BA (Hons) Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- P50A
- 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 site, UEAJournalism. 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.
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.
On this version of the course, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions across the globe.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
This 4-year version of the course gives you the opportunity to spend the third year of your degree studying with one of UEA's many partner institutions across the globe, which offers teaching in your subject and in English. Destinations range from Japan to Hong Kong, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and Canada and the USA.
Studying Abroad gives you the opportunity to broaden your academic and social horizons, giving you opportunities to develop your confidence and communication skills, while bringing a unique element to your CV that will help you stand out to prospective employers. Availability at our partner institutions does vary from year to year and we always recommend you bring an open mind about your destination preference. You'll also need to meet certain academic progression requirements (scoring an aggregate of 55% in your first- and second-year assessments). If for this or for any other reason you were to decide you were unable to spend your third year abroad you can transfer to a 3-year version of your degree at any time.
For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Accreditations
The degree is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). As a successful graduate, alongside 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
On this course, you'll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our many partner institutions across the globe. This is a brilliant opportunity to experience living in another country, see how your subject and others are studied there, develop greater confidence and enhanced communication skills, and gain experiences that will help your CV stand out to employers.
Check out our Study Abroad pages to learn more.
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
While on your Year Abroad, you'll usually have to study about 50% of your modules in your main area of academic specialism(s) at UEA, and you'll then have opportunities to explore other subjects if you wish (depending on exact topics and modules offered by your host university).
Assessment
On your year abroad you'll undertake assessments in modules in your host university. You'll need to pass the Year Abroad, but your marks do not count towards your final degree classification. In the unlikely event you did not pass the year abroad, reassessment options are available at UEA.
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 have 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.