Year in Journalism
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Learn the skills you need to tell powerful stories and challenge fake news while working in a real newsroom. Study a Year in Journalism at the University of Kent with KMTV, an award-winning Ofcom-licenced television channel.
How does the Year in Journalism fit into my degree?
This freestanding, self-contained year, is open to students from any school 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 puts you in the front row seat of history – whether that’s holding power to account, exploring complex social issues or analysing cultural moments that define a generation. Journalism informs democracy, speaks truth to power, and connects communities.
If successful, when you graduate your degree title includes the words with a Year in Journalism.
What will I learn
During the year you will join KMTV as a trainee reporter, covering news, features, sport and more across Kent as part of an award-winning television news team. You will be mentored by full time journalists and will be supported to develop your own story ideas and your voice as a storyteller.
You will work two days a week at KMTV, with opportunities to gain experience at KentOnline’s digital newsroom also available later in the course.
Your development will be supported by high quality teaching by practicing journalists. You’ll learn how to write concise, engaging copy for a range of audiences, learn how to film and edit eye-catching TV packages and develop voice skills for presenting and reporting.
You will study media law and ethics, public affairs, data journalism, and consider the opportunities and threats posed by the rise of generative AI.
*The Year in Journalism is pending accreditation by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, which will enable you to take respected professional exams and gain a formal qualification to boost your employability.
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.
- 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 have an informal interview with a member of the KMTV team as part of the requirements of the course’s professional accreditation.
Curriculum
- Essential Reporting (how to find and write engaging stories for online and to promote those stories effectively to build an audience).
- Broadcast Journalism (producing compelling stories for TV and radio).
- Essential Media Law (defamation, court reporting, intellectual property etc).
- Government, power and data (how journalists interact with power, and how to tell stories using open data or investigative skills).
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.
*Accreditation pending in early 2026.