Journalism A Level Requirements: Best Subjects for Aspiring Journalists

Are you passionate about Journalism?

If you have a knack for storytelling, an insatiable curiosity about the world, and a desire to uncover the truth, a career in journalism might be your calling. Do you envision yourself as a news anchor, a foreign correspondent, or a magazine editor? This degree can open doors to all sorts of dynamic professions.

With over 75% of students finding a job in the industry as soon as 15 months after graduating, is a continuously growing profession with lots of different career paths.

In this guide, we'll explore the essential journalism A Level requirements, core and useful subjects, and the best combinations to set you on the path to becoming a successful journalist.

What A Levels do you need for Journalism?

There aren't specific A-Level requirements for Journalism degrees. However, subjects like English, Media Studies, History, Politics & Languages are all beneficial. While these form a strong foundation, there are other A-Levels that can further strengthen your university application. Keep reading to find out!

Core A Level subjects

English Language and Literature

English Language and Literature is a cornerstone subject for aspiring journalists. It hones your skills in writing, critical thinking, and textual analysis. By studying various literary works and developing your own writing style, you learn to communicate effectively and persuasively. This subject also enhances your understanding of narrative structures, which is crucial for crafting compelling news stories and articles.

History

History A Level provides a solid background in research and analysis, essential for investigative journalism. Understanding historical contexts and events helps journalists make sense of current affairs and provides depth to reporting. This subject also teaches critical evaluation of sources and evidence, skills that are invaluable for ensuring accuracy and credibility in your work as a journalist.

Politics

Politics is a valuable subject for aspiring political journalists and correspondents. It equips you with a deep understanding of governmental structures, political theories, and current affairs. This knowledge empowers you to critically analyse policies and political events, ensuring your reporting is both accurate and insightful.

Sociology

Sociology offers insights into social structures, behaviors, and cultural norms. For journalists, this knowledge is vital for understanding the diverse audiences and issues they report on. Sociology fosters critical thinking about societal trends and inequalities, enabling journalists to cover stories with depth and sensitivity to various social contexts.

Useful A-Level subjects

Economics

Economics helps journalists understand financial systems and markets, which are crucial for reporting on business and economy-related news. It enhances analytical skills and the ability to interpret data, providing a solid foundation for covering complex economic issues.

Psychology

Psychology offers insights into human behavior and mental processes, aiding journalists in understanding audience reactions and motivations. This knowledge is valuable for crafting engaging stories and conducting insightful interviews, making it a useful subject for aspiring journalists.

Media studies

Media Studies provides students with an understanding of media production, media theory, and the role of journalism in society. It offers practical insights into the media industry, including skills in content creation, critical analysis of media messages, and knowledge of media ethics and regulations.

Is media studies a soft A Level?

While Media Studies offers valuable skills and insights, some universities may consider it a "soft" A Level compared to more traditional subjects like English or History. This perception can impact its acceptance, so it's important to check specific university requirements before opting for this subject.

Philosophy

Philosophy sharpens critical thinking, logic, and ethical reasoning skills—key assets for journalists. It encourages questioning and exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives, which is invaluable for investigative reporting and editorial writing. This subject also enhances your ability to construct coherent, well-argued narratives, a crucial skill for any journalist aiming to convey compelling and credible stories.

What subjects should I take for Journalism: Best A Level combinations

English + History + Politics

Combining English, History, and Politics creates a strong foundation for a journalism degree. While English hones your writing and analytical skills, History provides research and contextual understanding of events, and Politics adds depth to your knowledge of governmental structures and current affairs.

English + History + Sociology

Pairing English and History with Sociology equips you with a comprehensive skill set for journalism. Sociology offers insights into societal structures, behaviors, and cultural norms, helping you understand diverse audiences and social issues. This combination is ideal for journalists interested in social reporting and human-interest stories.

English + History + Media studies

This combination leverages the strong writing and research skills from English and History with the practical insights of Media Studies, introducing you to critical analysis of messages and audiences, as well as an understanding of the media industry's internal logic.

