Journalism

Make a difference by studying journalism and gain the skills you need to keep people informed, shape public policy and uphold democracy.

A well-functioning democracy lives or dies on how well-informed the public is, and good journalism is at the heart of that. By studying our Journalism BA, you’ll gain the expertise to drive positive change and thrive as a media professional.

You’ll become well-versed in working across multiple media platforms, learning best practice techniques in in TV, radio and digital production. You’ll prop up your knowledge with sound theory, exploring ethical issues and the role of journalism in society. You can also tailor your career path with a choice of modules ranging from documentary making to citizen media.

As well as learning how to spot and investigate a news story, you’ll write, produce and edit your own work across different platforms in our industry-standard studios, editing rooms and media suites. You’ll also glean unique insights from our expert staff, who have years of academic expertise and professional experience behind them.

By the end of your course, you’ll have the power to shape public opinion, keep the public informed, and speak truth to power.

Student profile: Peter Wallis-Tayler

The course not only gave me my best friends; it also provided me with an opportunity to discover more about the media industry and led to me finding my love of long form storytelling in documentary making.

Peter Wallis-Tayler, BA Journalism

Why study at Leeds

• Industry links at your doorstep: Leeds is home to several national media organizations, with Channel 4’s headquarters and DAZN’s broadcasting facility located in the city.

• Expert facilities: Put your skills to the test in our podcasting studio, TV studios with green screen and a broadcast-quality radio studio.

• Use industry tools to succeed: You’ll get your own mobile journalism kit, so you can be ready for breaking news.

• Aim high in your career: Our graduates have gone on to work in news and sport for prestigious broadcasters like Sky, ITV, the BBC, Channel 4, CNN and others.

Rankings and awards

• 34th in the world for Communication and Media Studies, QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

• 53rd in the world for Arts and Humanities, QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

Where this degree could take you

Some of our graduates have found work in major news and sports broadcasters such as Sky, ITV, the BBC, Channel 4, CNN and others. Some work overseas, from Channel 4’s offices in Washington DC to covering stories worldwide for Reuters and other news agencies. They secure jobs as researchers, reporters, producers, presenters and digital content creators. Many graduates also apply the communication and digital production skills they have gained within related fields, such as social media marketing, PR and media relations. Others have gone into politics, working for the civil service, parliamentary bodies or MPs.

Careers support

Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.