Media, Journalism and Publishing BA (Hons)

At Oxford Brookes University, the Media, Journalism and Publishing BA (Hons) degree emphasizes hands-on, practical experience that prepares students for real-world media careers. Students gain essential skills in storytelling, multi-platform journalism, and book publishing, all while using industry-standard tools and resources. The program encourages creativity and collaboration through workshops, studio work, and project-based learning. Brookes’ strong industry connections ensure students can apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts, from local media projects to international experiences.

Students develop practical expertise through a variety of opportunities, including:

• Dedicated IT Suites and Studio Modules: Hands-on projects using Mac computers with professional software for video, audio, and publishing tasks.

• Field Trips and Industry Visits: Participation in events like the London Book Fair, Oxford Literary Festival, and journalism summits to see media work in action.

• Work Placements and Internships: Optional third-year placements to gain professional experience in media, publishing, or journalism.

• Collaborative Projects: Group work with international partners, such as creating publications with students from a partner university in Amsterdam.

• Digital Tools and Platforms: Use of Moodle for learning materials, online and print publishing platforms for producing real-world content.

• Research and Dissertation Projects: Opportunities to explore topics of personal interest, such as news industry trends or literary adaptations.

• Access to the Oxford International Centre for Publishing: A leading hub for publishing education, research, and training.

• Library and Resource Facilities: Extensive collections to support research, writing, and media production.

• Professional Networking: Connections with organizations like BBC, Google, Condé Nast, Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, and more.

This immersive approach ensures that students leave Brookes with not just theoretical knowledge, but tangible skills and a professional portfolio ready for the media industry.

You’ll graduate from the BA (Hons) Media, Journalism and Publishing at Oxford Brookes with the skills, network, and professional insight to step confidently into roles shaping today’s media and communication landscape. Many alumni move quickly into positions across journalism, editorial, digital media, and publishing — and some go on to lead creative teams or start their own content ventures.

By the end of this section, you’ll see how Oxford Brookes’ support systems, partnerships, and career outcomes help make those ambitions a reality.

University Support & Career Services

• The Oxford Brookes Careers Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV and portfolio workshops, internship fairs, and direct connections with employers.

• Within the School of Media, Journalism and Publishing, a dedicated placement team helps students secure internships and work experience in real media and publishing environments.

• Your degree is based within the Oxford International Centre for Publishing (OICP) — a leading hub with strong industry partnerships, guest speakers, and networking opportunities that connect you directly to professionals in the field.

• Students can also take advantage of international exchange programmes with partner universities in places like Amsterdam, Stuttgart, the USA, and Australia — adding a global dimension to your studies.

Employment Outcomes

• 87% of full-time Oxford Brookes undergraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

• Graduates in media-related courses typically earn around £23,000 soon after graduation, with many progressing to higher-earning roles as they move into senior editorial or communications positions.

• A significant number of students secure full-time roles directly through their placements or final-year projects.

Industry Connections

• The Oxford International Centre for Publishing maintains strong ties with major publishers and media organisations, including Bloomsbury, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Pearson, Faber, Hearst, and Oxford University Press.

• The Journalism Advisory Board features respected figures such as Jon Snow and maintains active links with organisations like ITN, Google, Condé Nast, Haymarket, Hearst, and The Telegraph.

• Each year, more than 50 employers offer placements to Oxford Brookes students in Oxford, London, and beyond.

Reputation & Accreditation

• The OICP is internationally recognised for excellence in publishing education, research, and industry engagement.

• Oxford Brookes ranks among the UK’s top ten universities for media and publishing, with Media, Journalism and Publishing placed 2nd in the Guardian’s 2025 journalism subject ranking.

• Graduating from a course with such a strong industry reputation adds real weight to your CV and enhances your standing in competitive media job markets.

Typical Graduate Destinations

• Many graduates go on to careers as journalists, editors, content producers, communications officers, or digital media specialists.

• Others find roles in media management, brand storytelling, or creative consultancy.

• Only around 5% of graduates from this programme are unemployed 15 months after finishing their degree — a strong indicator of employability and career readiness.

Further Academic Progression

After your BA, you’ll have a range of postgraduate options to continue your growth:

• MA Journalism, MA Publishing, or MA Publishing Media at Oxford Brookes — perfect for deepening your expertise and moving into specialist or leadership roles.

• MA Digital Media Production or related programmes to strengthen your technical and production skills.

• Research pathways such as MRes or PhD in Publishing, Communication, or Media Culture if you’re drawn to academic or teaching careers.

• You could also blend your media knowledge with other fields — like business, marketing, or data analytics — through interdisciplinary postgraduate study.