News Journalism - MA / PGDip

Core modules

News Journalism Skills and Digital Production (60 credit points): You will learn the traditional skills of writing news stories and features, columns and reviews, court and council reports plus headline writing and sub-editing. The module will also teach you how to be a multimedia journalist – editing audio and video, creating attractive web pages and exploring the role of social media.

Media Law (20 credit points): You will acquire a full understanding of the scope and effect of media law. You will be taught to recognise the danger areas in publication, evaluating risk and amending or eliminating content. You will gain an appreciation of the impact of reporting restrictions on the work of journalists.

Public Affairs for Journalists (20 credit points): Gives you the opportunity to develop a sound understanding of the basic features, structures and operation of both local and central government. You will learn about where to find information and interviewees on political stories as you continue to develop journalistic skills and gain an understanding of dealing with press officers and spin doctors.

Dissertation (MA route only) (60 credit points): You will produce an academic dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a topic related to news journalism. It will contain original research in the form of interviews with key figures in the industry.
Optional modules

You will also choose one of the following optional modules:

Journalism, Ethics and Society (20 credit points): Provides you with an insight into key concepts and theories regarding the production and practice of contemporary journalism. You will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of discourses pertaining to the changing form and functions of contemporary journalism within society. Upon this basis the module invites you to explore a range of ethical dilemmas with a view to facilitating a responsible awareness of the role of the journalist in society.

Social Media (20 credit points) This module will provide you with an insight into key concepts, theories and practice of social media as it is deployed in contemporary journalism. It combines practical exploration with consideration of theory and academic discourse, to provide a deep understanding of social media.