BA (Hons) Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- P50P
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Truth-seekers and storytellers apply here. In a world where it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s not, we’ll teach you how to find out what’s really going on, and how to generate news stories that can make a difference.
You’ll create your own online news, podcast and digital videos – the best are published on our UEAJornalism website. You’ll practice live broadcasting and go to court to report on real criminal cases. You’ll learn inclusive journalism too, working with diverse communities to help them tell their stories. Importantly, you’ll also study UK media law so you can practice professional journalism. On BA Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
At UEA you’re not just one of the crowd – we offer small group learning so you can develop the skills you need to find, research and create stories for radio, TV and online. We’re BJTC accredited and we also offer excellent learning support to guide you through the process of creating your own journalism, not just studying the theory.
Our lecturers have decades of experience as journalism professionals, working for major broadcasters such as the BBC, and they’ll use that experience to get you industry ready. We're not just a normal university course – we're a learning community based in Norwich city centre at “Broadcast House”.
We're extremely proud of our Journalism graduates who have gone on to work at BBC, ITV, Bauer Media, Newsquest and many more. Lots of our students even start work as freelance journalists while still on the course, which is another great reason to choose UEA Journalism.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Want to graduate with professional experience? On this course, you'll typically spend 9-12 months of your third year* in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You'll be expected to seek your own work placement, and will be supported in doing so by UEA’s Career Central Service and your School. Support for you to find your placement will start early in the first year and will be tailored to the particular needs you'll have at various stages of the process.
The field in which you'll do your placement will depend on your own interests, and some of the preparatory workshops will help you clarify these interests, your values and your career goals. Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism graduates go into a wide range of sectors, and so placements can be done in fields such as media, public relations, marketing, the public sector, creative industries and many more. We'll, however, require that the tasks you'll conduct as part of your placement meet the required learning outcomes and are complex enough to help you develop a range of skills that you'll be able to translate and use during the final year of your degree and your post-graduation career.
*Placements may be shorter on some occasions, or take place during different years of the degree, but this has to be agreed by the Placement Director and Learning and Teaching Services.
Have a business idea? If you have an idea you think would make a great business, you may be able to turn your Placement Year into a ‘Year in Enterprise’*. Your idea (business plan, budget etc.), motivation and academic record would have to be assessed by our team. Should you be given the go-ahead, you could use the year to start your business in a structured and supportive environment, accessing numerous training courses and extensive mentoring.
*Note that if you’re studying with us on a Student Visa, you can’t currently undertake a Year in Enterprise due to Visa rules.
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity and support to greatly enhance your employability by securing and undertaking a year-long placement in the third year of your degree. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our 'Placement Years in Arts and Humanities' page.
Accreditations
The degree is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). As a successful graduate, as well as receiving your degree, you'll receive a Journalism Skills Certificate from the BJTC. This professional qualification lets future employers know you have received industry-standard training, have learned the core skills they require and are ready for employment.
The BJTC is supported by major industry players such as Reuters, ITN, BBC, Channel 4, Associated Press, ITV and Sky News and these may offer placement opportunities. (In the event of continuing pandemic circumstances, the BJTC may authorise an alternative means of demonstrating and assessing a student’s industrial understanding and engagement).
As this is a BJTC accredited course, you'll be able to read the UEA’s ‘Promise of Performance’, our commitment to deliver a course which has undergone BJTC scrutiny.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll be treated as a journalist from Day One of this course, out looking for stories right from the start. You’ll learn the basic journalistic skills you need to find, research and create news stories. You’ll learn how to use professional cameras and audio recording equipment, and you’ll create audio, video and text stories. You’ll develop and populate your own website with stories which you can show to a potential employer. You'll learn about media regulation, law and ethics, which are essential components of functioning as a journalist in the UK. You’ll receive two hours of voice coaching either one-to-one or in small groups.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your learning will take place at Broadcast House at least one day per week, and this will normally follow a workshop format. Sessions will contain elements of lecture, seminar and class discussion along with practical reporting activities. There will be hands-on workshops where you’ll learn how to use cameras and audio recorders and how to edit audio and video. Self-directed study time will include watching, reading and listening to the news every day; finding, researching and producing news stories on a weekly basis, and background reading via textbooks.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll produce an online portfolio of journalistic work which you'll populate with text, audio and video news stories. Other assessment will follow traditional academic norms, such as essays and presentations. There will be a law and regulation exam which you must pass to proceed to Year Two of the degree.
