Course Catalogue

To provide journalism skills training of newsgathering, writing and production in print, online and broadcast for students who have no previous experience in the journalism industry; To provide working journalists or those with a serious interest in journalism the opportunity to critically evaluate the products of journalism; To provide students with the skills to be able to critically analyse and understand the structures and frameworks within which journalism works; To enable students to synthesize knowledge from several different disciplines to apply it to journalism; To enable students to develop the ability to situate the study of Journalism within the broader debates in media and cultural theory; To allow students to develop research skills at Masters level evidenced by a research dissertation; To allow students to gain a sound understanding of the nature and operation of journalism in a rapidly changing international environment; To provide students with a working knowledge of international relations that is relevant to the concerns of mainstream news organisations; To assist students to develop their understanding and knowledge of the practice of Journalism internationally; To offer an opportunity for students to evaluate and critically analyse the vocation of Journalism as practiced internationally; To provide an educational experience which facilitates the development of all students irrespective of race, gender, physical ability and sexual orientation; To develop intellectual skills of effective communication through media technologies and research skills; To assist students to develop their transferable skills of effective teamworking and self-sufficiency; To assist students to understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through academic research; To train students to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively; To encourage students to show originality in tackling and solving problems.

Students are taught with a wide mix of teaching methods including lectures, demonstrations, screenings, seminars, workshops, work simulations; tutorials, group and individual project work, live projects, supervised independent learning, open and resource-based learning, multi-media and new media learning, production practice; large and small group and individual learning and teaching situations; tutor-led, student-led and independent learning sessions. Specialist IT resources and other studio-based resources play an important part in the delivery. Essays, reviews and reports; seen examinations; individual and group presentations (whether oral and/or technology based); critical self- and peer-evaluation; role-analyses/evaluations; logbooks, diaries and autobiographical writing; individual or group portfolios of work (whether critical, creative, self-reflective, or the outcome of the professional practice); group and individually produced artefacts, including productions in sound, audio-visual or other media; individual and group project reports; research exercises; tasks aimed the assessment of specific skills (e.g. IT skills, production skills, research skills, skills of application).

It is intended that much of the study will support work done either as simulated workplace learning in workshops or as part of the student’s occupation. Students are encouraged to contact news organisations and seek work shadowing placements or internships. The department also organises regular events and Master classes where journalists and media professionals are invited to give presentations. These events offer excellent networking opportunities for students to make contact with people in the industry, which can lead to placement opportunities.