Brayford Pool
3 Years
P590
Journalism Studies goes beyond uncovering and crafting a good story; it explores the rich history of the profession and the important role it plays in our society.
Lincoln's BA (Hons) Journalism Studies aims to provide students with an informed understanding of the role of journalism in society, and the intellectual and practical skills required to succeed professionally as a journalist.
The programme examines the history, theories, and research techniques that underpin the practice of journalism. Understanding the social role of the journalist involves an exploration of the environment of journalism and its historical, social, political, economic, and legal settings, both in the UK and internationally.
The University of Lincoln's journalism programmes are continually revised to reflect the advancements in digital news production and convergence. Course content is informed by the School's programme of research. This examines issues such as human rights reporting, local radio broadcasting, literary journalism, World War I comics, journalistic diaspora, and sport. There are also opportunities to study journalistic theory modules.
Course recognised for excellence by the EJTA
Work placement opportunities throughout
A focus on the history, theories, and research techniques that underpin journ
Work with student-run media platforms
Course content informed by research
A range of optional modules
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Teaching on the course is delivered by tutors whose cumulative expertise embraces professional practice and academic study, such as John Cafferkey and Tim Greenfield.
Students on this course can examine journalism in its historical and theoretical contexts, exploring essential ethical and legal considerations. They put theory into practice by producing news content across print, online, radio, and television platforms. Taking a multiplatform approach from the outset, students can explore the fundamental principles of journalistic practice, and produce news items on a regular basis.
In the second year, students can take part in newsdays, replicating industry practice in a range of media. There is a choice of theoretical modules including Journalism and Society, Journalism Histories and Ethics and International Human Rights.
In the final year of the degree there is also a compulsory module in which students reflect upon ten days of work placement experience. The School's industry links can help students to secure work placements with media organisations. Please note that students are expected to cover their own transport, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking this placement.
This module introduces students to journalism's most fundamental vocational skills and techniques, and then guides them through the effective real-world deployment and practical use of these competencies.
Across the year, this includes providing the skills needed to identify news values and news factors; to find original stories and generate exclusive content; to interview and research effectively for a variety of different purposes; and to produce a range of journalistic writing suitable for a suite of different media platforms, outlets and purposes. The module also aims to provide students with both the personal road map and knowledge of relevant industry codes to empower navigation of the ethical dilemmas and debates which come with a career in the media.
The above will be done through highly practical and vocational teaching methods which place the emphasis on student involvement, activity and engagement, as well as a continual feedback loop to empower improvement and emphasise cross-relevance with other modules on the programme.
Assessment will come in the form of two portfolios which students work towards throughout the module.
Journalism students are required to abide by the law, in terms of newsgathering and research methods, data collection and retention, use of communication networks and publishing and broadcasting material to audiences. This module introduces students to the legal system, to the operation of the courts, and examines the impact of legislation and codes of practice on the work of journalists when covering crime stories and the courts.
This module aims to provide you with foundational knowledge and skills across a range of areas, supporting your transition into higher education. You can cover essential study skills relating to communication (verbal and written), academic reading, and personal development, as well as explore topics such as equality, diversity, and inclusion; intercultural communication, ethical scholarship, and academic integrity.
Introduction to Journalism Studies highlights journalism’s vital role in democracy, from holding power to account to shaping public understanding of major events. It examines the economic, political and organisational pressures that influence how news is produced, alongside the changing expectations of audiences and the evolving relationships between journalists and sources. Key issues such as diversity, representation, ethics and professional responsibility are explored in depth, as is the transformative impact of social media and digital technologies on contemporary news practices. The module offers an essential foundation for anyone interested in understanding how journalism works, why it matters and how it continues to evolve in a rapidly changing media landscape.
The module provides a strong foundation for the range of practical multiplatform skills that graduating students need to succeed in the journalism and communications industry. All the teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. However, as AI develops, the module will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery – and update teaching as more advanced software and hardware is developed.
