English Literature, Journalism and Media (BA)
- Subject areas: English language and literature, Journalism, media and culture
- UCAS code: PQ53
- Next intake: September 2027
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Tailored to you
Shape your degree around your interests with a wider range of optional modules on diverse topics.
Be a changemaker
Capital connections
Take advantage of Cardiff's growing media and creative industries and our links to BBC Cymru/Wales and Media Wales.
Future-focused
Develop in-demand employability skills that can support your career prospects in a wide range of fields.
Global excellence
We’re ranked 37th in the world for communication and media studies, and 62nd for English language and literature (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
On our BA in English Literature, Jounalism and Media, you'll explore the similarities and differences between the 2 subjects, while developing shared skills in critical analysis, research, communication and close engagement with texts, ideas and cultural contexts.
In journalism and media, you’ll examine the media’s historical, cultural and social significance, and consider how it shapes our lives. In English literature, you’ll critically analyse texts and cultural forms, such as film, across different periods while exploring complex ideas.
Across the programme, you’ll study challenging modules in a supportive environment, with opportunities to shape your studies to your interests and career ambitions through optional choices. You'll have the creative and critical skills for a range of roles across publishing, media and journalism.
Subject area: English language and literature
Subject area: Journalism, media and culture
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as acceptable alternative international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-BBB. Must include Creative Writing, English Language and Literature, or English Literature.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in HL English Language and Literature, English Literature, or English Literature and Performance.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
GCSE and other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student 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.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
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.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DD-DM in a BTEC Diploma in Humanities and Social Science subjects, and grade B in A-level Creative Writing, English Language and Literature, or English Literature.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2027 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year.
1 Home status tuition fees are charged at the maximum fee set by the Government each year. If the tuition fee cap changes before you start your course, we’ll email you to let you know. We’ll explain any changes to your tuition fees, and allow you to withdraw without penalty if you decide not to study with us.
Tuition fees may increase for subsequent years of your course if the fee cap changes. Learn what happens if tuition fees increase.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2027/28 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.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a 3-year, full-time degree with 120 credits of study in each year.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2027/2028 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2027.
Year one
In year 1, you’ll take 60 credits in English literature and 60 credits in journalism and media through a mix of core and optional modules.
Core modules will help you develop key writing, reading, research and employability skills that you’ll use throughout your degree and beyond. Alongside the core modules, you’ll choose 2 optional modules.
| 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 |
| Reading Up Close | SE2149 | 20 credits |
| Ways of Reading: Literature, Culture, Theory | SE2150 | 20 credits |
| Writing at University and Beyond | SE6266 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you’ll take 60 credits in English literature and 60 credits in journalism and media.There are no core modules in year 2 but you'll choose modules across both subject areas. Some modules may be grouped into ‘baskets’, designed to give you a sound experience across periods, genres and thematic areas.
Year three
In your final year, you’ll take 60 credits in English literature and 60 credits in journalism and media.
A 20-credit core English literature module gives you the opportunity to examine a single text in detail across a whole semester and use the experience and knowledge gained as the basis of a public-facing piece of work.
You’ll choose your remaining 100 credits from a range of modules. Some modules may be grouped into ‘baskets’, designed to give you a sound experience across periods, genres and thematic areas.
You’ll also have the option of writing a dissertation in either subject area.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Literature for All | SE2639 | 20 credits |
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
We offer a supportive learning environment where you can develop a range of skills and specialist knowledge.
You’ll learn through lectures and seminars. Lectures introduce key concepts and frameworks for a topic, helping you carry out independent research and develop your own ideas. Seminars give you the opportunity to explore ideas introduced in lectures. They usually involve around 15 students and a seminar leader, and may include whole-group discussion, small-group work and student-led presentations.
Our focus is on helping you develop intellectual skills like critical thinking, close analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, using theory, and communicating effectively in writing and discussion. You’ll also gain experience in team working, independent research and time management.
How will I be supported?
Your scheduled contact hours will be supported by opportunities for individual meetings with academic staff, academic progress meetings with your personal tutor, research seminars and careers activities.
You’ll have access to relevant learning materials through Learning Central. These may include multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, links, electronic exercises and discussion spaces.
The University's range of support services and events are also available to help you plan your career, manage your emotional, mental and physical health, support you with financial issues and provide assistance for students with disabilities are also available to you. These services are co-located at the Centre for Student Life.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods, including essays, examinations, presentations, portfolios and creative assignments.
Essays and examinations are used not only for assessment, but also to help you gather, organise, evaluate and use information and ideas from a range of sources in reasoned arguments.
The optional final-year dissertation gives you the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth. You’ll develop detailed knowledge of a particular field of study, use your initiative in collecting and presenting material, and present a clear, cogent argument with appropriate conclusions.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’, which will allow you to:
- grasp complex issues with confidence
- ask the right questions of complex texts
- have an imaginative appreciation of different views and options and analyse these critically
- identify and apply relevant data
- propose imaginative solutions of your own that are rooted in evidence
- communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in writing and speech
- work to deadlines and priorities, managing a range of tasks at the same time
- learn from constructive criticism and incorporate its insights
- work as part of a team, developing a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- use IT programmes and digital media, where appropriate
- take responsibility for your own learning programme and professional development.
Careers
Career prospects
Studying in Welsh
Next steps
Open Day visits
Sign up to receive our latest news.
International
Learn more about our truly global university.
Get in touch
Contact us for help with any questions you have
How to apply
Find out how to apply for this course
Discover more
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
