The aim of these programmes is to equip aspiring journalists with the qualifications, skills and experience needed to launch a career in the fast growing and challenging world of journalism. These courses will provide students with a critical study of contemporary journalism and tend to be intensive, hands-on courses that concentrate on the key theoretical elements of the media world and journalism.
Course overview
Curriculums are wide ranging and cover areas such as news gathering, reporting, writing and sub-editing, they also concentrate on helping students to explore the history, sociology, economics and development of journalism. Students will be helped to foster those skills which are essential to journalism, such as; developing ideas for news stories, interactive team working, nurturing contacts and interviewing individuals face-to-face. Courses also contain a substantial vocational element, which can be taught by industry professionals and is aimed at enhancing a graduate’s overall employability in the media industries.
In the first year you will study basic but essential theories and concepts of broadcast journalism, these will help you to build a understanding of what is now a global industry. There will be a focus on gaining a critical overview of journalistic practices in an era of globalisation and technological convergence. After this initial introduction you will learn how to gather, organise, write and present information in various ways. All of this will give you a appreciation of the basic skills of journalism and their application across a range of media. Towards the latter part of the degree courses you will learn about the regulatory structure of broadcast journalism and begin to understand the political processes, constraints and opportunities that journalists face.
At the same time you will be taught how to confirm material and ensure it is accurate, legal and meets regulations. As newspapers and digital media work to tight deadlines your organisational and time management skills will also be developed.
In common with all other undergraduate degree courses there is a strong focus on achieving the transferable knowledge and skills required for developing a successful career. These talents can be gleaned from the expertise and support of academic specialists and from a wide range of learning resources that will be available to you.
A sample of the modules and course content studied on a journalism degree programme
Free speech and censorship
Creative writing
Desktop publishing
Investigative journalism
History of journalism
Journalism skills
Researching and reporting
Broadcast journalism,
Page design
Camera studio work
Public relations
Media analysis
Language and journalism
Research methods
Media culture
Page layout
Digital Journalism
News gathering
Critical interpretations
Television studies
Ethics and journalism
Video journalism
Photojournalism
Online journalism
Journalism and society
Photography for journalists
Editorial production
Media and politics
The Business of Magazines
Audio production
Pod-casting & video blogging
Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing
European and International Journalism
Public Administration for Journalists
Media law
Internet and Web journalism
Skills you will learn on a journalism degree course
Willingness to learn from others.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Interviewing techniques
News writing
Good time management
Content writing
Ability to share knowledge
Language skills
Journalism personal statement
Below is a personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.
Example
"I have chosen to enrol on a Journalism degree course because I’ve always had an interest in the media and on top of this I get real enjoyment out of reading and writing. Although at present I am not yet sure which field of journalism that I want to go into, I know that I have to obtain a degree qualification to achieve my career goal and right now feel confident enough to start a course.
I feel the best thing about becoming a journalist is that you wouldn’t just learn knowledge for the sake of it but you would also gain an ability that will allow you to have a new critical perspective on society, culture and the news.
Over the summer months I have been fortunate enough to have worked part time as an editorial assistant in the newsroom of my local newspaper. This hands on experience has helped me to obtain a insight into the real world of journalism. Whilst there I shadowed a professional journalist and got to proofread stories, gather information, meet industry specialists and be involved in a wide range of stories. During the short time I was there I really enjoy the social and investigative side of my work experience, especially when I got to go out and interview and meet people. I learnt about sides of journalism that I never knew existed, including industry standards and the importance of having an impartial and balanced view of stories.
To date my academic and work experience has helped me to discover where my strengths lie. It has also opened up my eyes to what journalism really is and its importance to people and society as a whole. I am continuously building up my ability to write in general so I can produce industry level articles, features and blogs. I am also gaining more practical knowledge such as being able to use specialist computer software for designing newspaper layouts and finding out how to obtain records and statistics.
I am attracted to your course for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the fact that your School of Journalism is well known for its high professional standards and is regarded as one of the top institutions in the country. I also understand that your course has a strong ethical dimension and is quiet vocational and targeted towards what I can expect in the industry, this is exactly what I want. Another point that attracts me to your programme is that you regularly have well known industry professionals as guest speakers, being able to tap into their many years experience will be invaluable."
I feel that your institution places students first.
Having looked around your campus and seen the heavy investment in facilities and services that you have made for students, I feel you will give me all the tools I need to achieve my full potential.
When I read your prospectus online and saw the technological support and access to digital resources you provide I knew it was the place for me.
You offer vibrant courses in a socially diverse environment that are affordable and that will help me launch my career.
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