Journalism, Media and English Literature (BA)

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.