Are you a naturally inquisitive individual? Do you have a passion for news and current affairs? Do you like to report and discuss key cultural issues and concerns? If this sounds like you, then perhaps journalism is the perfect course of study for you.

As part of your journalism course, you will not only be expected to be aware of social and cultural trends, but will also be expected to learn about the legal and moral responsibilities of working within the press as well as studying the history of journalism and the current online revolution.

The British press is incredibly varied from the tabloids and broadsheets to TV and Radio, you will learn how to write in a variety of formats for a wide range of target audiences. The course content is varied and it is students who are both passionate and driven who gain the most from Journalism courses.

There is no denying that the majority of University students who apply to study journalism do so with the intention of finding work as a journalist upon graduation. Depending upon the quality of your degree, the modules you have studied and your level of work experience, there are numerous different types of journalism to pursue.

However, journalism jobs are incredible competitive and require graduates to have a strong degree as well as a varied amount of internship experience. If upon graduation you decide that you don’t wish to pursue a career as a journalist, then there are many other positions available to you within the world of work, all of which will utilise your skills. Many graduates opt for careers working within PR agencies, press offices and publishing houses. There is even the option to supplement your income through freelance writing work.

If upon graduation you decide that you want to pursue an entirely un-related career, then there is always the option to continue your studies to a post-graduate level. Many journalism graduates study for the Graduate Diploma in Law in order to prepare for the solicitor or barrister examinations, whereas others will opt to teach and study a Post Graduate Course in Education (PGCE).

Like literature, the average starting salary for new journalism graduates is lower than the average graduate salary. However, top salaries for journalists can be quite large, so there is tough competition for course places, particularly at more prestigious establishments such as City University. Most institutions will expect applicants to have A-level qualifications in a subject such as English Literature or English Language.

Depending upon the University, different journalism courses will have different entry standards, but most of the courses will last a minimum of 3 years. Some universities however will offer undergraduates the opportunity to further extend their course so that they can spend a year abroad studying or complete a journalism internship.

Foreign students who do not speak English as a native language will also be required to take an IELTS test and score a minimum of 6.0-6.5.

For a degree such as journalism, the impact your university location will have an impact upon your future prospects within the jobs market. You should try and find a location which will not only make you happy, but will provide you with as much experience as possible. If you’ve the option, try and study at a University located in a city with a thriving journalism industry as it will be easier to find term-time placements in the surrounding areas.

When choosing a journalism course one of the questions you ought to ask is which areas of the subject matter is most fascinating? You will be studying journalism for at least three years, so it is important that whichever university or degree programme you choose, offers specialist modules in your area of interest. Whether you want to study fashion and features writing or radio broadcasting, there’s a range of options available to suit every undergraduate.

Of course fees and academic grades should also come into consideration when deciding where to study.  Many of the prestigious universities such as City University expect applicants to have a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivalent with top level grades. Do your predicted grades match these requirements?