Journalists need to understand how legislation is drafted and enacted in the UK and how journalism – the Fourth Estate – effects a check on Government and Parliament(s). This involves a study of the political, democratic and administrative structure of the Monarch as head of state, Parliament, the Prime Minister, Central Government, local government, the judiciary and EU institutions. Topics explored include constitutional government (the unwritten constitution), ministerial roles and cabinet government, political parties and MPs, the civil service, local government structures, councillors, best value and ethics in local government, and the government information service.
Shorthand is a key skill for journalists and enables fast, accurate note taking in any situation. Students have the opportunity to be taught the theory of the Teeline system and then work on building their speed with the aim of achieving the NCTJ 'gold standard' 100 words per minute qualification.
This module progresses the student journey through journalism's most fundamental skills while also introducing a range of advanced and higher level techniques vital for a successful career in modern media.
The progression element includes advancing and professionalising skills needed to find original news stories and generate exclusive content; to interview and research effectively for a variety of different purposes; and to produce a range of journalistic writing suitable for a suite of different media platforms, outlets and purposes. The new advancements include introducing techniques which may include - but are not limited to - producing data journalism, live reporting, and partaking in active press conferences.
The above will be done through highly practical and vocational teaching methods which place the emphasis on student involvement, activity and engagement, as well as a continual feedback loop to empower improvement and emphasise cross-relevance with other modules on the programme.
Assessment will come in the form of a portfolio which students work towards throughout the module.
The range of practical multiplatform skills delivered in this production module ensure that graduating students can hit the ground running when they go to work in the industry. Having to deliver the same story across a number of different digital and media platforms is a vital skill for a modern journalist. All the teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. However, as AI develops, the module will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery – and update teaching as more advanced software and hardware is developed.
This module aims to build on legal and administrative knowledge gleaned in Essential Law at Level One. It examines how criminal and civil legislation affecting print, online and broadcast journalists has developed; identifies areas of conflict and uncertainty; and requires students to apply knowledge of legislation and case law to given scenarios, including responses to actions in the civil courts.
Discover your journalistic voice by diving into the specialist pathway that excites you most. Whether you want to produce compelling TV or radio bulletins, bring sport to life through broadcast storytelling, design bold magazine layouts, capture the world through digital photography, craft engaging podcasts, or write powerful long‑form features, this module gives you the freedom to specialise and the advanced tools to excel. Guided by industry‑experienced staff and supported by hands‑on workshops, you’ll develop professional‑level skills and create standout specialist portfolio work that showcases your unique talent and ambitions in today’s fast‑moving media landscape.
This module looks at how journalism connects with human rights and why ethics matter in the work journalists do. Students learn about important issues like freedom of speech, privacy, and fair representation, and think about the challenges journalists face when reporting on difficult or sensitive stories. Through examples, discussion, and practical tasks, they build your skills in making ethical decisions and learn how to apply these ideas in real reporting situations.
The University has a strong commitment to providing academic programmes with high vocational relevance, which is maintained through working links with local, national and international organisations and, in particular, through student work placements.
The Placement Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within a journalism, media or communications organisation.
The Placement Year constitutes a work placement during an academic year, funded by full-time paid employment* taking place between Level 5 and Level 6. The minimum duration of placement is 39 weeks.
The role of the media as a 'mirror' of society means that journalists encounter cross-cultural issues in their newsgathering and news processing functions. This module aims to prepare students to write stories with cultural sensitivity, care and compassion.
Students who opt to take this module will have the opportunity to study for a term at one of the international institutions with which the School has a partnership arrangement. During the term abroad, students can share classes with local students. Not only will students have the chance to live and socialise in another culture, providing opportunities to study their respective countries, they will also have an opportunity to examine the international journalism industry practice. Please see the fees tab for further information relating to the costs incurred when studying abroad.
This module develops students’ ability to carry out rigorous, independent academic research on a journalism-related topic of their choice. Students explore the key stages of the research process, including forming effective research questions, undertaking a critical literature review, selecting suitable methodologies and engaging with essential ethical considerations. Working independently, students manage their projects from initial planning through to final submission. The module highlights critical engagement with scholarship, ethical and reflective research practice, and the application of theoretical and analytical frameworks to contemporary issues in journalism. The resulting dissertation showcases students’ capacity for sustained inquiry and their contribution to current debates within journalism studies.
