Contact details:
School of Journalism, Media and Communication, Greenbank Building, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE
Tel: 01772 894732
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.uclan.ac.uk
Studying Journalism at Preston is a lot like working as a journalist. Courses offer an experience that is exciting, varied, fast-moving and challenging. Journalism at UCLan has a distinguished reputation. We’ve been teaching journalism for over 45 years and our graduates are employed in top news organisations across the globe.
In that time we have established excellent links with the news and media industry. Editors and journalists frequently visit the School to give lectures and master classes (recent visitors have included Janet Street-Porter and Jon Snow), provide us with hundreds of placements each year and eventually employ many of our graduates.
Our mainstream and largest undergraduate programme, BA (Hons) Journalism, was the UK’s first full journalism degree and is accredited by all three professional bodies – the National Council for The Training of Journalists (NCTJ), the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) and the Periodicals Training Council (PTC).
Students on our vocationally-orientated courses have the chance to discover and practice the core journalism skills of writing, reporting and researching as well as learning new skills in online and digital developments.
The teaching staff comprises professional journalists who have worked in national and regional media.
The school has up to date newsrooms and TV studios using industry standard equipment and software for radio and TV. The University has also just completed the “Media Factory” with professional recording and performance studios.
Most graduates seek careers in professional journalism and have succeeded in gaining employment with the BBC, Press Association, Sky News, national and regional newspapers and magazines, radio and TV stations and online news providers.
For information about the School, courses, latest news and events visit: www.uclan.ac.uk
Courses available:
Foundation Entry Journalism
The foundation entry course is a unique course run by the University in conjunction with the BBC. We are looking for applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds taking a less traditional path into higher education and journalism.
Newsrooms up and down the country are realising the need for diversity. The Journalism industry recognises the necessity of having a workforce made up of people from all different backgrounds and age ranges to be able to reflect the society we live in. Now they need the talent that has so far remained untapped.
The course is open to anyone with an interest in journalism regardless of age or academic qualifications.
Learning is largely based on practical journalism work and case studies, supported by programmes of lectures and seminars. Study of the work of journalists emphasises the need to relate theoretical perspectives to news products and practices. Most of your work will be assessed through coursework and practical projects, with examinations in some subjects.
BA (Hons) Journalism
It is one of the oldest and most respected undergraduate journalism programmes in the UK. Elements of the programme are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the Periodicals Training Council. Journalism has been taught in Preston for more than forty years. Our employment record is second to none. Our graduates work for national and regional newspapers, magazines, radio, television and for the new media. Our superb links with industry enable students to gain work placements with leading news organisations. Students also benefit from a wide range of guest speakers from all sectors of the industry.
All journalism practice lecturers have extensive experience of working at the highest levels in their chosen branch of the industry. Journalism theory elements complement the practical modules. Students learn about the history of journalism, its role in society and the legal and ethical framework within which journalists work.
Make us your first choice if you are determined to have the best possible start in an exciting career in journalism.
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism
You will learn the basic skills and processes of a journalist and relate them to the coverage of sport. You will also study sport so that you become knowledgeable about its structure, evolution and organisation and will be exposed to topics such as lifestyle and fitness, legal issues and research methods. The final year of the course places strong emphasis on options enabling you to personalise your programme to suit your vocational aspirations.
Learning is largely based on practical journalism work and case studies, supported by programmes of lectures and seminars. Study of the work of journalists emphasises the need to relate theoretical perspectives to news products and practices. Most of your work will be assessed through coursework and practical projects, with examinations in some subjects
BA (Hons) International Journalism
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. International Journalism at UCLan is a flexible course, designed to allow students to focus on the things that interest them, and to customise their course of study to give them the maximum impetus on their career path. A substantial number of options throughout the degree allow students to follow a course of study in a related subject, such as politics, economics or a foreign language, while completing the requirements for the journalism degree.
BA (Hons) English Language and Journalism New this year. Please visit the website for more details. BSc News Graphics
The course includes taught modules in computer graphics using industry standard 2D and 3D software. Students work on practical news graphics assignments in every year, including live industry briefs in the second year and work with real clients in the third year. These modules are supported by others covering topics such as visual design, animation, video production, interactive design, web design, print design and digital journalism. This
means that by the end of the course students will have developed the skills and knowledge to be a successful news graphics designer and the client liaison and business skills to help them succeed.
Combined Honours Journalism
Journalism is an interesting, mind-stretching and satisfying subject in its own right. Journalists are trained to research complex issues, pick out the main threads quickly and explain them in a clear and accurate way. Subject Journalism seeks to develop these practical skills, along with journalism theory and the business of media.
The ability to find things out and report them clearly is a vital skill in most jobs. Methods are changing fast. Today’s journalists need to be able to source information from electronic databases as well as from reference books and to evaluate and sift what is available on the internet. One research skill that has not changed is the ability to approach people and ask them questions – useful in any job and part of every journalist’s training.
The course is ideal for those who are attracted to journalism but who are not yet certain that they want to make a career of it. Those who want the traditional, industry-validated qualifications, including shorthand and media law, which provide the conventional route into general news reporting should consider a postgraduate diploma or BA(Hons) Journalism, both available at this University. The Combined Honours Journalism course, with its emphasis on clear thought and clear writing, is an excellent basis for postgraduate work.
