Journalism with Education - BA (Hons)

2025/26 Full-time Undergraduate course

Award:

Bachelor of Arts with Honours

Faculty:

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

School:

School of Communication and Media

Campus:

Coleraine campus

UCAS code:

P5X3
The UCAS code for Ulster University is U20

Start date:

September 2025

With this degree you could become:

  • Content Assistant
  • Copywriting
  • Edit
  • Freelance journalist
  • Journalist
  • Page Design
  • Public Relations

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Media Outlets
  • Media Researcher
  • Newspapers
  • Public Relations
  • Radio
  • Social Media Co-ordinator

Overview

Journalism theory and practice: news-gathering, reporting, writing and editing for television, radio, print and online, in a changing media landscape.

Summary

Journalism is part of the combined campus subject programme at Ulster, Coleraine. It is the only university degree programme in the subject in Northern Ireland and offers you the opportunity to study the theory and practice of journalism in context with determining factors such as law, economics, politics and technology. It provides you with a range of relevant practical and professional skills.

As a major subject programme (four modules per full-time year), Journalism at Ulster is combined with another, minor subject in the Arts (two modules per full-time year) to make up a full degree programme. There is a range of subjects to choose from as your minor: Education, English and History.

We find that students who are interested in teaching as a career may decide to add Education to their degree ‘mix’ at undergraduate level before applying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education after they have completed their degree. Each Education module usually involves a two hour lecture plus a one hour seminar each week.

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About this course

About

In Year 1, you will take modules that give you a good basic grounding in the academic study of the media and in practical journalism skills that you will need to underpin your more advanced modules in years two and three. At this level you will take modules that introduce you to critical issues in journalism (history, sociology, economics and technology), journalism law and regulation, and journalism practice (newsgathering, report writing, sub-editing, newspaper design and production and broadcast journalism techniques).

Your commitment in time and effort will be intensive and demanding, much more so than those subjects that have no practice component. As well as on-campus activities, you will also learn about reporting from the local court and council offices. At the end of your second year, you will be encouraged to seek a placement with a local newspaper or other news based outlet.

The programme uses a range of teaching methods including lectures, small group seminars and practical workshops. These are delivered and supervised by experienced teaching staff, including former journalists.

You will have access to a wide range of learning resources, including professional standard newspaper production and design software such as Adobe InDesign, and digital sound and video software. You will also work in a simulated newsroom environment.

The programme assesses your work using a variety of different assessment methods including traditional academic essays, critical book reviews, examinations, class-tests and practical journalism assignments in reporting and writing.

Studying Education as a minor in combination with another subject offered at Ulster is an excellent introduction to a future career path in the education sector. It will provide you with an introduction to the main concepts and concerns of contemporary educational theory and practice in both Northern Ireland, the UK and internationally.

Dr Colm Murphy has extensive research experience in Journalism and the Digital Economy and his teaching centres on legal and digital issues in journalism. Colm is a former journalist and editor working at a variety of publications including the Irish Times. He is also a Director of the industry recognised accreditation body, the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Ms Maggie Swarbrick is Course Director of Ulster's prestigious MA Journalism programme and also teaches at undergraduate level, specialising in radio and television reporting. Maggie is a former trainer and journalist at BBC and is an examiner with the NCTJ.

Mr Milne Rowntree is Subject Director for the BA Hons Journalism programme. Milne is a former print and online journalist and teaches in the areas of media law and public affairs, as well as newspaper and online reporting. He is also an examiner with the NCTJ.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

Attendance

200 hours per module per semester as follows:
36 contact hours per module per semester.
164 independent study hours per module per semester.

FAQ:

How many hours per week will I attend as journalism student at Ulster?

All full-time degree programmes in the Faculty of Arts require a minimum three hours contact time (e.g. lectures and seminars) per module. However, programmes with a practice component, such as Journalism, will demand, by their very nature, additional contact hours for attendance on practical workshops and may require occasional assignments off campus, e.g. to local court or council. In addition to attendance at teaching sessions, the programme will require up to 20 hours per module per semester of independent learning and study (e.g. library research and coursework preparation). In that light, the attendance requirement in part-time mode depends on how many modules taken per semester (one or two).

