Journalism, Communications and Politics (BA)
- UCAS code: J323
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Entry Year
Why study this course
You will analyse and reflect upon changes to both politics and policy driven by the growth of social media, the communications industry and the 24/7 news cycle. In recent years, institutional politics have become more mediatised, and political leaders are now media-driven and speak in soundbites.
Political campaigning is no longer limited to pre-electoral periods and public relations strategists and political consultants have become more and more central to politics. These links are affecting policy too, both at the national and the international levels.
The spread of the internet and the development of social media has also brought changes to the relations between citizens and their political representatives, and constitute a new platform for citizens’ political deliberation, and for the organisation of activists, protesters, and new social movements (often at a transnational level). This new course aims to critically examine these and many other issues.
While this course is both challenging and academic in nature, it does NOT provide vocational journalism training.
Distinctive features
Cardiff is home to a lively media industry and to the Welsh Government and the National Assembly for Wales, providing excellent opportunities for work experience.
You will also study Journalism and Communications in a new purpose-built School in the centre of Cardiff's all-new Central Square development. The School is located next to national media organisations such as Media Wales and BBC Cymru/Wales.
Where you'll study
School of Law and Politics
Our vibrant student body combined with highly qualified academic staff provides the perfect environment to explore the dynamic and fast-paced fields of law, politics and international relations.
School of Journalism, Media and Culture
We provide a scholarly environment to help you acquire both the knowledge and skills needed to enter your chosen area of the media.
Entry requirements
ABB-BBB
Extended Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects.
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects.
Other UK qualifications may also be accepted, often in lieu of A-levels, but subject requirements must be met. If you are offering non-UK qualifications, our qualification equivalences guide should allow you to calculate what kind of offer you are likely to receive.
Please be aware that this is a general guide, and that some programmes may have more detailed or specific entry requirements which will be reflected in your offer.
GCSE
Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subskill.
PTE Academic
At least 70 overall with a minimum of 54 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
III: at least a Merit in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Tier 4 visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course. If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees
UK and EU students (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year. Fees for the previous year were £9,000.
Students from outside the EU (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
You will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Course structure
The BA in Journalism, Communications and Politics is a three-year, full time, modular course. You will take 120 credits per year split equally between your subjects.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year one
You will study 60 credits in each school.
You will be introduced to ideas and approaches in lectures and carry out more applied and team-based work in seminars.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| History of Mass Communication and Culture | MC1110 | 20 credits |
| Media Scholarship | MC1115 | 20 credits |
| Understanding Journalism Studies | MC1578 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Y Da, Drwg a'r Gwleidyddol: The Good, the Bad and the Political | PL9193 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Science | PL9194 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to International Relations | PL9195 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Political Thought | PL9196 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Globalisation | PL9197 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to European Integration | PL9198 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Government | PL9199 | 20 credits |
Year two
All modules in year two are optional modules. You will be expected to develop research protocols, on your own and in groups, and will begin to experiment with methods of information gathering and analysis.
By the end of year two, you will be equipped to conceive, design, research and write up your dissertation in year three.
Year three
In year three you will choose at least two modules from each School and may opt to write a dissertation in your particular area of interest.
The range of teaching methods becomes more diverse and involves more complex and challenging assignments. You will carry out independent research and apply theoretical ideas and approaches to practical or analytical work.
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
You will benefit from teaching led by experts in the fields of journalism and media studies on the one hand and political science and Government on the other. You will be taught by staff who are researchers or practitioners in the areas of journalism and communications or politics and international relations.
We offer a supportive learning environment, where you are enabled to acquire a range of skills and a wealth of specialist knowledge. Our courses foster intellectual skills, such as critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory and the effective deployment of language in writing and in debate. We also help you gain experience in team working, independent research and time management.
You will be taught both by lecture and seminar. Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for the seminars and to develop your own ideas. Seminars provide an opportunity for you to explore the ideas outlined in the lectures.
Seminars usually consist of about 15 students and the seminar leader (a member of the teaching team). Seminars may take various formats, including plenary group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations.
How will I be supported?
As well as having regular feedback from your personal tutor in each course, you will have a reading week each semester for guided study and a chance to catch up on assessed work, reading and revision.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’, which will allow you to:
- read, analyse and synthesise complex academic texts
- analyse different media texts, including word, image and sound
- communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
- learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
- work both independently and as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- carry out various forms of independent research for essays, projects, creative productions or dissertations
- work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
- use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
- take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development.
Careers
Career prospects
School of Journalism, Media and Culture
In 2016/17, 96% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
Our graduates find their skills to be helpful in a range of communications and public relations roles. Our alumni benefit from their ability to write copy quickly, effectively and for a specific audience. Our graduates often succeed in business due to their ability to structure a coherent written and verbal argument when pitching their business ideas.
Some of our graduates utilise their newfound knowledge of current affairs and world politics to pursue a career in journalism.
Because our undergraduate degrees do not provide journalism training or a journalistic accreditation, many chose to progress on to our Masters courses, such as broadcast, magazine, news or computational journalism, to gain their practical training.
School of Law and Politics
In 2016/17, 95% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
Politics at Cardiff is a respected recruitment pool for a variety of employers within this sector with the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales, the Department for Education, the UK Border Agency and a range of political parties all recruiting from the last graduating year.
Outside of the political sector, the degree is of interest to employers in both the public and private sectors, with graduates taking up management training opportunities within EY, Enterprise Rent A Car, Zurich Insurance and King Worldwide.
