The first year introduces students through a multi-media approach to the skills of news gathering, reporting and writing and they study the factors that have shaped the UK news industries.

In the second year, students continue to develop their practical skills to a level to prepare them to work in a modern, digitalised news room. They also analyse journalism issues and study journalism in an international context and media law.

In the final year, students specialise in either newspapers, magazines, radio and TV or online journalism. Students on these routes undertake a compulsory work placement. Alternatively, students can also opt to write a dissertation on a journalism-related subject. The rest of the third year course is made up of compulsory elements.

Learning and assessment

From the first day of the course, students are encouraged to think like journalists - to be inquisitive, resourceful, sceptical and persistent in their quest for facts. Learning takes place in lectures, seminars and practical workshops.

In workshops, students have the opportunity to work as part of a team, using the university’s superb facilities to produce high-quality work.

Assessment is by coursework and examination. The course is both challenging and rewarding.

The Department of Journalism encourages students on the accredited route to take the NCTJ's preliminary examinations. Many editors require students to pass these exams in order to be employed as trainee journalists. These are external examinations separate from the degree programme. Fees for these papers are not included in your degree tuition fees.

 

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.