Start dates

  • September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment will be by way of a mixture of formal examination, essay, class test, coursework, individual/group projects and assessment of practice projects, dependent on the nature and rationale of the module concerned.

Attendance and Independent Study

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

  • Attendance and Independent Study

    As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

    Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.

    The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

    Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

    Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

  • Assessment

    Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes.  You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

    Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

    Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

  • Calculation of the Final Award

    The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

    Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

    All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.

    In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

    Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Coleraine campus

Accommodation

A laid-back campus at the heart of a global tourist attraction.

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Sports Facilities

Our Campus in Coleraine boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are open all year round to students and members of the public.

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Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

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Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Contemporary Educational Issues

Year: 1

This module provides an orientation to central educational concepts and values with the intention of providing a critical foundation for later reflection and learning.

Facilitating An Effective Learning Environment

Year: 1

This module encourages students to reflect on and assess a variety of approaches to teaching and learning in creating effective learning environments. The module offers a theoretical and practical approach to exploring the educational policies and practices that foster the key conditions for creating an effective learning environment.

Public Affairs Reporting

Year: 1

Public Affairs Reporting introduces students to the structures and operations of local and central government, as well as direct and devolved government in Northern Ireland. It pays close attention to local government systems, local government finance, and to the economy and economic development. Lectures look at the government and economy of the Republic of Ireland, the electoral system, proportional representation and also the systems and function of the EU and its relationship with the United Kingdom post Brexit.

Introduction to Journalism Practice

Year: 1

This module will introduce journalism students to basic reporting, news gathering, practical skills and digital skills.

This module will help students develop the confidence and competence to work as a professional journalist, and to prepare them for the more specialised practical modules offered at higher levels in the programme.

Platforms and Audiences

Year: 1

Platforms and Audiences introduces students to the foundational principles and skills in newsgathering and reporting, website and social media analytics, feature writing, research, and basic sub-editing and design for digital audiences. Students will explore the evolving digital landscape for newsrooms, the demands this places on journalists and how the audiences engage with content. Students will engage critically and analytically with a wide range of news content and techniques throughout the semester. Students will develop editorial and strategic planning skills, with the aim to understand effective digital engagement and how to succeed in the fast-changing world of journalism.

Broadcast Storytelling

Year: 1

In the Broadcast Storytelling module, students will cover foundational audio journalism and production. The focus is on helping students learn how to tell stories effectively, whether it's for traditional radio or online platforms like podcasts. Students explore important moments in media broadcast history and modern podcasting to understand the context for journalistic work. Through practice and guidance, this module is all about giving students the skills and confidence to create engaging content for broadcast and digital platforms.

Year two

Industrial Educational Placement

Year: 2

The module offers students an industrial placement (usually in a school context) where they contribute to the development and delivery of the host intuition's project. Students develop their skills at communicating with both staff and learners, contribute to a learning exercise and where appropriate take a lead role in delivering learning to small groups. Students develop their reflective capabilities through a community of practice in the University's VLE. Presentational skills are also developed through the end of semester showcase event summarising the learning journey.

Media Law and Regulation

Year: 2

This module offers a practical introduction to the range of legal and regulatory topics relevant to media professionals. At its core are defamation, privacy, contempt and copyright - the main areas of law pertinent to media production across all platforms. The module will examine how these impact on the output of the media. It will look at the various codes governing how the media operates and the ethical decisions that media professionals must make in complying with them. The module will demonstrate how to comply with this legislation and relevant codes while still generating engaging material. It will feature class discussions to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in decision-making pertinent to the work of media professionals.

Video Journalism

Year: 2

This module is designed to enable you to become a confident producer of compelling video content for a variety of platforms, such as TV, social media, and streaming services. You will have a solid understanding of writing to pictures, sourcing stories, interview techniques; and effectively how to film and edit to deadline.

This module aims to provide you with a working knowledge of established industry conventions, the basic concepts and fundamental disciplines necessary in order to work as a journalist and in other creative industries. The module is designed to give you an understanding of all aspects of your craft, both critically and in practice.

Learning and Teaching with Technology

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module will equip students with the skills and understanding to collaborate online with other students, focusing on the application of ICT in teaching and learning at macro and micro levels. They will be required to assess their own personal style of learning and discuss the implications for online learning. They will also develop their research and information seeking skills, as well as their written and communication skills, enabling them to present assessed work to an appropriate standard.

Physical Health and Wellbeing

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module will introduce students to an appropriate range of theory connected to physical health and well-being in the context of children and young people's education. Students will have the opportunity to explore issues through practical based workshops where the emphasis will be on applying theory to practice. Assessment will comprise of one written assignment and one individual presentation.

Media: Study Internationally (2nd yr)

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the Erasmus Plus area such as the Americas, Australia or China. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Media whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Journalism Practice and Placement

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module develops students' skills in multi-platform newsgathering and reporting and develops further online, mobile and social media production to an industry standard.
Students will produce a portfolio of journalistic work garnered through their placement and a reflection on the news production processes involved. They will be encouraged to look critically and analytically at a wide range of journalism and to critically evaluate those items.

Specialist Content Creation

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides students with a theoretical framework and practical skills to identify a specialist area of journalism/content creation in which they will develop specialist knowledge. This could be a sport, area in the arts, fashion, business, PR or environmental journalism. Once they have identified the specialist area they will have to devise a plan and create relevant content to engage with that specialist online community. They will work with Coleraine campus partners like Coleraine FC and Riverside Theatre to develop specialist content for these specialist areas.

Year three

Inclusive Educational Practices

Year: 3

This module is about exploring inclusive education in a world that is ever increasing in diversity. It focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge in inclusive education settings. The module makes links between marginalised groups, society, education and culture. It explores theories about inclusive societies and education to promote understanding and respect. It explores pedagogies and approaches to supporting the teaching and learning of people in genuinely inclusive educational settings.

Multicultural education and language learning

Year: 3

This module is about exploring learning and teaching in a world of increasing linguistic and cultural diversity. It focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge in multilingual and multicultural education settings. The module makes links between language, culture and identity; it explores theories about intercultural competence, multilingual learning processes and identifies and evaluates pedagogies and approaches to supporting the teaching and learning of people in multilingual and multicultural educational settings.

Enterprise Placement

Year: 3

This module is optional

This is an enterprising and innovative module which provides students with the opportunity to explore a business idea and transform it into a viable business or social enterprise as part of the Diploma in Professional Practice pathway. Students will be mentored and supported by experienced business advisors and industry experts to develop commercial and technical skills within their sectors, alongside developing professional behaviours and attributes.

Industrial Placement: Media

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module offers students a chance to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge in a real-world setting, fostering professionalism and exposure to new approaches through work-based learning. Students engage with various workplaces, including Design Agencies, Video Production Houses, Multi-Nationals, Tech Incubators, Sports Teams, and Media organizations like the BBC, gaining valuable experience. Completion of this module earns students a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) alongside their degree, enabling them to demonstrate their professional competencies effectively.

Media: International Academic Studies (DIAS)

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Year four

Journalism Dissertation

Year: 4

The dissertation is a piece of coursework which comprises several sections, which will demonstrate the student's selection of an original topic, the undertaking of a literature review, the selection and refinement of a methodology, the collection and analysis of data and the conclusions emanating from the research. The student and supervisor will meet regularly, either in person or online, to discuss progress and receive feedback. The student is required to fully engage with their supervisor and produce work within agreed timeframes.

The project should comprise 4,000 words.

Programme Production

Year: 4

The Programme Production module is designed to consolidate prior knowledge in journalism, focusing specifically on longer-form programming with higher complexity and production values. Throughout the module, students will engage in live news production (newsdays and newsweek) and programming workshops, working within strict deadlines and adhering to professional standards. Emphasis is placed on developing project management and teamwork abilities, both essential for modern creative industries. The module equips students with practical skills, ethical awareness, and creative vision, preparing for the final semester of study with a view to employability and gradate attributes.

Journalism Futures

Year: 4

The module is a springboard to employment and entrepreneurship within the media industry.
Through a serious of lectures, workshops and industry visits, students will learn how they can create employment for themselves and others within the media industry and prepare themselves for future work.

Journalism in Society

Year: 4

This module considers journalism's role around the globe raising questions about ethics, objectivity, ownership and bias, social impact, equality and diversity, economic and political influence. Students will learn to formulate their subject interest into answerable research questions. The module will enable them to produce well-designed and appropriately analysed research projects and give direction to the Journalism Dissertation in the next semester. This module will guide students as they pursue answers to those questions using appropriate methods.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BCC.

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for the final A level grade (C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***

BTEC Awards

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Distinction Merit

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit Merit

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC

Diploma, National Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

Scottish Highers

BCCCC

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades

CDD

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum of

24 points to include 12 at higher level.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall mark of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)

Overall profile of 12 credits at distinction, 30 credits at merit and 3 at pass (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Additional Entry Requirements

HND - Overall Merit with distinctions in 30 Level 5 credits for entry to Year 1.

HNC – Overall Merit with distinctions in 60 Level 4 credits for entry to Year 1.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).

Foundation Degree - An overall mark of 45% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications.

Transfer from degree level study at other institutions

Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from another institution or year 2 entry) will be considered on an individual basis.

Exemptions and transferability

Due to the structure of the course it is not possible to transfer directly into second year from other Foundation Degree courses.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

  • Media Outlets
  • Media Researcher
  • Newspapers
  • Public Relations
  • Radio
  • Social Media Co-ordinator

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

  • Content Assistant
  • Copywriting
  • Edit
  • Freelance journalist
  • Journalist
  • Page Design
  • Public Relations

Career options

While a degree in Journalism at Ulster does not lead directly to a professional qualification in journalism, it will prepare you for application to higher degree and professional courses.
In common with all other undergraduate Arts degree programmes, journalism offers you very real opportunities for personal growth and self-development.

Where these opportunities are taken with enthusiasm and determination, you will undoubtedly enhance your long-term employability and the skills developed while studying journalism will be valued by a wide range of employers.

The BA Hons Journalism programme is not accredited by the journalism industries (Ulster’s accredited programme is at Masters level, MA Journalism).

For information on postgraduate research opportunities see: www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege

The study of education in combination with other degree subjects at Ulster will provide you with the first insight into a future career in the education sector.

Whilst studying education as a minor does not in itself provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it is an ideal starting point to focus your future career ambitions. Graduates can take advantage of the postgraduate opportunities available at Ulster to fulfil their ambitions in the teaching profession.

Those graduates who are interested in a teaching career in secondary education may apply for the appropriate Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (Secondary). You should be aware, though, that the University of Ulster does not offer PGCE programmes in all the major subjects with which Education as a minor can be combined.

Work placement / study abroad

There is a small work placement and optional study abroad within the course structure.

Students may consider taking part in the Erasmus Exchange programme, to European universities, usually for one semester in second year.

Students may take part in the exchange programme with universities in the USA. This would be a year long exchange and attracts an additional university academic award on graduation.

Exchanges with universities in other countries may also be possible, arranged through the International Office at the university.

Apply

Start dates

  • September 2025

Fees and funding

2025/26 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Brum Henderson Award for best Journalism Project.

Additional mandatory costs

Education as a minor is a ‘regulated and/or care position’ within the meaning of the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 (POCVA) and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. Depending on the modules you select you may have access to children and/or vulnerable adults and therefore you will be subject to a criminal history check costing approximately £33.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

  • Course specific information
  • Fees and Finance
  • Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.


For more information visit

Disclaimer

  1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons: 
    • to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
    • to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
    • to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and or student outcomes; and/or
    • to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners feedback.
  1. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to admissions@ulster.ac.uk.
  1. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
  1. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.
  1. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.
  1. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible.  The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.
  1. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.
  1. If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University, because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing admissions@ulster.ac.uk (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.
  1. If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures.
  1. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and taken the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.
  1. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
  1. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally.  Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17:  Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.