Music Journalism and Broadcasting

• a unique degree course for people with a vocation to communicate their passion for music
• vibrant community of creative students with excellent media resources
• dedicated tutors with in-depth journalism and broadcasting experience

"In what were easily the most exciting and productive three years of my life I can safely say that Staffordshire Uni developed the skills and the attitude needed to succeed as a journalist. Before joining Staffs I was another shy young man with a pipe dream of becoming a music journalist. I remember a particular lecture when a tutor took me to one side after I submitted an interview with The Darkness I did for GK (the student newspaper) and really got behind me and gave me the confidence to move forward into the world of music journalism. I never looked back! The dedication given to students during my three years was second to none."

Craig Ablitt, assistant editor, BASE music magazine, London - pictured at a Babyshambles gig with Happy Mondays' Bez.

This is for people who love music and who want the knowledge, understanding, skills and flexibility to communicate that passion as a career. The ongoing digital revolution, the directly linked growth of cross-media ownership and the demand for flexible specialists in music drive this specially constructed award. Quality journalists make attractive DJs and presenters - quality DJs and presenters are sought-after music journalists.

There is an ever-growing number of general and niche music magazines and music sections and supplements in newspapers; dedicated music websites and websites with music and music journalism content and companies owning print, broadcast and online products, all carrying the same masthead music brand. Digital broadcasting and web radio are further accelerating the need for adaptable communicators with a passion for music and that is what this award aims to produce.

You will develop your abilities to write about, talk about and present music through lectures, seminars, screenings, practical workshops and independent study, delivered by experienced practitioners, academics and guest lecturers using industry-standard, first-class technical facilities, for researching and writing, recording, editing (radio, TV and print), interviewing, reviewing and analysis.

The first year will provide a grounding in the fundamentals, theory and practice, including law for journalists. (Staffordshire University’s core journalism award is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists [NCTJ] and we offer their benchmark traditional examinations). Year two will build on key theoretical and practical perspectives and skills, featuring work placement. The third year is built around concentration on specialist genres and topics and a self-managed major project or academic dissertation. A wide range of options is available in all three years of the award.

Graduates will have developed the ability and range to:

• use their knowledge, skills and experience to build careers in music journalism and broadcasting, both in-house and freelance, taking advantage of the opportunities open to flexible professionals
• work in a wide variety of journalism, media and related communications environments including, for example, music recording and publishing company press offices and artist representation PR
• study and research at postgraduate level.

Graduate Matt Roper, pictured, in his first job as early breakfast show presenter on Suffolk’s SGR-FM radio station.

Now working as a film scriptwriter he has ambitions to be a Radio One or ILR breakfast show presenter.

"The flexibility of the modular system is excellent, it has made me a qualified journalist, an excellent creative & script writer and the university radio station has given me the experience to become a professional radio presenter."

• Journalism

For more information about Music Journalism and Broadcasting (PJ59) please contact: