English and Journalism

Why this course?

• Ranked in the top 5 universities in London for English (Guardian University Guide 2024).

• Ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction in English (Complete University Guide 2022).

• A diverse and inclusive curriculum, studying literature from Shakespeare to contemporary global writing.

• A strong focus on practical journalism skills, preparing you for modern media careers.

• Supportive teaching with strong contact time, designed to fit around wider commitments.

About this course

• This course combines the study of English literature with professional journalism practice, allowing you to explore how words shape culture, politics and society.

• You’ll study a wide range of texts from different historical periods and cultural contexts, including classic and contemporary literature, film and television. You’ll examine themes such as race, gender, sexuality, environmentalism and social change, and explore how writers respond to the world around them.

• Alongside this, you’ll develop a practical understanding of journalism. You’ll learn how news is researched, written and produced, and how journalism operates in a global and digital media landscape.

• London provides a rich backdrop for your studies, offering access to cultural institutions, media organisations and real-world case studies.

• All students have the option to take a paid one-year work placement, gaining valuable professional experience before graduating.

What you’ll study

You’ll study modules that develop both critical analysis and journalistic practice. Topics may include:

• Literature from different periods, cultures and genres

• Shakespeare and his relevance to the modern world

• Writing and identity, including gender and multiculturalism

• News reporting and feature writing

• Magazines, digital media and multimedia storytelling

• Journalism ethics and global media

How you’ll learn

Teaching is delivered through a combination of:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Workshops

• Practical journalism sessions

You’ll learn in small groups, allowing for discussion, feedback and close support from academic staff. Journalism modules place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, helping you build confidence and professional skills.

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment methods are varied and designed to reflect both academic and professional practice. These may include:

• Essays and critical analysis

• Practical journalism assignments

• Portfolios of written work

• Presentations

• Independent research projects

This approach helps you develop a broad skill set while demonstrating your strengths in different ways.

Careers

This course prepares you for careers across the media, communications and creative sectors, as well as roles that value strong writing and analytical skills.

Graduates may go on to work in areas such as:

• Journalism

• Publishing

• Media and communications

• Marketing and public relations

• Digital and social media

• Education, charities and the public sector

You’ll be supported throughout your studies by the Roehampton Careers team, with access to:

• CV and application support

• Interview preparation

• Mentoring

• Work experience and volunteering opportunities

• Careers fairs and employer events

These modules are those we currently offer for 1 year (full time) and may be subject to change.

Visual Sotrytelling (20 credits)
Journalists and the World (20 credits)
Discovering Literature (20 credits)
Journalism in the Digital Age (20 credits)
Questioning the Canon (20 credits)
Creative and Professional Writing (20 credits)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS