Year in Journalism

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Student in a TV studio, monitoring screens
Year in Journalism
Would you like to learn the skills you need to challenge fake news and get work in a 21st-century newsroom? Kent’s award-winning Centre for Journalism is pleased to offer a Year in Journalism.

How does the Year in Journalism fit into my degree?

This freestanding, self-contained year, is open to students from other schools in the University and can be taken after Stage 2 or 3 (that is, between your second and final year, or after your final year).

Journalism is more than an exciting and glamorous occupation. At its best, by informing what millions believe, holding power to account and challenging injustice, it reinforces the most cherished values of democratic societies. 

If successful, when you graduate your degree title includes the words with a Year in Journalism.

Application deadlines:

Stage 2 - June 2024

Stage 3 - May 2024

Apply now

What will I learn?

During the year, you work exclusively within the Centre for Journalism at Kent's Medway campus. 

You learn in a live newsroom environment, complete with dedicated radio and television studios. Your tutors include working reporters, former editors of national newspapers and specialist correspondents. 

As part of your Year in Journalism course, you study for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Diploma in Journalism. This nationally recognised professional qualification is the passport to a career in journalism. 

Apply now for a Year in Journalism

Fill in a simple application form to apply

Apply now

The Year in Journalism is suitable for you if...

  • you are a current Kent undergraduate
  • you are fascinated by current affairs
  • you want to have a career as a professional, multimedia reporter
  • you want to earn a valuable professional qualification
  • you would like to get real work experience including the opportunity to work for a commercial television station.

Entry requirements

The year is available to any University of Kent undergraduate student (Canterbury or Medway) who has completed Stage 2 or 3 of their degree in any subject other than Journalism or a related joint honours degree.

  • For entry between Stage 2 and Stage 3: applicants must have achieved at least an academic average of 50% in Stage 1.
  • For entry after Stage 3: applicants must have achieved at least an academic average of 50% in Stage 2.
  • Candidates will also be asked to complete an entry interview and test as part of the requirements of the course’s professional accreditation.

Curriculum

  • Reporting (the basic skills of identifying a story and writing accurately)
  • Practical Multimedia Journalism (turning your story into professional television, radio and online journalism)
  • Essential Media Law (defamation, court reporting, intellectual property etc)
  • British Public Affairs (how government works at Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and Cardiff).

What we offer

  • Teaching by leading practitioners in print, broadcast and internet journalism.
  • Professional accreditation by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
  • Excellent contacts with industry at local, national and international level.
  • Input from visiting professional journalists and broadcasters.
  • Modern IT and teaching facilities located amid the beauty of Chatham’s Historic Dockyard.

Can I extend my visa to do the Year in Journalism?

International students wishing to add the Year in Journalism will be approved on a case-by-case basis in accordance with UK immigration regulations and the University’s Tier 4 policy on Academic Progression and Change of Course. Students also need to be aware that they may need to return to their home country to apply for a new visa to add the year to their degree.