Robert Gordon University offers an intensive and practical BA (Hons) Journalism degree that will equip you with the key skills needed for a rewarding career in Journalism or related industries. Our multimedia course provides you with critical knowledge and specialist theoretical, analytical and production skills for working in this fast-paced environment.
The course has an emphasis on practical learning with a grounding in the theoretical aspects of journalistic practice. You will gain practical experience in reporting across print, broadcast, and electronic platforms. You will learn first-hand from experienced journalists by participating in ‘live’ news days, visiting local broadcasting organisations, and listening to guest speakers. You will study how news is sourced, regulated, produced, and consumed, and examine the effects of this on different audiences, developing transferable skills which are essential for the wider media profession.
2nd in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in Journalism (National Student Survey 2023, excluding colleges, small, specialist and private providers).
Year 1
You will develop skills in the basics of news writing and reporting for newspapers, digital platforms and in broadcasting. You will develop an awareness of legal and institutional frameworks within which journalists operate and you will also be introduced to a range of theoretical concepts relating to the media industries and visual culture.
Year 2
You will build upon your news gathering, editing and production skills in the areas of audio journalism, feature writing and magazine journalism. You will develop a deeper theoretical understanding of media messages in Media Semiotics and Discourse, and you will be introduced to new practical skills in web design, public relations, and desktop-publishing.
Year 3
In Year 3 you will continue to develop your specialist knowledge and have the flexibility to tailor your own study. You may complete a six-week, 12-week, or year-long work experience placement; undertake an academic term at one of our partner institutions abroad; or choose a taught, on-campus route which includes a focus on freelancing and research-based skills.
Year 4
Your final year will focus on specialist modules including Celebrity Culture, Digital Journalism in Practice and Postmodern Culture. You will work with a supervisor to develop a research project on a topic of your choice, which will develop your research, analytical and journalistic skills. You may choose to follow a conventional or practice-based research route and you will also undertake a practical investigative journalism assignment.
Our sustainability commitment
In the BA (Hons) Journalism degree, sustainability underpins all aspects of the learning experience, developing critical and creative independence, flexibility, and reflexivity, across individual and group work, and in critical and production work. Across all stages, you will be taught about the responsibilities and accountability of journalists including ethical project management and news gathering; the consideration of future resource implications in practice; and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaborative working. Socially and environmentally responsible behaviour is central to the practical modules. In the theoretical modules students are encouraged to actively critique the media industries. Debates around sustainability are closely examined including critical discussion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The business and innovation modules refer to the circular economy, the future of application development and other media innovations, and the sustainability of consumption.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 5, 8, 12 and 13. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will learn through a range of delivery modes including lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical-based activities. The nature of the course is interactive: you will apply theory to practice, and consider a range of problems, issues and case studies. Academic modules are typically delivered by a lecture followed by a seminar where you can discuss or apply the thinking to relevant tasks. This may involve analysing texts or giving oral presentations. The practical classes will involve sourcing and writing stories, conducting interviews, filming, editing and participating in news days. Modules, such as investigative journalism, may include input from a range of industry experts.
How long is a BA (Hons) Journalism course?
A Journalism degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 45-50 students per group, 4-5 hours per week
- Seminars - 15-25 students per group, 4-8 hour per week
- Project Supervision - 6-8 students per group, 1-2 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 15-25 students per group, 2 hours per week
Independent Study
In addition to lectures and tutorials, you will spend approximately 20-30 hours per week outside of the class working on your own. This involves undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for assignments, team meetings and researching and writing course assignments.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Academic staff who teach on this course have worked in a range of professional backgrounds within the creative and cultural industries including journalism, publishing, public relations, digital media, media production, and have links to the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) which ensures our teaching is professionally relevant.
Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy/Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Other staff members include industry guest lecturers, staff from Aberdeen Law School, honorary doctoral professionals, and librarians.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 3 portfolios
Year 2
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 4 portfolios
Year 3
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 2 portfolios
Year 4
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 dissertation
- 2 portfolios
- 1 project output
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to undertake a six-week, 12-week or year-long placement where you will be able to put your skills and knowledge to the test in an appropriate journalism or media-based environment, as well as form excellent links with potential future employers. Previous placements have included the Press and Journal, STV, Northsound 1, Press Association (Glasgow), Original 106FM, Scottish Field Magazine (Edinburgh) and Evening Express.
You can choose to source your own placement or access our Placement Office, who will support you in sourcing and applying to suitable opportunities.
Study Abroad
In Year 3 you can study with partner institutions in Europe or worldwide as part of the Study Abroad programme. This is dependent on similar Journalism programmes being offered by partner institutions.
Job Prospects
Journalism is a powerful industry and a rewarding career choice. People are increasingly seeking information and inspiration from the media, which creates a demand for multimedia journalists who have critical knowledge and specialist theoretical, analytical and production skills.
Is Journalism a good career choice?
Possible careers range from press, radio, television and online as well as public relations and media management.
Previous BA Journalism graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Print and Online Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism
- Publishing
They work for organisations including:
- BBC Scotland
- STV North
- Original 106
- The Press and Journal
- Evening Express
Students with degrees in Journalism are also entering Communications, Sales and Marketing roles.
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Journalism degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBBC to include English at grade B.
- GCE A Level: BCC to include English.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include English at H2.
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level English at grade 5.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC to include English at B
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers
Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.
Advanced Entry
Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5890 |
| Year 2 | £5890 | |
| Year 3 | £5890 | |
| Year 4 | £5890 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16490 |
| Year 2 | £16490 | |
| Year 3 | £16490 | |
| Year 4 | £16490 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5660 |
| Year 2 | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £5660 | |
| Year 4 | £5660 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £5660 |
| Year 2 | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £5660 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £5660 | |
| Year 4 | £5660 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £15860 |
| Year 2 | £15860 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £15860 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £15860 | |
| Year 4 | £15860 | |
Additional Costs
- Shorthand tuition (external provider) - approx £155
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.