Journalism and Media BA (Hons)

When you join BA (Hons) Journalism and Media at Birkbeck, you won’t just study theory — you’ll actively develop real, marketable skills in professional-style environments. You’ll write, record, edit, design, shoot, and publish — often in ways that mirror life in newsrooms, media houses, and creative studios. Birkbeck supports your learning with dedicated facilities and a thriving ecosystem of media-related centres. Here’s how experiential learning works in this programme and what you’ll get to use or participate in:

Experiential learning — doing, not just learning

Right from the start, your coursework involves actual media production: writing news and feature stories, producing audio and video projects, designing layouts, researching online, and more. You won’t just read about journalism — you’ll practise it, often guided by industry professionals. Birkbeck’s media and journalism infrastructure gives you the space and tools to bring your ideas to life:

Facilities & tools
At Birkbeck’s Central London campus, you’ll have access to computer labs equipped with video editing, print layout, and web design software.

You can also make use of the Birkbeck Cinema, a 70-seat screening venue, and the Peltz Gallery, hosting film events, guest lectures, and exhibitions tied to media and culture.

The Derek Jarman Lab offers a creative space to experiment with film as an intellectual medium — a place to “think with the camera.”

Course material and learning support are available through Moodle, Birkbeck’s virtual learning environment, where you’ll find module pages, handbooks, resources, and assignment tools.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor, and ongoing academic support ensures you’re never navigating projects alone.

What your hands-on experience will include

Here’s how you’ll gain practical exposure in this degree:

Industry-led modules
Practical modules are taught by experienced media professionals who guide you through writing, designing, and producing across platforms — print, video, and web.

Final-year project / industry placement module
In your final year, you can opt for an Industry Placement or Career Development Report, giving you real workplace experience or project-based reporting.

Micro-placements & career development modules
In your second year, you can take a Micro-placement and “Your Career Development” modules designed to connect you with media organisations and real-world work experience.

Module variety with practical output
Modules such as Principles of Digital Video and Editing, Principles of Layout and Design, Producing for Digital Media, Script Development and Editing, and Working with Found Footage allow you to work hands-on with different media forms.

Guest lectures, seminars & events
Through affiliated research centres, you’ll hear from practitioners, attend events, network, and engage with current media issues and innovations.

Group work and collaborations
Many workshops, seminars, and production modules are done in groups, giving you experience working as part of a small team, coordinating roles like editor, writer, designer, and researcher.

Research labs & media research centres
You’ll have the chance to work with Birkbeck’s film and media research environment, including research labs, screening platforms, archives, and other media culture resources.

Library & IT support
Birkbeck’s library gives you access to journals, archives, digital media databases, and film/media collections. Full IT support is also available for software, systems, and online resources.

Ongoing feedback & module surveys
Each module encourages feedback, which the course team uses to improve teaching and assignments — helping your learning experience evolve positively every year.

Many graduates of this programme go on to exciting roles in journalism, communications, and digital media, working across print, broadcast, online, and corporate settings. Over time, these roles often evolve into leadership, editorial, or strategic positions, so the degree doesn’t just prepare you for your first job—it lays the foundation for a long-term career in media and communications.

Typical early-career roles include:

• Journalist / Reporter

• Editor or Sub-editor

• Social Media / Digital Content Producer

• Communications / Public Relations Officer

As you gain experience, pathways open up to managing editorial teams, leading content strategy, freelancing, or even starting your own media venture.

Future Progression & Opportunities

University support for employability

• The Careers & Enterprise team offers workshops, CV and interview guidance, job boards, and one-to-one support to help you navigate the job market.

• The curriculum includes a “Your Career Development” module and a Micro-placement module, giving you hands-on work experience while you study.

• Birkbeck partners with employers and platforms like Handshake to connect students with internships, graduate roles, and networking events.

• Mentoring and alumni networks are also available through the Careers team, providing guidance and connections as you grow professionally.

Employment stats & salary insights

• Graduate news reporters in the UK usually earn between £26,000 and £42,000, with early-career roles averaging around £33,000.

• Average journalist salaries are about £35,000, with senior editorial roles reaching £44,000 or more.

• Entry-level salaries in media and communications vary, often ranging from £15,000 to £24,000, but can rise to £35,000–£65,000+ as you advance.

Practical links and industry experience

• The Micro-placement Programme offers real work projects with employers, giving you tangible experience that strengthens your CV.

• Many modules within the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication include placements or career-oriented projects, connecting you to arts, media, and cultural organisations.

Degree value and long-term benefits

• Your BA is awarded under the University of London umbrella, giving it broad recognition.

• Media employers highly value portfolios and real experience, and this degree encourages adaptability across print, online, and broadcast formats.

• Transferable skills such as writing, research, multimedia production, and critical thinking make you flexible and employable across related sectors like content marketing, corporate communications, or policy communications.

Graduation outcomes

• You’ll graduate not just with journalistic and media-production skills, but also the ability to collaborate in teams, negotiate with institutions, pitch ideas, manage freelance work, and communicate persuasively across formats.

• Many alumni move into journalism, PR, media strategy, communications, or independent content creation.

• Thanks to built-in career modules and placement opportunities, you’ll have practical exposure before graduation, easing your transition into the professional world.

Further Academic Progression

If you want to continue your studies after the BA, several paths are common:

• A Master’s in Journalism, Media & Communication, or Digital Media (for example, an MA in Journalism) can help you specialise in areas such as investigative journalism, broadcast journalism, or media policy.

• Postgraduate study can also lead to roles in research, academia, or high-level strategic positions in media and public institutions.

• Some students choose related fields like MA Digital Media, Media & Cultural Studies, Media Management, or Communication Studies to develop expertise in digital strategies, audience analytics, or media leadership.

• For those interested in teaching media or journalism, postgraduate research degrees (MPhil/PhD) offer another avenue, building on your undergraduate foundation.