university of st mark and st john(Plymouth Marjon University) Bachelor of Arts in mass communications

Description

Plymouth Marjon University (formerly the University of St Mark & St John), a public university with deep roots in teacher training and liberal arts, is renowned for its student-centered approach, high satisfaction rates, and focus on employability in creative and media fields. Established in 1840 and 1841 as two separate Church of England colleges that merged in 1923, it gained full university status in 2012 and rebranded to Plymouth Marjon University in 2024 to reflect its vibrant Plymouth location. Situated on a 120-acre campus in the coastal city of Plymouth, Marjon serves over 2,500 students from 50+ countries, emphasizing small class sizes, pastoral support, and community engagement. Ranked #2 in England for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025) and top 5 in the UK for employability (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023), Marjon’s School of Media, Journalism and Creative Writing excels in practical media training. While Marjon does not currently offer a program explicitly titled “Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications,” its BA (Hons) Journalism serves as the closest equivalent, providing comprehensive training in mass media production, digital storytelling, and communications skills. This three-year full-time (or four-year with placement) honors degree (360 UK credits at Level 6) awards a prestigious Marjon degree certificate or diploma, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in journalism, broadcasting, PR, and content creation, with 95% entering professional roles within six months.

A Legacy of Media and Communication Excellence

Marjon’s media programs trace back to its founding ethos of fostering ethical communicators, evolving into a hub for hands-on journalism amid Plymouth’s rich media landscape—home to BBC South West and Plymouth Live. The BA Journalism, validated by Marjon and delivered in partnership with local broadcasters, emphasizes multimedia skills in a sector where 71% of Marjon journalism graduates achieve first-class honors (2020 data) and 100% in 2021. Faculty, including award-winning journalists from The Guardian and BBC, integrate real-world projects with ethical training, addressing global challenges like fake news and digital equity. Ranked top 10 in the UK for Journalism (Guardian University Guide 2025), the program has produced alumni at Channel 4, The Mirror, and LADbible, reflecting Marjon’s commitment to accessible, impactful media education in a £10B+ UK creative industry.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

Marjon’s media offerings prioritize practical immersion, with the BA (Hons) Journalism as the flagship for mass communications training. Requiring 120 credits per year, it features a major portfolio project in Year 3, assessed for honors classification (First Class: 70%+). Delivered through workshops, studios, and field trips at the Derriford Road campus, it includes access to The Workshop—Marjon’s professional TV and radio facilities. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (BA Journalism – Mass Communications Equivalent): Year 1 introduces Multimedia News Production (writing, video, audio basics), Media Law and Ethics, and Digital Storytelling; Year 2 advances to Broadcast Journalism, Investigative Reporting, and electives like Sports Journalism or Public Relations; Year 3 culminates in Advanced Portfolio (professional-grade news package) and a dissertation on media trends (e.g., social media influence). Compulsory elements include ethical reporting, audience analysis, and work placements (e.g., at BBC Plymouth), with assessments via practical submissions (60%), essays (30%), and exams (10%). Optional placement year adds industry credits, such as internships at Reach plc.
• Admission Requirements: 96–112 UCAS Tariff points (e.g., BCC at A-level, including English); GCSE English (grade 4/C+). International applicants need IELTS 6.0 overall (no subscore below 5.5). Applications via UCAS (code: P500); portfolio/interview for creative entry. Foundation year available for non-traditional students.
• Variants and Specializations: BA Multimedia Journalism (broadcast focus); BA English and Creative Writing (narrative communications); or joint honors with Media Studies. Shorter Foundation Degrees in Journalism provide pathways to the full BA. Study abroad via Erasmus+ enhances global media perspectives.

Fees for 2025/26: £9,250 (UK full-time); £14,500 (international), with scholarships up to £2,000 for high achievers.

Why Pursue a BA in Mass Communications (Journalism) at Plymouth Marjon University?

Choosing Marjon’s BA Journalism for mass communications immerses you in a close-knit, supportive community on a scenic campus near Plymouth’s BBC hub, with small classes (average 15–20 students) and facilities like professional editing suites for hands-on news production. The program’s BBC-adjacent location offers unparalleled placements, while 100% of recent graduates secure media roles at outlets like Bristol Live or Theatre Royal Plymouth, with starting salaries £22,000–£28,000. Marjon’s #1 ranking in England for student support (Complete University Guide 2025) ensures personalized mentoring, and events like the Journalism Society’s live broadcasts build confidence. Affordable fees, bursaries for Welsh/Devon residents (£500+), and a focus on ethical, inclusive storytelling make it accessible for aspiring communicators.

In summary, the Plymouth Marjon University (University of St Mark & St John) Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications—exemplified by the BA Journalism—is a practical degree certificate that crafts versatile media professionals. For storytellers ready to shape narratives, Marjon’s BA delivers creative edge and career launch. Explore programs at marjon.ac.uk to start your media journey.