Journalism

BA Journalism

Full-Time Pogramme

This new programme offers an ideal launch-pad for anyone hoping to embark on a career in journalism in the digital age. We offer a rigorous and demanding training in news writing, Teeline shorthand, public affairs and law, plus a work placement. You will also learn how to edit and package for a range of journalism formats with an emphasis on cross-media platforms and hand-held technology.

Complementing the practical and contextual skills will be a deeper interrogation of ethical, historical and theoretical debates about journalism. A hallmark of our delivery is our close association with the National Council for the Training of Journalists, who accredit our Master's programme. We will be delivering essential NCTJ training alongside the broader contextual and critical elements that ensure you are best placed to navigate your way through this dynamic and demanding craft.

Teaching and Learning

You will learn the fundamental skills of journalism in our new state-of-the art multi-platform digital newsroom and broadcast facilities, using industry standard hardware and software. You will be taught by experienced senior journalists with a strong track record in training and education.

Careers

Many of our graduates will be seeking first jobs in journalism, primarily in the local and regional sector in print/online and/or broadcasting. The programme will also cater for candidates seeking to enter the burgeoning periodical sector. We are highly mindful of the shortage of production journalists and will therefore be tailoring part of the programme in that direction to further enhance studentsí employability.

Employment in other sectors such as communications, public relations, policy, production, business and the non-governmental and charity sectors is also highly probable due to the transferable nature of the skills and knowledge provided.

Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Provide the necessary journalistic skills and knowledge to equip students for a career in journalism;
• Provide a broad education in journalism, in the context of a critical understanding of the UK's general business, organisational, governmental and legal environment;
• Enable the acquisition of core transferable skills of IT, effective communication, leadership, self-management and interpersonal skills to the standards required by journalism and media employers;
• Deliver journalism education and training which is provisionally accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ);
• Enable a critical understanding of the ethical, social and production constraints under which journalistic practice operates;
• Provide an opportunity via work-based learning, for the development of skills in personal responsibility and initiative.

Requirements:

• GCE A and AS-level Tariff points typically from 3 A-levels together with either 1 AS-level or Extended Project Qualification (typical offer BBC, plus a C in either an AS or EPQ). General Studies/Critical Thinking may be accepted.
• Irish Tariff points from 5 subjects.
• Scottish Tariff points from 3 Advanced Highers plus 1 Higher.
• Advanced Diploma Tariff points in Creative and Media, including an A-level for Additional and Specialist Learning.
• BTEC ND DDM in a related subject.
• IB Diploma 32 points.

For all of the above, 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English.