Structure
In your second year, you'll delve deeper into journalistic practice, studying investigative and ethical dilemmas which today’s journalists face. You’ll take part in workshops to hone your practical radio, online and video skills. You’ll also participate in 15 student-led “newsdays” in which you’ll spend the day working with your colleagues to create online content, radio bulletins or TV programmes. You’ll also further your study of media law, political and public affairs and industry regulation. You'll continue to receive voice coaching either one-to-one or in small groups.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your second year is more intensive with practical workshops and newsdays at Broadcast House throughout the year. Sessions on Law and Public Affairs and some option modules will follow a more formal lecture/seminar format. You'll also visit courts and local councils and practice your reporting skills on these visits. You’ll receive support in finding and organising placements during Year Two. In your self-directed study time, you’ll watch, listen and read a wider variety of news outlets which will prepare you for your newsdays. You'll continue to find, research and publish stories on your personal website on a weekly basis. Weekly reading of key texts will form an important part of your learning.
Assessment
You'll produce more in-depth news stories in text, video and audio formats. You’ll be assessed on your practical reporting skills over the course of 15 newsdays. There will be some traditional academic work such as essays and presentations. There will once again be an examination testing your understanding of law and regulation which you mass pass to proceed to your final year.
Structure
Your third year will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing your own placement, but you’ll be aided by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you. You’ll also have access to remote support from UEA to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Assessment
You'll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll draw upon the skills you have developed to produce more sophisticated forms of audio-visual content including longer-form documentary production.
You'll undertake a further 15 newsdays with increasing complexity, report back on your placement activities and take your choice of optional modules. You’ll receive two further hours of voice coaching either one-to-one or in small groups.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year of your broadcast journalism degree will see you operating more independently. You'll finish your work experience placements and produce a portfolio of work detailing what you have learned. You’ll spend much of the final year working towards your final documentary project on a subject of your choice, putting into practice all the skills you have learned in Years One and Two. You'll receive law and regulation reminder sessions in the final year to ensure you're ready for your transition into the industry. And you’ll once again participate in 15 newsdays.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed on your journalistic performance during a further 15 newsdays. You'll produce and then be assessed on a documentary which can be in either video or audio format. Your optional module may follow more traditional academic assessments such as essays and/or presentations.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual: BCC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Humanities and Social Sciences Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Merit in the Occupational Specialism.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-film-and-television-studies-with-a-foundation-year or https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/ba-media-studies-with-a-foundation-year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Interviews
If your application tells us that you're passionate about your chosen course, we will invite you to a one-to-one online interview with one of our experienced journalists. This is a chance to meet us, discuss the course and tell us about your interest in Journalism, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study it here at UEA. You'll be asked to talk about your favourite news programme, for example, and what kind of articles you'd enjoy writing, and you'll also have the chance to talk about your current studies, extra-curricular interests and what excites you about being a journalist.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
BBB
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.5 overall (minimum 7.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Interviews
If your application tells us that you're passionate about your chosen course, we will invite you to a one-to-one online interview with one of our experienced journalists. This is a chance to meet us, discuss the course and tell us about your interest in Journalism, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study it here at UEA. You'll be asked to talk about your favourite news programme, for example, and what kind of articles you'd enjoy writing, and you'll also have the chance to talk about your current studies, extra-curricular interests and what excites you about being a journalist.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You'll be required to travel into the centre of Norwich for some of your modules. You'll be required to travel within Norfolk to report on news stories on a regular basis, and some limited travel outside of the county may be required. Some additional study trips or visits may require a student contribution. Technical equipment will be provided although it's beneficial for students to have access to a modern smart phone.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
After the course you’ll be ready to work as a staff or freelance broadcast journalist in local or regional newsrooms. Students of related courses at UEA have gone on to careers in radio, TV, online and other forms of journalism.
Careers
Examples of careers you could enter include:
- Independent local radio reporter
- Local or regional TV / Radio journalist
- Local or national newspaper journalist
- Independent media production company staff
- Journalist for a national or international broadcaster
- Running your own business
Discover more on our Careers webpages.