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Choosing a Course

5 ways to prepare for a journalism course

Before starting your uni course it’s good to have an idea of what you’ll be doing during your time away from home. 

Holly Sawyer
by Holly Sawyer
Last Updated:
09 Jan 2024

This could include checking modules for your course, browsing the reading list or just doing some general background reading around your subject.

For a journalism course in particular, any kind of preparation to get ready for the course will help you tremendously. Here are 5 simple tasks you can do to ensure you don’t lag behind while also displaying your passion for the subject.

1. Keep updated with the news


Sounds obvious and simple, but it’s something many students will forget to do. Keeping up to date with the latest goings on in the world is an essential task for any journalism student to do.

Whether you watch the live broadcasts on TV or read the most updated versions online, this will help you to start practising the skills that you’ll be using throughout your time on the course.

2. Start a blog


Starting your own blog is a good way to find your own writing style. Even if your priorities are currently with broadcast, writing is included in every aspect of journalism, so finding topics that interest you now will allow you to develop and progress before you go to university.

Free sites allow you to publish anything and everything, so write whenever something sparks your interest, whether it’s sports coverage, fashion tips, opinions on the latest news or personal posts, it’s all good to do.

3. Question everything


A large part of the journalistic profession is questioning almost everything. These questions will drive your interviews in the future and the more you practice, the more unique and intriguing your questions will become.

This can be a difficult process as you will be thrown into the deep end on your course, so when you watch the news or any documentary, why not start questioning what the interviewee is saying. Developing this interest now will allow you to grow more confident in these scenarios, and so starting early is a positive step.

4. Pick up a camera and film


Journalism courses don’t just include being the person in front of the camera. Learning how to film like the professionals and edit along the way is a vital skill that you will develop at uni. So learning and practising the simple techniques now will give you that little introduction sooner rather than later.

5. Study your favourite journalists


Several individuals are stand-out examples of journalists, and depending on your area of preference you can focus on different inspirations. For example, if your major interest is documentaries you may look up to Louis Theroux, Stacey Dooley and Billie JD Porter.

Watching their work will not only inspire you but you’ll also be able to notice the features that these programmes contain, from the topic areas to the camera shots and questions asked. It’s not always easy to spot or remember, so I’d recommend taking notes alongside watching the shows. This will help you to develop your own style while being inspired by those who you look up to.


Following these simple tips will help you discover your true passions and may make the module picking process easier in the future, as finding your interests now lets you focus on these areas at university. Everyone’s journalistic style varies slightly, so finding your own as early as possible will aid you to find where your passion lies.

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