Products, processes and contexts of journalism and an introduction to and rehearsal in journalistic production practices

The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.

We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.

If you have the potential, commitment and enthusiasm to study for a degree but are unable to meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree programme you can apply for the Extended Degree programme route.  An Extended Degree includes a Level 0 year, making the period of study 4 years or 5 years if the Extended Degree programme is taken on a part-time basis.  The programme provides a supportive learning space for students to experience academic studies at university and helps develop confidence and academic skills in preparation for Levels 1-3.  The programme is also highly rated by students who successfully complete the programme.   Successful completion of the programme guarantees entry to a range of Single Honours programmes or a Combined Programme of study within the School of Arts and Digital Industries.

More details of the Extended Degree programme can be found here

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5).

• understand the role of journalism and its institutions, in print and electronic media.
• understand the leading theories and methodologies currently constituting the field of journalism studies.
• acquire some journalistic production skills.
• develop a critical approach to the practices of journalism.

Knowledge

• Theories and concepts through which to understand journalism as a representation of the world around us
• Theories and concepts of the sociology and political economy of journalism in the 'information age'
• Theories and concepts of the relations between journalism and the public sphere

Thinking skills

• Evaluation of journalism and its professional contexts
• Analysis of journalism and its social contexts
• Expression, argument and synthesis in written and oral forms

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Journalistic writing
• Production for print and/or broadcasting and/or online
• Networking

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Time management
• Strategy for personal development
• Individual responsibility
• Team work
• Project management
• Networking

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time or five years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June, but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A second intake of students can start in February with teaching ending in December. A typical full-time student will study the equivalent of 120 credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study for one day and one evening per week and will complete 60-80 credits.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures in which ideas and information are presented coherently
• Student-centred seminars
• Tutorials
• Reading of specified texts
• Writing in journalistic and academic modes

Thinking skills are developed through

• Lectures and seminars in which assumptions are challenged
• Close analysis of specified texts
• Individual and small group exercises
• Writing in journalistic and academic modes

Practical skills are developed through

• Copy clinics
• Demonstration of media technologies
• Tutorial support and direction in journalistic activities and techniques
• Producing journalistic work for internal or external publication
• Independent study and activity
• Work-based learning (optional)

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Tutorial support and direction in time management
• Tutorial support and direction in project management
• Work-based learning (optional)

Knowledge is assessed by

• Essays
• Presentations
• Journalistic production
• Exams
• Self-evaluation

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Essays
• Presentations
• Journalistic production
• Exams
• Self-evaluation

Practical skills are assessed by

• Tutor-observation
• Portfolios of work backed by critical reflection

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Demonstrable contribution to group presentations
• Demonstrable contribution to group projects
• Meeting deadlines