How to use clearing to find the right journalism course

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Presented in association with the University of South Wales

If you’re a prospective student intending to use Clearing to find a place at university, it can be difficult to know which of the many journalism courses on offer will provide three rewarding years of study and the best possible start to a long and rewarding career.

Before you dive in and make that choice, it’s worth thinking about a few key considerations that could help you decide which is the best course, institution, and location for you:

Future employability

Working in the news industry is incredibly popular and regardless of whether it’s with a website, magazine, newspaper, agency, or in broadcasting, the competition for an entry-level job is fierce.

"If you’re interested in a career in journalism, you need to have a 'never-say-die' attitude and understand people and what makes them 'tick'," says Craig Hooper , award leader for the BA (Hons) journalism course at the University of South Wales. "Be prepared to work hard – your reward will be a career that’s constantly interesting, challenging and enjoyable."

If you’re keen on a career in journalism it will be necessary to build a great portfolio and gain as much relevant experience as possible – and if you want to stand out when news organisations are looking to recruit, coupling a good theoretical understanding of the trade with great practical skills is vital.

And what about the reputation of the university? How many of its journalism graduates move seamlessly into related jobs after graduation?

So which is more important – developing skills or learning theory?

If you were to randomly select a handful institutions offering journalism courses you’re likely to find a varying emphasis placed by each on the amount of theory and practice taught.

A good percentage of the work was practical, which allowed me to create content independently and gain hands-on experience - Ceryn Lawless, recent graduate of the University of South Wales

Naturally, some courses will be weighed more heavily to a theoretical understanding of Journalism, while other will place greater emphasis on the skills needed to work as journalist.

Prospective students should ask themselves whether they’d prefer to develop a greater understanding of the theories and philosophies that underpin the journalism business or focus more on skills.

It’s worth bearing in mind that most courses will offer a balance of theory and practical training, it’s simply a matter of degrees. Do you want more theory? Or do you want something more hands-on?

Ceryn Lawless, a 21-year-old journalism student who graduated from the University of South Wales with first-class Honours in 2014, loved every minute of her course as it covered all aspects of print and broadcast journalism, but with multimedia always at the forefront.

"I enjoyed the fact that a good percentage of the work was practical, which allowed me to create content independently and gain hands-on experience," she says.

"I also enjoyed studying media law, which I never anticipated I would like! The course has helped me develop my writing and communication skills, as well as develop my contacts from networking in the industry."

Students share their thoughts on graduating from the University of South Wales

Work placements and gaining experience

If a student’s ultimate goal is to find work as a journalist then gaining relevant experience can really enhance your employability. A university course that offers work placements and in-house projects designed to mimic the everyday occurrences of a working journalist can prove invaluable.

Take all the opportunities that are given to you, give all to your studies, and make sure you enjoy it - Ceryn Lawless, recent graduate of the University of South Wales

Students on the BA (Hons) Photojournalism course at the University of South Wales are given extensive opportunity to work on real and simulated briefs with external professional organisations, including regional, national, and international publications and agencies.

"The University of South Wales journalism course involves learning practical skills that can be applied to real-life situations," says Jamie Russell, a journalism student.

"Other universities take more of a theory-based approach to teaching journalism, whereas this course strikes a balance between the two."

That’s the course requirements sorted – now where should I go?

Instead of blindly trawling through a list of institutions, it might be easier to think about your course requirements and the type of environment in which you’d like to place yourself for the next three years, then go from there.

The institution and the city in which you study will be just as significant as the details of your course, so it’s important to choose somewhere that’s right for you.

Are you looking for a big city with a vibrant nightlife? Perhaps somewhere with a creative community on the doorstep? Somewhere rich with potential contacts and stories? Or are you looking for a campus university? Perhaps out of town? And do you want your institution to be well-equipped with fully-functioning TV, radio and photographic studios, as well as facilities for print and multimedia journalism?

Journalism students based at city centre universities often have more opportunities to find stories when there is so much happening on their doorstep. London is an obvious option, but Cardiff is another buzzing capital city – home to the BBC's Roath Lock drama studios and Pinewood Studio Wales.

“My advice to prospective students,” adds Ceryn Lawless, “would be to take all the opportunities that are given to you, give all to your studies, and make sure you enjoy it – as three years go very fast!”

Check out the courses available through clearing at the University of South Wales on their website