| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA in Journalism, Media and English Literature at Cardiff University combines the study of English literature and journalism, providing students with a broad understanding of both disciplines. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in journalism, public relations, communications, and other fields. The program is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and ranked 1st in the UK for Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies by The Complete University Guide 2024.
Program Outline
Journalism, Media and English Literature (BA) - Cardiff University
Degree Overview:
The BA in Journalism, Media and English Literature allows you to specialize in two university honours subjects, English Literature and Journalism. This joint honours approach allows you to explore the similarities and differences between the two subjects, providing you with complementary perspectives and skills. The program emphasizes the critical analysis of texts from different periods while exploring complex ideas in English Literature. Simultaneously, the journalism component examines the media's growth, historical and cultural significance in shaping our lives. This program is ideal for students who want:
- A broad understanding of both English literature and journalism
- To develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills
Outline:
The program lasts three years, with two semesters per year, split between the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies and the School of English, Communication and Philosophy. Each year consists of 120 credits, with most modules worth 20 credits.
Year 1:
- 60 credits in English literature
- 60 credits in journalism
- Core modules:
- History of Mass Communication and Culture
- Media Scholarship
- Understanding Journalism Studies
- Critical Reading and Critical Writing
- Optional modules:
- Transforming Visions: Text and Image
- Transgressive Bodies in Medieval Literature
- Ways of Reading
Year 2:
- 60 credits in English literature
- 60 credits in journalism
- No compulsory modules, allowing students to choose from a variety of options offered by both Schools.
- Optional modules:
- Media and Gender
- Media, Power and Society
- Mediation of Political Violence
- Yr Ystafell Newyddion 1
- Yr Ystafell Newyddion 2
- Critical Issues in Television Production
- Celebrity Culture
- Fashion Futures: Technology, Innovation and Society
- Internet Governance
- Media, Globalisation and Culture
- Public Relations and Political Communication
- Media Fandom
Year 3:
- 60 credits in English literature
- 60 credits in journalism
- No compulsory modules, allowing students to shape their own program.
- Option to write a 40-credit dissertation.
- Optional modules:
- Dissertation
- Mediating Childhood
- The Making and Shaping of News
- East Meets West in Film and Popular Culture
- Media, Racism, Conflict
- Reporting Science, the Environment and Health
- Spin Unspun: Public Relations and The News Media
- The Creative and Cultural Industries
- Sport and the Media
- Communicating Causes
- Palu am y Gwir
- Stori Pwy? Cyfathrebu Cymru
- Reporting the World
- Media, Money and Markets
- The Cultural Politics of Contemporary Hollywood
- Popular Music, Media, & Culture
- Understanding Digital Society through Black Mirror
- Screening Locations
- (Me) me, Myself and I:The Power and Politics of Digital Remix Culture and Online Inequalities
- Clothing Matters: Global Fashion Cultures and Politics
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Essays
- Examinations
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Creative assignments
- Dissertations Feedback is provided through various channels, including:
- Oral feedback during tutorials
- Written feedback on assignments
- Feedback lectures
- Generic written feedback
- Feedback on tutorial performance
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Independent research
- Group work The program benefits from:
- A supportive learning environment
- Access to multimedia material, presentations, and online resources
- Excellent libraries and resource centers
- A range of support services, including the Careers Service, Counselling Service, and Disability and Dyslexia Service
Careers:
Graduates of this program have gone on to pursue careers in:
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Communications
- Media
- Publishing
- Education
- Law
- Business
- Government The program equips graduates with valuable skills, including:
- Critical thinking
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Research skills
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Initiative
- Adaptability
- Digital literacy
Other:
- The program is offered in English and Welsh.
- Students have the opportunity to study abroad.
- The program is designed to meet the needs of a variety of learners, including those with disabilities.
- The program is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and a positive learning experience.
- The program is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
- The program is ranked 1st in the UK for Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies (The Complete University Guide 2024).
- The program content and structure may change over time.
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Additional costs Course specific equipment Accommodation We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Living costs We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Cardiff University
Overview:
Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.
Services Offered:
Study:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.Research:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.Work with us:
Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.Community:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.Global:
Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Living in Cardiff:
Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.Welsh Language and Culture:
Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.Campus Facilities:
The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Campus Facilities:
Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.Excellent Career Prospects:
The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant Student Life:
Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.Research Excellence:
Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.Community Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.Postgraduate:
The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.International:
Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.Other:
Rankings:
Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.Quality Marks:
The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.Russell Group:
Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.Entry Requirements:
A-levels:
AAB-ABB. Must include Creative Writing, English Language and Literature, or English Literature.
Extended/International Project Qualification:
Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
International Baccalaureate:
34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL English Language and Literature, English Literature, or English Literature and Performance.
Baccalaureate Wales:
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
English Language and Literature:
GCSE Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
For international students (non-EU/EEA/Switzerland):
- IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
- PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
- Trinity ISE II/III:
- II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
- III: at least a Pass in all components.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Additional notes:
- We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
- You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course. However, if you are subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record.
