MA in Television Journalism

What you'll study Overview The programme is a practical introduction to TV news journalism. Modules are practical and skills-based, but are taught within a theoretical framework which is only possible in an institution renowned for its research work. You'll cover: television journalism practice. practice theory. research methodologies. key media law and ethical issues in relation to UK and US media law. In the first term you are taught in lectures, small group seminars and practical workshops for a period of approximately 12-15 hours. During the rest of the week, you are expected to work on individual and joint projects without supervision. In the second term, teaching time of 8-10 hours is usually concentrated on two or three days per week to allow more time for production. In the third term you are expected to work, with support, on your production for assessment. Core modules Module title Credits. Television Journalism Practice Television Journalism Practice 120 credits A thorough grounding in all aspects of television journalism programme production, relating to both news and current affairs, including studio and location filming, editing, reporting, producing, packaging, mobile journalism, multimedia/online content, social media and longer form programme making. 120 credits. Asking the Right Questions: Research and Practice Asking the Right Questions: Research and Practice 15 credits This module offers an introduction to practical research methodologies and their deployment in various different specialist journalism fields. The module evolves a critical approach to the many different sources journalists use, the compromises involved and constraints within which they work. Subjects to be covered can change according to outside events and the availability of professional speakers, but are expected include sourcing and using data, the use of the Freedom of Information Act, investigative journalism, economic and political journalism, the problems and pitfalls of reporting conflict, managing human, particularly vulnerable, human sources. 15 credits. Journalism in Context Journalism in Context 15 credits You will be introduced to the major theoretical debates in the study of journalism. We will cover: the current crisis in journalism, questions of political power and the public sphere; ownership forms and how they are changing; the role of audience: as well as regulation and representation. We will also look at journalism as a narrative form. All these debates will be situated firmly in a current and practical context and you will be encouraged to make connections between formal lecturers, seminar presentations and practical discussions of the day’s events and how they are reported. Sessions will be followed by a seminar. This module will provide practice students with a theoretical underpinning for your work, which you will develop via personal study later in the year. Those taking this module as a theory option will find it provides a challenging insight into journalism as a practice. 15 credits. Media Law and Ethics Media Law and Ethics 15 credits This module involves a series of lectures on history and contemporary developments of international media law and ethics. Specific topics include the legal problematising of journalism, defamation law and contempt issues, debates in media ethics, state security and secrecy, professional codes and practices, privacy, human rights and international law, and international comparisons. 15 credits. Assessment Essay; unseen examination; production portfolio comprising the research, planning, shooting and editing of original current affairs reports; coursework assessment. Download the programme specification for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.