Student learning is centred on practical reporting and writing assignments that develop core journalism skills of news selection, news gathering and news presentation.

The majority of this work will be in the newspaper field, although students will also learn how these core skills relate to journalism for television, radio and online.

This practical learning recognises that there is not one way of doing journalism - there are many.

To enable students to develop skills that can be related to a variety of international settings they are asked to reflect on the processes and factors that shape journalism practices.

This is reinforced by learning about journalism in international news media and in different national settings and studying political, economic, technological, social and cultural influences on journalism practices.

The first two years of the course focus on establishing key professional and conceptual skills. The third year places a greater emphasis on project-based learning where students will have the opportunity to apply and further develop their skills.

In the final year students can take advantage of optional modules, including a four-week work placement, that allow them the flexibility to develop extra skills that reflect their interests and career needs.

There is a final area of study that is important for students who come from non-English speaking countries. Unless they already have very high standards of written and spoken English, they will be required to undertake extra English language learning that ensures they will leave the course with language skills at the level of IELTS 7.5.

Assessment
Students will be assessed by undertaking a wide range of assignments. These include practical reporting projects, compiling portfolios, reflective learning logs, research and analytical projects, essays and oral presentations.

Extra and related information

Our print and broadcast courses are accredited by the The Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Our MA Magazine Journalism is accredited by the Periodicals Training Council.