Journalism

• Be taught by a dedicated teaching team with top professional backgrounds from print and broadcasting
• Professionally accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
• Work with state of the art technical facilities, including a dedicated journalism newsroom, Press Association feed, multi and single camera TV studios, and radio news studios

Journalism is now available as a 2-Year degree (UCAS code: P502)

The Journalism Diversity Fund are looking for people from diverse backgrounds to train as journalists. Bursaries are on offer for those with the potential to succeed in one of the most exciting and rewarding careers around.  Applications are now being taken for NCTJ-accredited courses starting between September 2011 and August 2012. Read more about The Journalism Diversity Fund.

"All of the journalism tutors are really approachable and they can’t do enough to go out of their way to help anyone, as long as you are willing to put the effort in. They are also genuinely chuffed for you when you get something published or when you achieve something good, that genuineness goes a long way."

Leanne Sampson - National Magazine Sub-Editor

You will learn a wide range of practical skills and knowledge essential to an exciting and successful career in journalism. You will work with a team of top journalism professionals and academics. The programme is built on the foundation of core skills, understanding and enthusiasm demanded in the news industry.
Practical modules take place in our dedicated journalism newsroom. It is air-conditioned and equipped with industry-standard Apple computers and software, including a live feed from the Press Association. Throughout the course the focus is on combining theory and practice, in a lively and engaging atmosphere replicating the real world of journalism.

Level 4 will introduce you to the practical skills of journalism and to the history and theory of the British press. You will be out reporting and writing the news. You will also learn shorthand and key areas of law and government, essential for working journalists. All this will prepare you to sit the NCTJ examinations.

Level 5 aims to improve your news and feature writing skills. You will also learn editing and production techniques, as well as an introduction to broadcasting. You will go on a fully-assessed work placement and have options to develop specific interests, such as magazine, sports and online journalism.

Level 6 allows you to focus on aspects of journalism you are most interested in. The emphasis is on independent study, developing your portfolio and career prospects, combined with a range of optional modules.

Year 1

• Theory and Practice 1

• Law for Journalists 1

• Accredited Shorthand

• British Press

• Story R and D

• Theory and Practice 2

• Editing and Production 1

• Thinking Journalism (all core modules)

Year 2

• Theory and Practice 3

• Law for Journalists 2

• Video and Audio Journalism

• Public Affairs for Journalists

• Theory and Practice 4

• Work Placement + two optional modules from a list including:
  
  Web-based Journalism, Magazine Writing, Magazine Design, Sports Features, Editing and Production 2, Screening Journalism

Year 3

• Newsdays

• Career Development

• Final Year Project/dissertation + 3 optional modules from a list including:
  
  Understanding Photojournalism, Political Columnist, Web-based Journalism, Philosophy of Journalism, Conflict and Journalism

Many of our students graduate to secure work with local, national and international newspapers, magazines and websites and in PR. Some also progress to postgraduate courses. Skills you learn are also invaluable in the general jobs market. Communication, intellectual flexibility and personal initiative are key to a wide range of careers.

Staffordshire University is accredited by the NCTJ. This means, that while you are studying your Journalism programme you are strongly advised to attain the NCTJ’s Diploma in Journalism, which employers still view above all else as a mark of professional ability and competence. In short, they are essential to help you get your first break in a career in journalism.

Read more about the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism

• BA(Hons) Journalism Programme Specification (PDF, file size: 162.52KB)