Are you an adult returning to education? Learn more about how to take A-levels as a mature student

Which course is best to become a Journalist: Top 5 UK Universities

The following institutions are recognised by The Guardian as the best universities for studying journalism because of their comprehensive programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience:

Oxford Brookes University	To study journalism at Oxford Brookes, you need to enrol in the Media, Publishing & Journalism undergraduate programme. This university is renowned for its impressive connections and the job possibilities it can offer to its students for their practices or post-graduate jobs.
Leeds Trinity University	Leeds Trinity University especially prides itself on its highly experienced teachers, who have long worked in the journalism sector and provide their personal insights to ensure a successful career in the area.
City University of London	Journalism at City has a real-world emphasis. They focus on providing students with everything they need to have a successful career as journalists in the 21st century, educating them in print, online, and broadcast journalism.
University of Sunderland	The University of Sunderland teaches students through modern methodologies in their own newsroom, to prepare them for the current journalism industry, with a focus on digital technologies and media.
University of Sheffield	The University of Sheffield aims at providing a dynamic and hands-on experience for students looking to become journalists. With practice in many different fields, students get what they need to work in any area of journalism.

Are you exploring other career options? Take a look at these guides:

• What A-levels do you need for marketing?
• What A-levels do you need for law?

Bonus track: 3 keys to ace your Journalism application

Aside from A-levels and other academic qualifications, there are a few other activities you can take on that will turn you into a valuable candidate in the eyes of university examiners. Here are a few examples:

Build your journalism portfolio

Creating a strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing your writing skills and journalistic abilities. Include samples of your best work, such as articles, essays, and multimedia projects. Highlight your versatility by covering various topics and formats, demonstrating your capability to tackle different journalistic challenges.

Collaborate with media and gain work experience

Gaining hands-on experience through internships, freelance work, or volunteering at media organisations is invaluable. This not only provides practical skills but also helps you build a network within the industry. You can even use social media to show what is going on in your town, interview locals, and share the most interesting stories you can find.

Show your communication skills in your statement

Your personal statement is your chance to demonstrate your passion for journalism and your communication skills. Share your motivations, experiences, and future aspirations. Highlight relevant experiences, such as writing for school newspapers or participating in journalism workshops, to show your dedication and preparedness for a journalism degree.

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Aspiring journalists FAQs

Do you need to go to university for Journalism?

While a university degree is not strictly necessary to become a journalist, it is highly beneficial. Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in journalism or a related field. However, some successful journalists have built careers through experience and portfolios alone.

How many years does it take to be a Journalist?

Becoming a journalist typically takes about three to four years, which is the duration of most undergraduate journalism programs. This period can be extended if you pursue additional qualifications, such as a master’s degree. Gaining practical experience through internships and freelance work during your studies can also enhance your career prospects and may influence the overall time it takes to establish yourself in the field.

How much do journalists make in the UK?

According to students who graduated from Oxford Brookes, the average salary 15 months after graduating is £21,000 and quickly scales up to £27,500 after 5 years. As you can see, the salaries in this profession vary greatly depending on experience. Additionally, the media you work in also makes a difference in payment.

How many UCAS points are needed for Journalism?

The UCAS points required for journalism courses vary by university. Generally, you will need between 112 and 128 UCAS points, equivalent to BBC to ABB in A-level grades. Some top universities may have higher requirements, while others may consider applicants with lower points based on additional factors such as portfolios and work experience.

What GCSEs should I take to be a Journalist?

To pursue a career in journalism, it’s essential to have strong GCSEs in English Language and Literature, as these subjects develop your writing and communication skills. Additionally, subjects like History, Politics, and Media Studies can be beneficial.

What A Levels are needed for sports Journalism?

For sports journalism, the essential A-levels include English Language or Literature, which enhance your writing skills. Additionally, taking A-levels in Media Studies and Physical Education (PE) can be advantageous. Media Studies provides insight into the media industry, while PE offers knowledge about sports, enhancing your ability to cover sports topics effectively. Combining these subjects prepares you well for a sports journalism career.