Journalism BA Honours

Year 1

JRN1000 Journalism Foundations (30 credits)

This module will introduce you to different writing techniques employed in news reporting and feature writing across print and online platforms. You will also be made aware of best practice in journalistic interviewing and research skills.

JRN1001 Journalism Fieldwork (30 credits)

This module takes your journalistic development outside of the classroom. You will get to grips with the British court system by court reporting and develop your news skills through produce regular outputs from an assigned geographical 'patch'. You will also complete your first 15 days of work experience.

MED1002 Introduction to Media and Society (30 credits)

The module considers your location within culture and society as a starting point for an examination of your understanding of the media and its importance in political action. You will reflect upon, research and publicly respond to an issue in a way that enables you to grow as a journalist, researcher and citizen.

JRN1003 Introduction to Journalism Technologies (30 credits)

You will be introduced to a range of technologies and techniques necessary for your three year programme, through spending time in the radio and television studio and the newsroom to produce a portfolio of radio and television bulletins.

Year 2

JRN2000 Broadcast Journalism 1 (30 credits)

You will learn more advanced multiplatform production and reporting techniques. You will produce a portfolio of broadcast news items, to include a two minute television news package, a three minute radio feature, and a live interview.

JRN2001 Broadcast Journalism 2 (30 credits)

As part of a team, you will produce multi platform news bulletins and shows. You will take turns to take on the role of director, news editor, vision mixer, bi media journalist, presenter etc.

You will also complete 15 days of work experience.

JRN2002 Media Law and Ethics (15 credits)

The module aims to enable you to confidently make editorial and production decisions with careful consideration of the British legal and ethical boundaries. A journalist having a basic, but rigorous, familiarity with and understanding of the relevant legal processes is a fundamental expectation of most industry employers.

JRN2003 Researching Journalism (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the key research techniques and methods that are central to the development of your academic and professional practice.

JRN2053 Global Journalism (30 credits)

You will consider the circulation of information on an international scale. You will explore the role of the Internet in reshaping the way global journalism is produced and consumed, looking at alternative news sites, citizen journalism and blogging.

Year 3

JRN3002 Work Placement and Professional Identity (30 credits)

You will undertake 40 days of work experience over the three years of study in a relevant news or communications based industry setting. This module builds on this by enabling you to explore the journalism labour market, including issues related to freelancing, copyright and developing a professional identity. Sessions will cover the essentials of CV writing, building networks, budgeting and developing show reels.

JRN3003 Multimedia Journalism (30 credits)

You'll continue to produce your own "live" news programmes, operating in a professional multimedia newsroom environment, prioritising the news agenda, researching, monitoring, gathering and producing news for radio, TV and online.

JRN3004 Journalism Futures (30 credits)

The module will provide you with an advanced knowledge of how the future of journalism will be shaped by the entrepreneurs developing new business models and innovative modes of production.

Year 3 optinal module choices:

JRN3000 Journalism Project (30 credits)

With the freedom to design your own cross platform project, you can start to specialise in your preferred area of journalism.

JRN3001 Dissertation (30 credits)

The dissertation brings together the theoretical and practical learning and assessment you have engaged in over the course of your degree. The dissertation topic is proposed by you and must address an important issue, development, practice, industrial trend or debate within contemporary journalism

MED3052 Media Events and News Cultures (30 credits)

This module focuses on the shifting nature of information production in the multi platform world of contemporary media, and it opens up questions about the implications of these changes for how we understand the world and our place within it. It will cover topics such as the growth of spin, the history of propaganda and the blurring of reality and fiction.

MED3053 Campaigns and Social Change (30 credits)

This module will enable students to understand social change and the role of the media, communications and community organising in bringing it about. It will introduce you to a range of different theories of social change and the history of those ideas in practice. You will develop confidence in dealing with the public, press and authority figures and to gain experience of working in a small public facing, interdependent group and develop the skills necessary to be effective in that situation.