Journalism

From the moment you start the programme you’ll explore key concepts in journalism and build your journalistic skills. You’ll examine the role of journalism and its relationship with politics in particular, while learning how to spot a story and developing key investigative techniques, alongside writing skills for different news media. You’ll also be introduced to media and communication research.

In Year 2 core modules will focus on specialist aspects of TV, radio and digital news production, as well as introducing you to vital ethical issues in the field. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules focusing on topics that interest you, from visual communication to media policy and the role of technology in media and communications.

Across the first two years, you’ll produce your own news output for radio, television and digital outlets, learning the production techniques required to create live blogs, social media-based journalism and mobile video. Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll spend three weeks gaining industry experience on a work placement where you’ll put your skills and knowledge into practice.

In your final year, you’ll move towards examining current affairs output. In addition, you’ll gain a vital grounding in media law and select from optional modules on topics such as war and the media or documentary journalism. You’ll also have the choice either to showcase your research skills with a dissertation, or to develop your own project portfolio – a chance to research and produce your own TV and radio documentaries on topics of your choice, discovering how to further develop your journalism for digital platforms. This could tackle a specialist area, such as sports or science journalism.

BA Journalism and Media

At the end of Year 1, you’ll have the option to broaden your studies by switching to BA Journalism and Media. This course involves less compulsory practical training in Years 2 and 3, giving you more scope to explore topics across the fields of media and communication. You could continue with some journalism practice while taking modules in digital media, film, photography and media studies, as well as other disciplines across the University.

In your final year, you’ll undertake an independently researched dissertation on a topic of your choice – although if you have chosen to take some practical modules you could also still complete a project portfolio.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Media and Communication Research 20 credits
• Introduction to Journalism 20 credits
• Journalism, Politics and Society 20 credits
• Camera and Editing for Journalists 20 credits
• Journalism News Skills 20 credits

Optional modules

• The History of Communication 20 credits
• Introduction to Media and Communication Theory 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Journalism Ethics 20 credits
• Issues in Journalism 20 credits
• Journalism Practice 20 credits
• Live Journalism Practice 20 credits

Optional modules

• Visual Communication 20 credits
• Technology in Communication and Media 20 credits
• Communication Skills 20 credits
• Digital Storytelling 20 credits
• Digital Cultures 20 credits
• Working in Digital Media Teams 20 credits
• Media Policy 20 credits
• Cinematic Themes 20 credits
• Communication Research Methods 20 credits
• Videogames: Identities in Play 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules