University of Westminster

01/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/08/2025 09:07

Westminster's Digital Media and Journalism BA course receives full accreditation from Professional Publishers Association

The University of Westminster's Digital Media and Journalism BA Honours course has received full accreditation from the Professional Publishers Association, enhancing students' career prospects and validating the quality of education offered at the University.

Second year students showing off their published magazines

The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) accreditation is a recognition of the quality of journalism training and development for those entering the magazine and business media industry. The PPA accreditation process evaluates a number of criteria, including the coverage of essential journalism skills across print, digital and social media platforms, the track record of graduates in journalism-related roles, the effectiveness of media law training and the ability to produce journalists capable of engaging digital audiences.

The accreditation will bring significant benefits to the University, strengthening its reputation for producing high-quality graduates ready to enter the industry. This recognition will also enhance connections with industry, providing access to more guest speakers, improved workplace learning opportunities and invaluable insights that enrich the student experience and align the course with industry needs.

The PPA identified the level of digital production training on offer and the workplace learning opportunities available as key aspects of the course that push students to reach their full potential and equip them for their future careers. By addressing critical skills gaps and partnering with accrediting bodies, the University will play a key role in shaping the next generation of journalists.

Westminster's Digital Media and Journalism BA Honours course has been designed to prepare students for the fast-changing media and communication industries and digital media roles of the future. Employability and enterprise skills embedded in the modules, through the use of practical tasks and problem-solving exercises that mirror the workplace, give students the chance to experience the world of journalism head on.

Jim Grice, Senior Lecturer in Broadcast and Digital Media Production and Course Leader for Digital Media BA Honours, said: "We are really excited to have gained this accreditation. The PPA represents the biggest names in magazine publishing in the UK and will enable us to form closer links with them. We will get access to top events and key industry insiders, which will really help boost the employment prospects of the students on this course. Also getting this recognition is a real testament to the quality of the work our students produce and the quality of the teaching in digital media and journalism on offer at Westminster."

This recognition contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Find out more about studying on Westminster's Digital Media and Journalism BA Honours course.