Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) PG Diploma

There’s a strong emphasis on learning through ‘hands-on’ experience, often in small teams, using our broadcast quality facilities, and preparing you for the new world of multi-platform journalism.
The course is taught over two semesters, followed by the largely self-directed Final Project, with the opportunity of work placement. Unlike most journalism MAs you can undertake a practical Final Project: a TV or radio documentary, a print portfolio or an online project. Some students choose to write a 15,000-word dissertation instead.
You will have the chance to air your work on Smoke Radio, (www.smokeradio.co.uk) the University’s multi-award-winning internet radio station, or post items onto one of the University’s two news sites ? Westminster News Online (www.wnol.info) or our local community website, The HA1 (www.theHA1.co.uk).
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
ISSUES IN JOURNALISM: FREEDOM, HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY
This provides a critical examination of the social, political and economic pressures on media institutions across the world, and their consequences for journalists. You will also examine the provisions designed to safeguard media freedom and the security and integrity of journalists.
BROADCAST STRAND
Broadcast News and Current Affairs (Radio and TV)
This aims to give you a grounding in the skills and techniques of daily live radio and television news and current affairs.
Documentary Skills (Radio and TV)
This develops your skills further, allowing you to develop advanced production and reporting techniques, enabling you to carry out longer form pieces of broadcast journalism.
ONLINE STRAND
Online Journalism
This provides in-depth instruction in multimedia website design and content and advanced understanding of online journalism skills. It aims to achieve in small group projects a publishable, topical news website.
Digital News Production
Together with students from the MA in Print and Online Journalism you will be developing the best online techniques to run a live, multimedia news website.
PRINT STRAND
Magazine Production
During this module you will develop advanced skills in the content and design/ layout of magazines in order to originate, write, design and produce a magazine as a group project.
News and Feature Writing
You will be introduced to the theory and practice of writing news and features for multiple platforms including newspapers, magazines and online, as well as learning design, editing and production for the print medium.project.
Option modules
Choose two from:
FINAL PROJECT
These are in-depth practical projects, which involve researching, compiling and presenting your own TV or radio documentary, website or print journalism collection, together with a critical analysis. You will work individually, under a limited amount of supervision, and demonstrate the skills and techniques, gained during the course.
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
You will gain a critical understanding of the history, theory and practice of investigative journalism across both print and broadcast media and an introduction to the techniques used by investigative journalists. The module is taught by Sony Award winning journalist, BBC Radio’s John Waite. You will carry out research for an investigation of their own and show how such an investigation would be treated by the print or broadcast media.
ONLINE JOURNALISM
This provides in-depth instruction in multimedia website design and content and advanced understanding of online journalism skills. It aims to achieve in small group projects a publishable, topical news website.
SOCIOLOGY OF NEWS
A critical study of the news media in the context of current society; it examines different aspects of how news is created, disseminated and consumed.
Specialist Journalism
You can choose options in practical journalism giving you an introduction to the skills, techniques, and role of the specialist correspondent. This module examines in depth the role of the specialist, it provides a critical understanding of the importance of sources, contacts and consideration of ethical issues and current debate in your chosen field. You will also develop specialist reporting techniques to provide a number of ‘multi-platform’ pieces of journalism
Currently we offer arts and entertainment; business and financial; environmental health and medical journalism; and sports. You may also choose one module from our theory-based MA courses. This is recommended for those who choose to undertake a dissertation.
TRAVEL JOURNALISM
This involves a critical exploration of travel journalism, the market for travel features, and you will learn how to write evocatively about your experiences in order to inspire, inform and entertain your readers.
Note: The University is constantly improving its offer to students. It is intended that some changes, such as practice options under new course titles, may be approved between printing this brochure and enrolment for this course. You are therefore advised to look at the website for updated details.
Associated careers
Although designed to prepare you for a career in journalism, this course could also lead to a career in public relations, communications, or any other profession requiring effective communication and practical skills. In recent years MA students have been able to go as ‘embedded journalists’ on Royal Navy and NATO training exercises, sometimes on board ship, as well as visits on exchange to Moscow State University’s Faculty of Journalism, and to the European Commission and Parliament in Brussels.
Our journalism graduates are now working at Al Jazeera, Associated Press, BBC Arabic and Persian TV, BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Radio Four, BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC World Service, Central China Television, Indian news channels NDTV, UTV and CNN-IBN, LBC Radio, Reuters, Sky News, Sky Sports, The Economist website, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and many other news organisations around the world.
Related courses
Approaches to Media and Communication Research
Journalism Print and Online Journalism or Broadcast Journalism MA/ Postgraduate Diploma
Photojournalism MA
Length of course
One-year, full-time
Location
Harrow
Additional costs information