BA Music Journalism (including a Foundation Year)
About this course
Music journalism sits at the intersection of two demanding crafts. Journalism requires accuracy, speed, ethical clarity, and the ability to find and communicate stories in ways that engage readers and listeners. Music journalism adds a specialist dimension: a serious understanding of music as an art form, a cultural practice, and an industry, and the ability to write critically, engagingly, and knowledgeably about it for audiences ranging from casual listeners to committed enthusiasts. At its best, music journalism illuminates what music means and why it matters, as well as reporting on the business and culture surrounding it. At the University of Chester, this four-year programme includes a foundation year and a year abroad. The foundation year provides a grounding in journalism skills and music studies before the main degree begins, making the programme accessible to students from a range of backgrounds. The year abroad gives you the opportunity to experience music culture and journalism in a different country, broadening your reference points and developing the international awareness that enriches both music writing and professional journalism. Throughout the programme, you will develop skills in music analysis and criticism, news and feature writing, interviewing, digital media production, broadcast journalism, and the ethical and legal frameworks that govern journalism practice. You will also engage with the music industry, the changing economics of music consumption, and the role of media in shaping musical taste and cultural value. Chester's connections with music organisations and media in the North West support practical experience alongside the academic curriculum. Graduates work in music magazines and websites, broadcast media, digital platforms, record companies, PR and artist management, festival organisations, and music education. The skills developed in this programme are also relevant to broader journalism and content creation careers across the arts and entertainment sectors. Postgraduate study in journalism or music studies is a further option.
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