MA/Pg Dip Broadcast Journalism
This one-year vocational course equips postgraduate students with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue a career in radio and television journalism in the UK. The Masters degree builds on the strengths of the prestigious postgraduate diploma course and offers students the opportunity to produce a radio or television documentary, or dissertation. The postgraduate course has been running since 1981 and is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council. Entry into the profession is competitive and most employers recruit new journalists only if they have completed a recognised postgraduate course. The course provides training and support in an environment that enables students to reach the high standards of professional competence demanded by the industry.
MA Newspaper Journalism
In the first semester you will be taught the basics of newspaper reporting, then move on to more advanced writing styles for features and specialised reporting. You will also be introduced to online journalism, learn how to blog and handle user generated content. You will also be introduced to law, given an insight into the workings of local and national government and learn T-line shorthand. We expect our students to gain a minimum of 100wpm. You will also have sessions on the changing media landscape and discussions on journalism ethics and regulation. The programme features regular talks and masterclasses by visiting journalists. In the second semester law, shorthand and PA remain as part of the taught syllabus, but there is more emphasis on group directed learning in the form of newspaper production. Students spend several weeks producing two rival newspapers, print and web editions, which contain the stories and features they have written. The dual aim is not only to prepare students for their work placement, which usually falls either side of Easter, but also to enhance their writing, sub-editing and layout skills. Great emphasis is placed on team work and the ability to work together. Over the years the School of Journalism has built strong links with industry and organisations are happy to offer placements to our students. The Press Association, Liverpool Post and Echo, Mercury Press news agency, News & Star, Carlisle, Lancashire Telegraph and Bolton News are just a few of the newsrooms offering placements. Internal and external exams are taken in May. You will then start working on your project which includes a reflective element. In effect you will be working as a freelance journalist who’s been commissioned to produce work to an agreed brief. This takes you through Semester Three.
Pg Dip Newspaper Journalism
In the first semester you will be taught the basics of newspaper reporting, then move on to more advanced writing styles for features and specialised reporting. You will also be introduced to online journalism, learn how to blog and handle user generated content. You will also be introduced to law, given an insight into the workings of local and national government and learn T-line shorthand. We expect our students to gain a minimum of 100wpm by the end of the course in May. You will also have sessions on the changing media landscape and discussions on journalism ethics and regulation. The programme features regular talks and masterclasses by visiting journalists. In the second semester law, shorthand and PA remain as part of the taught syllabus, but there is more emphasis on group directed learning in the form of newspaper production. Students spend several weeks producing two rival newspapers, print and web editions, which contain the stories and features they have written. The dual aim is not only to prepare students for their work placement, which usually falls either side of Easter, but also to enhance their writing, sub-editing and layout skills. Great emphasis is placed on team work and the ability to work together. Over the years the School of Journalism has built strong links with industry and organisations are happy to offer our students placements. The Press Association, Liverpool Post and Echo, Mercury Press news agency, News & Star, Carlisle, Lancashire Telegraph in Blackburn and Bolton News are just some of the newsrooms offering placements. Final exams are held in May when the course finishes.
MA Magazine journalism
The Masters in Magazine Journalism, accredited by both the Periodicals Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists, is designed to prepare you for a dynamic and developing medium.
You will acquire skills in news and feature writing, specialised reporting, sub-editing, design, law, public administration and the business of publishing. Working with industry professionals to a high standard you will create your own magazines to give you the edge. You will learn shorthand to a speed of 80wpm and undertake a four-week work placement.
In the third semester, you will also have the choice to research the fascinating and developing subject of magazines in a 15,000 word dissertation or to develop and produce your own prototype with a prospectus outlining its possibilities.
MA International Journalism
The course has two main themes:
Learning journalism skills through producing news in realistic exercises and assignments.
Studying journalism through research and analysis of news production in a range of international and national settings.
The development of practical skills is supported by study, research and critical analysis of journalism and the news media in a range of national and international contexts.
MA Publishing
We are proud to announce the only Publishing MA course in the North of England. This vocational programme, which runs full time over one year and part time over two years, is aimed at postgraduates who wish to pursue a career in publishing. We work closely with industry partners including several large publishing houses and the BBC (who are moving to the North West shortly) to ensure our graduates are fully prepared for the changing workplace. Our tutors are experienced in the publishing and bookselling industries. By the end of the programme, you will be equipped with knowledge and practical skills to take your part in the future of publishing.
MA/ Pg Dip/ Pg Cert Journalism Leadership
Taking the step to join the Journalism Leaders Programme will give you the chance to choose from a range of modules aimed at helping you develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to organisational strategy, lead creative multimedia projects and teams, manage people and operations, and conduct applied research. Once accepted to the programme, you set the pace and level of participation.
You can elect to attend a specific five-day seminar only, or earn academic credit for the module by joining in an additional series of 9 weekly online discussions and completing a set of projects linked to your workplace.
You can earn a single module certificate or work towards one of the following university awards: postgraduate certificate (3 modules), postgraduate diploma (6 modules) or Master of Arts in Journalism Leadership (6 modules, plus a dissertation or project).
>> See Link:
Journalism Leaders Programme flyer
MA Online Journalism
This vocational one year full time course is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career in editorial content design and production on the World Wide Web. With the rapid expansion of the digital media industry, Web and CD Rom production has become one of the fastest growing areas of journalism in the UK.Online journalists need skills and knowledge which are different from their broadcast or print counterparts, so they can exploit the distinctive qualities of this ‘new’ medium, such as the ability to link, archive and interact with readers. However core journalism skills are also essential, so students will learn to research, gather and analyse information and write with accuracy, clarity and brevity.
Detailed information:
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