Journalism (Joint Honours)

Three years full-time.

The aim of this course is to develop critical understanding and encourage professional practice 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. 

The Joint Honours programme focuses on practical skills so that students gain a working knowledge of industrial practices. 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. All journalists are successful writers and the course is underpinned with modules exploring and honing writing techniques and skills.    

Students will take a combination of practical modules that include print and broadcast activities such as a regular student publications, website and broadcast opportunities.

Stage one

Students will take part in a variety of practical activities including news writing and reporting projects across the print and broadcast media. They will also develop their understanding of the environment in which journalism operates.

Stage two*

At this stage, students will put the skills acquired at stage one into practice, producing assignments in real-time that may be published on the website, in their own blog 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.

Stage three*

Stage three students 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. 

*Module opportunities will depend upon major, joint or minor options.  

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

• Professional Understanding
• Law and Governance
• Practical Skills in Print and Broadcast Journalism
• Editorial Skills
  

Assessment methods include the compilation of practical portfolios, essays, oral presentations and practical projects.

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.

Lectures, seminars, practical workshops, group work, individual work and self-directed study.

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.