Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersBe a voice for generations to come
From breaking news to cultural reviews, sports reporting to in-depth investigations, we’ll help you scrutinise, interrogate and report on the issues that really matter.
This degree is geared towards inquiring minds and creative thinkers seeking a career in journalism and the creative media industries. Throughout the programme,...
3 years full-time
4 years with placement/study abroad
Elena"The course has given me invaluable skills and taught me what it means and how to be a successful journalist. I've learned so much about the world around me, my course is exciting, engaging and energetic."
BA (Hons) English and Multimedia Journalism
On this vocationally-focused course, you will gain practical training in research and writing as well as broadcast, print and online production. Essential media law, media regulation and journalism ethics are also taught by a team of experienced journalists with many years' practical experience and excellent links to major media players including newspapers, TV companies, radio stations and digital publishers in Manchester and beyond. This ensures that what is learned on the course is informed by the latest trends and developments.
You will also hear about the experiences and insights of working journalists, digital publishers and broadcasters who are invited to give talks and run workshops regularly.
Teaching is via a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as independent production work and research.
The rapidly changing digital media and culture industries offer many career opportunities in a wide range of sectors, including television, radio, film and digital media. The market for skills in these areas is strong and expanding, especially here in Greater Manchester, home to MediaCityUK.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
In year 1, all units are compulsory and designed to give you a thorough grounding in the essentials of journalism. You will learn skills in news writing, digital media, creating hyperlocal websites and using social media.
You will be introduced to the concept of digital journalism and its impact on the media industry. You will also be introduced to the practicalities of writing for the web. This will include a practical and theoretical understanding of the adaptation of conventional journalism to meet the demands of the digital age.
You will learn about the history of the press and freedom of the press from the 17th century up to the development of new technology and present day practice, including multiplatform delivery, user-generated content and social media.
You will be introduced to, and develop, core journalism skills including news reporting, interviewing, reporting meetings, press conferences and much more. There is also the opportunity to interview guest speakers and to attend and report on live events.
This unit introduces the theory and practice of creating digital media assets for web pages. This will include industry standard methods of production, storage and the use of digital video, audio and images. You will also have the opportunity to produce digital images, audio and video content as well as collaborate on the delivery of online content and media.
You can add a foreign language to your portfolio of skills. Enhance your employability by learning French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Modern Standard Arabic or Spanish alongside your main degree. Whatever your language knowledge, from Beginners to Advanced, these classes will take you to the next level of proficiency. Visit UNIWIDE for more information.
You may have the opportunity to take advantage of placement opportunities both in the UK and abroad. Students currently on placement are working in a variety of roles over a huge span of industries.
Our dedicated placement team has developed excellent links with various industries. You will be offered support through a preparation programme of activities, including guidance on selection procedures, working overseas, CV preparation, interview and selection techniques.
In year 2, core units include the study of media law, multi-platform journalism, and the editing and design of newspapers. Optional study units include magazine journalism, creating content on culture, sport or the arts, and developing further audio-video skills. You cannot take the same optional module in both year 2 and year 3.
Please note, these optional units are indicative of what options may be on offer in Year 2 of this programme but may be subject to change.
For this unit you will undertake an evaluation of the values and style of presentation used in national, regional and local press, and equivalent digital sites. You will be introduced to editing, design principles and production software.
This unit covers the British legal system including court procedure and reporting restrictions. You will be introduced to key laws including the Defamation Act, Contempt of Court Act, Sex Offences Act, Children and Young Persons Act, Copyright Act and the Human Rights Act. The unit will also address legal and ethical issues regarding the protection of privacy and the right to report and will outline the role of the media's key regulatory bodies.
You will critically analyse and evaluate the production of news articles across a range of multimedia. You will evaluate target readerships and markets in print, online and broadcast sectors as well as at local, regional and national level.
To build on a student's understanding of advanced audio skills and methods employed by journalists and explore theory of audio journalism in relation to contemporary debates.
This unit involves the design and creation of a print or digital magazine. The product will be created following examination and evaluation of a range of online and print magazines produced in the UK. The unit will build on previously-acquired knowledge and skills, with students required to produce articles suitable for a stated readership. They will develop strategies for targeting required readership.
This unit covers arts reviews and interviews across a number of forms and genres that represent art and cultural journalism. There will be opportunities to understand the role that arts journalism plays in context with other forms of journalism.
You can add a foreign language to your portfolio of skills. Enhance your employability by learning French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Modern Standard Arabic or Spanish alongside your main degree. Whatever your language knowledge, from beginner to advanced, these classes will take you to the next level of proficiency.
You may have the opportunity to take advantage of placement opportunities both in the UK and abroad. Students currently on placement are working in a variety of roles over a huge span of industries.
