Journalism

Three years full-time.

The aim of this course is to foster critical understanding and encourage professional skills in journalism. This is a course that introduces and develops the skills that are vital in journalistic media production in a world where communication technologies play an increasingly central role.

We combine a programme of practical skills allied with academic study so that students gain a working knowledge of industrial practices, as well as an appreciation of the social context within which journalism operates. We have a sound practical resource base and produce magazines, newsblogs and radio and TV packages, often in co-operation with local media outlets. Students also run their own blog sites which offer opportunities to showcase their work. 

Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to study print, online and broadcast journalism practices, and aspects of law, ethics and professional practice. All journalists are successful writers and the course is underpinned with modules exploring and honing writing techniques and skills.

Students will take modules on writing, law, ethics and government plus modules on print and broadcast activities including a regular student publication and website.

Stage one

Students will take part in a mix of practical and academic activities including news writing and reporting projects across the print and broadcast media. They will also write essays, carry out investigative projects and make group presentations to help develop their understanding of the environment in which journalism operates, including the importance of the law and ethics.

Stage two

At this stage, students will really put the skills acquired at stage one into practice, producing ongoing assignments in real-time, that may be published on the website, in their own blog or magazine or through a number of other outlets. The atmosphere will be very much that of a working newsroom environment with students despatched to carry out interviews and live reports both on and off campus. Alongside this, law and governance are studied in depth.

Stage three

Stage three students will take part in placements. They will also get an opportunity to bring their writing and reporting skills up to professional standards and meet specialist professional writers. They will be able to showcase their talents and creativity in a final project that might involve producing a magazine, a radio programme or a video documentary. In the dissertation students can demonstrate the links between the practice of journalism and the academic context of an aspect of the subject.

• Solid introduction to professional production practice
• Strong relationships with local industrial partners
• Cross-platform approach to content and skills

• Practical Journalism (print and broadcast)
• Editorial Skills
• Advanced Desktop Publishing
• Law and Government for Journalists
• Practical Journalism Project
• Professional Practice
  

Assessment methods include the compilation of practical portfolios, essays, reports on seminars, oral presentations, practical projects and placements as well as written examinations.

The course has its own dedicated room for the compilation of print, audio and video artefacts. The course also has access to the division's television and radio studios

There are worldwide career opportunities for journalists working in the English language. Journalism provides a combination of practical skills, useful contacts and academic study which will enable students to pursue a career in journalism or other areas of the media.

There is a work placement module that occurs at the start of the third year. Students may seek a placement anywhere and is an opportunity for them to consider realistic career options.

It is possible to arrange for students to attend parts of a similar course in universities in the USA and in Sweden. Some students may choose to carry out the placement abroad.

How large are the groups?

In lectures you could be with 60 or 70 other students. In workshops, you will be in groups of no more than 20 to guarantee that you have access to the appropriate equipment.

What jobs do your graduates get?

Our graduates move into a variety of jobs. Some go directly into journalism, often in specialist areas such as sport reporting, others get jobs in affiliated areas such as working in a press office for a company or organisation. Some students choose to continue their education with a higher degree. Graduates who wish to work in newspapers complete the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) course.

What is the NCTJ and do you offer it?

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is the major body that sets the standard for journalism and supplies the qualifications required if you want to work in newspapers. Some universities offer this qualification alongside their undergraduate course. At The University of Northampton we find this too restrictive, as we believe that today's journalist needs skills across all platforms - print, radio, television and web. However, we do encourage those interested to do the NCTJ qualification after graduating.