Journalism, Media and Communications, BA (Hons)

Study Journalism and Media to Gain Analytical and Practical Skills

Students filming

Course Overview

The journalism landscape in the UK, and globally, is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviour, and the changing dynamics of information sharing. Our BA Journalism, Media and Communications programme has been structured to prepare you to step into this evolving new mediascape with confidence.

Traditional print or broadcast journalism is no longer the only focus. As a journalism student, you can become proficient in digital content creation, social media management, podcasting, video production and interactive storytelling, by developing expertise in a range of industry-standard software and technology.

Similarly, in an era marked by misinformation, fake news, and digital manipulation, ethical journalism has never been more important. This programme has a strong emphasis on ethics, media law, and the responsible reporting of sensitive topics. Subjects that are essential for you to be able to navigate the complexities of truth in the digital age, ensuring that you can contribute to an informed, engaged society.

And because journalism is no longer a siloed profession, this programme, in addition to equipping you with the core principles of journalism theory and practice, allows you to study graphic design, PR, video production and branding. This cross-disciplinary approach will prepare you for the reality of working in integrated media teams, where journalistic and creative skills are equally valued.

Journalism is an increasingly global enterprise, which is why we focus on developing your understanding of international news and the ability to report on issues from diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. By fostering a global perspective, we aim to prepare you for the world of international reporting, building your ability to tell stories across multiple platforms and cater to diverse audiences.

Why Media And Communication At Swansea?

You will be based on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

Our Media and Communication programmes are consistently high-performing, and are currently ranked:

  • 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)*
  • 9th in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)

*based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

We pride ourselves in preparing you for life beyond university. We are able to do this by using our connections to industry, and our emphasis on the particular interpersonal skills that our industry panel identify as key within their recruitment processes

Your Media And Communication Experience

The degree blends theory with practical experience, equipping you with the skills to analyse, create, and innovate across the field of journalism, while also developing your knowledge in related practices such as public relations. The programme is varied and flexible, so you can shape your course to match your own interests and career goals.

With a strong emphasis placed on your academic development, the programme supports critical thinking, media literacy, and research-led learning, You will be supported by expert faculty, who are engaged in cutting-edge media research, ensuring your experience is highly relevant to the current workplace.

You will benefit from access to real-world projects, and authentic assessments, while bilingual study options in English and Welsh can enhance your career opportunities. As a graduate, you will emerge as an adaptable, reflective media professional, ready to navigate the evolving media landscape, and equipped with the skills needed to develop meaningful and compelling content across a variety of digital media platforms.

The programme also includes the opportunity to study a Year Abroad or a Year in Industry. A Year Abroad allows you to hone your intercultural awareness, developing your skills in relation to international journalism and content creation.

The Year in Industry can be spent in the UK or overseas, giving you valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid placements, with an average salary of £20,000+. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. Although securing a placement is the responsibility of the student, we work with several organisations who provide a range of opportunities. If you choose to pursue a Year in Industry, you will be supported throughout the application journey with advice, guidance, and resources. If you are unable to secure a placement by the end of the second year of study, you will be able to transfer onto the equivalent 3-year degree programme.

Media And Communication Employment Opportunities

The Department's close links to a variety of media and communications organisations means that we are in the position to offer a wide range of work experience opportunities and internships to you across all levels of study. We regularly get requests from local organisations offering paid and voluntary work placements, where employers need well-equipped students in a short-term communications role.

In addition, in the third year, you can enrol on our credit-bearing internship module, where you will undertake 50 hours of work-placement in a variety of communications roles, including Welsh-medium work environments where suitable.

This proactive approach to employability helps to ensure that our graduates can develop an impressive CV. Additionally, internships can provide you with the opportunity to apply theory studied in lectures to real-world situations, while also providing valuable opportunities to network with professionals, mentors, and potential future colleagues; connections which have led to full-time job offers or recommendations for our graduates.

Our graduates are truly international and have been employed around the world, with careers in:

  • Journalism
  • Media
  • Business
  • Public Relations and Marketing
  • Digital Marketing
  • TV and Radio
  • Publishing

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

ABB-BBC

Journalism, Media and Communications, BA (Hons)

Journalism, Media and Communications with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

Journalism, Media and Communications with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)