Our dedicated placement team has developed excellent links with various industries. You will be offered support through a preparation programme of activities, including guidance on selection procedures, working overseas, CV preparation, interview and selection techniques.
If you take the four-year placement route, year 3 will be spent on placement. If you take the four-year study abroad route, year 3 will be spent studying overseas.
In your final year, core study units include law and ethics, advanced journalism where you will produce a business plan, and a final year portfolio project. Optional study includes music, culture and arts, magazine journalism, and extending your audio-video skills. You cannot take the same optional module in both year 2 and year 3.
Please note that the following list of units is indicative and may be subject to change.
This unit further embeds the key concepts of journalism to expert level, with a focus on advanced skills. It looks at the role of journalists within the current media landscape and how they contribute to it effectively, both as an individual and as part of a growing commercial venture. This unit involves the identification of an issue worthy of a single campaign or investigative-style piece of journalism and you will have the opportunity to work on real time live news events, operating in a newsroom environment and producing content to deadline. Advanced journalism techniques will reflect current professional practice and equip you with the key skills, knowledge and insight to operate both collaboratively and independently. Understanding the role of newspapers and news websites in investigating and campaigning on behalf of audiences and the ability to undertake more advanced journalism projects will further enhance employability.
This unit involves the design, research and creation of a long-form piece of original journalism within the scope of the multimedia journalism undergraduate programme area. This may be related to the subject matter from previously-studied units or a new topic of your choosing. You will select an overarching topic of social significance and produce four feature length articles as part of a portfolio of journalism, all related to that central theme. You will produce a proposal for your portfolio early in the process which will identify a target audience/publication for your piece of journalism and outline your research. The unit will use a blended learning approach, with some taught and/or online learning supported sessions to support the development of appropriate practical, professional and, where necessary, technical skills. The independent work will be supported by a supervisor.
Building on knowledge already acquired on key pieces of legislation affecting journalists, this unit will explore their impact through scenarios and practical exercises, examining the impact of the law across a range of platforms. The unit will also explore the legal, practical and ethical problems posed for journalists by social media in newsgathering and publishing. The unit will explore in depth a range of legal and ethical issues including protection of privacy and freedom of information, protection of confidential sources and reporting race and racist organisations.
To build on a student's understanding of advanced audio skills and methods employed by journalists and explore theory of audio journalism in relation to contemporary debates.
This unit involves the design and creation of a print or digital magazine. The product will be created following examination and evaluation of a range of online and print magazines produced in the UK. The unit will build on previously-acquired knowledge and skills, with students required to produce articles suitable for a stated readership. They will develop strategies for targeting required readership.
This unit covers arts reviews and interviews across a number of forms/genres that represent art and cultural journalism. There will be opportunities to understand the role that arts journalism plays in context with other forms of journalism.
You can add a foreign language to your portfolio of skills. Enhance your employability by learning French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Modern Standard Arabic or Spanish alongside your main degree. Whatever your language knowledge, from beginners to advanced, these classes will take you to the next level of proficiency. Visit UNIWIDE for more information.
You may have the opportunity to take advantage of placement opportunities both in the UK and abroad. Students currently on placement are working in a variety of roles over a huge span of industries.
Our dedicated placement team has developed excellent links with various industries. You will be offered support through a preparation programme of activities, including guidance on selection procedures, working overseas, CV preparation, interview and selection techniques.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English
and
GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics
GCE A levels - grades BCC or equivalent
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
Access to HE Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum 106 UCAS Tariff points
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
T level - We welcome applications from students undertaking T level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Merit as a condition of offer
IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered.
A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement.
AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications.
Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are still being finalised for all courses. You can find information on 2024/25 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students. All fees stated may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year.
Optional estimate: £600
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. Students can borrow any audio-visual (e.g. cameras and boom mikes), or other technical kit they need from the Multimedia Resource Laboratory. Use of a smartphone (ideally an iPhone) is advised, though not mandatory.
However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing. No specialist equipment is needed.
No membership of outside bodies is required for the course.
Optional estimate: £300
Any study trips will be funded from within the department.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersThe rapidly changing digital media and creative industries offer career opportunities in an extremely wide range of sectors including print journalism, digital publishing and editing, broadcasting, researching, media development, freelance writing, specialist journalism, working for news agencies, public relations departments and public sector press departments.
Previous graduates from our Information and Communications courses have been employed by new media companies not only across the North West, but also nationally.
There is also the opportunity to engage in further study and professional training, for example some of our graduates go on to study MA Multimedia Journalism at postgraduate level where you'll be taught by industry experts.
You can apply for this course for 2025/26 entry once UCAS applications open in autumn.
Visit UCAS for further details, including deadlines.
Apply for other study options:
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.