Journalism

Minimum number of A Levels required: 2 Is general studies acceptable? Yes Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications Average A Level offer: BBC Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications Further information: At least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits, or any other combination that equates to 112 UCAS Tariff points in a relevant subject

International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications Additional information: 26 IB Diploma Points

Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications Grades / subjects required: 112 UCAS Tariff points with a maximum 20 UCAS Tariff points from Ordinary Level

Extended diploma (QCF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications Extended diploma subjects / grades required: DMM required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken

We are keen to recruit students who will make the best use of the opportunity to study with us. So we are looking for students with a flair for writing factual material. They need an enthusiasm for seeking out what's new, then asking why it is new, what's different, what's special, why it will interest the viewer, reader or listener - why, in short, it will be a good piece of journalism. You should be able to demonstrate an interest in news and current affairs and, ideally, have a specialist area which you might like to develop such as music, sport or fashion, for instance. Enthusiasm for news and current affairs needs to be supported by general knowledge, an awareness of what's going on in the world and a burning desire to know more. You should be interested in and sympathetic to people and their activities. You may well have studied a humanities and/or social science subject at school or college (e.g. English Language, English Literature, History, Politics, Sociology, Media Studies). In particular, you will need to possess the following qualities: Good communication skills, as you will be expected to contribute to tutorials and host presentations. Time management, as you will have to work to deadlines on a regular basis - essential for a journalist. Good IT skills, as you will be expected to submit work that has been word processed. Good analytical skills, so that you can critically assess news sources.Information retrieval techniques, as you will be expected to read around the subject and draw upon your findings for news and feature writing, essays, reports and projects. Teamwork, as you may have to work closely with others which is essential in journalism. You should ensure that your UCAS application shows that you meet the following essential criteria: The ability to communicate ideas logically and in an easy-to-read, error-free style is vital and will be measured by your personal statement. Evidence of an interest in news-orientated media, including activities such as student newspapers/magazines, hospital radio or work placements. Evidence of an interest in the world around you: politics, science, history, finance, business, art, theatre, sports are among the areas for which we would expect you to have enthusiasm. Evidence of additional skills or knowledge in one of these areas: knowledge of current affairs, a foreign language (GCSE level or above), knowledge of different countries and cultures, or relevant work experience. It would also be helpful if you are able to show the following in your UCAS application:An enthusiasm for IT and the new communication tools available on the internet and on mobile communication. Evidence of personal development such as art, music, creative writing, sport, outdoor activities, D of E award scheme.Involvement in social, community, political or charitable activities.