Working on an individual basis, students will have the opportunity to produce project work in either broadcast, news and magazine brands, online and sport. It is expected that the resulting work will be at industry-standard and suitable for public consumption.
An advanced level of editorial and production skills will be expected, including story and idea origination, news and feature management and agenda setting, along with an awareness of the differing journalistic treatment demanded by each medium. Students will be expected to be work on their own initiative, making their own editorial decisions, with tutor supervision.
This module offers students an introduction to key PR principles. By the end of this module, students should be able to write a basic PR campaign strategy and produce a news release suitable for distribution to a range of media platforms.
The final year of Journalism Production allows students to specialise in media production skills of their choice, while working in a live news and sport production environment – a real newsroom. This module allows students to refine and develop their skills while targeting a specific part of the media industry. This increase in expertise will not only be reflected in their assessment but also allow them to build up a portfolio of work that can be used to demonstrate their abilities and experience to employers. The live newsroom environment will also test their abilities to turn around high quality news and sport stories to a tight deadline and in multiple digital formats. All the teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. However, as AI develops, the module will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery – and update teaching as more advanced software and hardware is developed.
The purpose of this module is to examine and critically compare the different representations of journalists to be found in film and assess the relation between these portrayals and continuing moral and political issues faced by the profession. The module expects students to study movies in which journalists are portrayed as leading characters.
This module explores the history of war reporting and the ways in which journalists have represented conflicts. It also considers the reasons why some conflicts are marginalised, ignored altogether or given extensive coverage by the mainstream media. It studies theoretical aspects and practical implications of conflict-sensitive reporting.
Students have the opportunity to examine and analyse their chosen specialism across a wide range of publications, from general readership websites, magazines, and newspapers to specialist and niche publications aimed at the 'expert'. Students can study the particular attributes needed for specialist journalism including: authority, expertise, ability to access specialist information and format requirements. Throughout this module, students will select one particular strand to focus on in order to develop their specialism in the following indicative areas: sport, music, fashion, science, arts or business.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
As the course involves the acquisition of a wide range of communication skills, assessment is varied and includes practical work; often in the form of timed exercises or news days simulating industry practice, projects, the collation of a portfolio of work, and presentations. The main part of assessment of theory-based modules is in the form of coursework, with some examinations.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Journalism students benefit from a suite of newsrooms, with associated workstations and specialist print production software. Broadcast students have exclusive access to radio and television presentation studios and opportunities for output on the University’s digital audio platform. Students also have access to a TV studio where they can use the latest virtual studio technology to produce television news programmes.
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The University of Lincoln has links to the European Public Relations Education and Research Association.
This course places an emphasis on gaining hands-on experience. Our industry links can help students to secure work placements with media organisations. In the third year there is an optional Professional Placement module which aims to give students the opportunity to experience the industries that can be linked to their studies, gain vital skills which may prepare them for the job market and also establish and maintain links with industry professionals who may help them in their chosen career. Please note that students are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking placements.
There are also opportunities to gain experience with the University’s digital audio platform and a range of student media, including Cygnet PR (a student-run PR agency), LSJ News, magazines, websites, social media, and TV webcasting.
You can get involved with a range of media outlets at Lincoln, including our print and online school magazine, student-run Linc news site, and Cygnet PR. These are excellent opportunities to collaborate with other students, showcase your work, and apply your skills in a variety of contexts.
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Graduates have gone on to secure positions at regional, national, and international media organisations and press agencies, or to work in a freelance capacity. Some may use their degree as the basis for a career in PR, business, marketing, or education. Others go on to study further at postgraduate level.
96 to 104 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: CCC to BCC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96 to 104 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
Applicants who receive an offer will be invite to an Offer Holder Day to lean more about the course. This will include practical workshops and a short interview.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
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