Journalism ba(hons)

Year 1

You will gain a thorough introduction to journalism, learning to write news and features, make podcasts and videos, and use shorthand. You will also study ethics, government, political theory and critical approaches to journalism.

• Introduction to Journalism

  In this module you will be supported to produce a self-generated feature article on a subject of your choice. You will reflect on your own work in the perspective of the defining journalism of the past, the audiences, styles and platforms of the present day, and the innovations shaping the journalism of the future.

• News, Ethics and Shorthand

  This module develops fundamental skills for news reporting: newswriting, ethical practice and shorthand. You will learn to recogise, select and present news for specific audiences and platforms, and learn the techniques required to write publication-standard articles and apply them in defined scenarios. You’ll learn the theory of Teeline shorthand, develop speed to 60wpm and use it in the production of a news story. You'll also learn to locate news reporting practices in the context of specific regulatory and ethical codes.

• Public Administration for Journalists

  In this module you will develop a working knowledge and critical understanding of public administration as it affects journalists. This includes central and local government structures. In addition, you will learn the journalistic skills required to make sense of, record and accurately report central and local government activities and issues.

• Multimedia Journalism

  This module will introduce you to multimedia journalism. You’ll learn how to produce a stand-alone audio or video package suitable for web. You’ll learn about basic multimedia recording and editing techniques and will develop your audio-visual storytelling abilities on digital platforms.

• Introduction to Journalism Studies

  This module will introduce you to key debates in journalism studies. You will develop and apply your understanding of the central concepts and theories in journalism research, and examine journalism practice from a variety of perspectives. You will also develop graduate skills and a capacity for critical thinking and writing.

• Power and the Public Sphere

  How is public opinion formed? What influence does communication have on the creation and perpetuation of power relations in society? What is the role of journalism in democracy, and is it working?

  This module will enable you to identify and explore key concepts and debates in the critical study of politics and communication.