The BA (Hons) History and Journalism course at the University of Hertfordshire combines an understanding of historical events with practical journalism skills. It reflects on how past occurrences influence today’s world, encouraging students to analyze different narratives and develop critical thinking. The course is designed to be dynamic, constantly updated to include sought-after skills like radio, online journalism, and media production. It involves a mix of lectures, seminars, practical work, and industry engagement—such as producing documentaries, working with the university's renowned Oral History Team, and participating in extracurricular activities like editing radio interviews for BBC Radio 4. Students benefit from learning in a supportive environment with experienced lecturers, lots of practical opportunities, and access to resources like archives and primary sources. The course also offers work placement and study abroad options to enrich learning and employability.
Why this course is highly recommended
This course is a strong choice for students interested in understanding how history shapes our world while gaining practical skills in journalism and media. Its ongoing content updates ensure skills taught are relevant and in demand. The course offers unique opportunities like the university’s active Oral History Team, producing work that has been recognized by BBC Radio 4, and access to extracurricular activities that boost employability. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience prepares graduates for careers in journalism, media, public relations, and beyond. Also, the flexible structure allows students to enjoy a broad-based education that can be adapted to their career goals.
Students can focus on areas such as online journalism, global news reporting, or creating a personal journalism portfolio in their final year. The course covers a wide range of historical topics including European, African, and American history, as well as modules on imperial trade, social justice, gender history, and revolutions. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, whether they prefer exploring cultural history, political conflicts, or media representation.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
16.85L
Living cost
Applicants should have a minimum of 112–120 UCAS points, which can be achieved through A Levels (BBC–BBB), BTEC (DMM), T Levels in various accepted subjects, or an IB score of 112–120. GCSEs must include Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics. International students from non-English speaking countries need proof of English proficiency, generally an IELTS score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band. Additional requirements and pathways, such as pre-sessional English courses, are available to support students in meeting entry criteria.

English language test
Graduates of this course have gone into various fields including journalism, marketing, PR, and the civil service. The course’s emphasis on practical skills, such as writing, broadcasting, research, and project management, makes students highly employable. Previous students have secured internships with notable organizations like Hello magazine and local radio stations. The strong industry connections and extracurricular opportunities, like working on BBC projects or establishing a personal portfolio, assist students in building a professional network that can support diverse career paths.