University of Leicester

Journalism and English BA

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

There’s a natural and well-established connection between Journalism and English and this course allows you to study both subject areas equally in a complementary experience, developing a critical understanding of the key concepts, theories and debates around both Journalism and English. You'll enjoy the best of old and new: a grounding in the cornerstones of English literature and the ability to reflect on the place of digital and social media in the 21st century media ecosystem and apply this knowledge to your future career. You'll develop and demonstrate a range of transferable skills necessary for successful career development and a lifetime of effective independent learning.

You’ll fine-tune your independent thinking, analytical problem-solving and critical judgement. You’ll learn how to carry out independent research; to access and assess information, to communicate clearly and effectively, and to present findings in a professional manner. In your first year, you’ll learn the basic skills of journalism across various platforms, helping you to develop the key professional skills utilised by journalists.

You'll develop crucial English skills and be introduced to key concepts, genres and texts as you explore the richness of literature. In your second year, you'll use your developing journalism skills on digital and broadcasting platforms. You’ll also choose optional English modules in order to focus on texts and periods of literature that interest you, and explore your careers options.

In your third year you can study either a Journalism or English dissertation. You'll also use all your knowledge and journalism skills in a final group project, developing a website on a subject of your choice. And they'll be an extensive range of optional modules to choose from, led by staff who are specialists in their field.

The Journalism team have all worked in the industry. They've been involved in television, newspapers, radio, social media and PR. Among our teachers we hav

Key highlights

  • Equal study of journalism and English literature in one degree
  • Multi-platform journalism skills, including digital and broadcast work
  • Final-year group project building a website on your chosen subject
  • Choice of Journalism or English dissertation in the third year
  • Taught by journalists with television, newspaper, radio and PR experience
  • Optional English modules focusing on literary texts and periods you choose

Entry requirements

  • A-level: BBB — to include including English (Language, Literature or combined
  • A-level: BBC — to include including English (Language, Literature or combined) + EPQ at grade B; with EPQ
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass relevant diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 24 of which must be at distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 — To include 12 credits at Distinction in English Level 3 Modules International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points, including 6 in Higher Level English BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM.
  • BTEC: DDM — To include 12 credits at Distinction in English Level 3 Modules International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points, including 6 in Higher Level English BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM.

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Journalist
  • Digital content editor
  • Broadcast journalist
  • Public relations officer
  • Copywriter
  • Social media manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £20,200

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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