with a broad range of essential journalism skills taught by former editors and practising journalists. You will graduate with politics in your degree title, flagging up to prospective employers that your degree has dual specialism.

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 your future.

There is a strong emphasis on digital technology in the practical modules 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 develop an academically robust and critical understanding of political environments in which journalism operates and interacts, the ability to write incisively on these as well as the analytical ability to explore intellectual inquiries and present findings.

You will also have the option to take the industry accredited and much sought-after NCTJ Diploma at no extra cost.

Journalism (Politics) BA is an opportunity to acquire not only an understanding of journalism, politics and their relationship, but also the skills needed to practice as a journalist and the technical know-how to deliver news stories in a variety of media.

This course can be studied 3 years full-time, starting in September.

The combination of practical skills in journalism and rigorous academic study of politics will equip you for a range of careers including as a general reporter or political reporter or your degree may give you a potential career route into working for MPs, campaign groups and NGOs.

• GCE A-level ABB-BBC. 
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DMM in any subject.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in any subject, with an A-Level grade C.
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma M in any subject, with A-Levels grades BB.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma 29 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL4.
• Obtain a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
• T levels : Merit overall

A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will 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.

Entry criteria are subject to review and change each academic year.

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT: 63% (min 55% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 90 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)  

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 that you can show to prospective employers and in interviews and 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 of our students value the unique experience and opportunities to become authorities on a particular area of journalism.