COURSE MODULES OUTLINE
The School of Journalism modules are designed to bring together many different aspects of journalism, giving you an overall picture of the skills and experience you need in the industry.
At the end of your three years of study, you will leave with both a BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism degree and an industry-standard NCTJ diploma in multimedia journalism, with modules from each interwoven throughout the course. Read about what the NCTJ is and why it is important here.
You will study a range of modules across print, digital and broadcast journalism in year one (Level 4), year two (Level 5), and year three (Level 6), listed below.
All trainees are also offered the chance to study sports journalism if they’d like. See more here.
Year One - LEVEL 4 MODULE GUIDE
NASC01 Research 1: The Investigative Journalist
Throughout your first year, we will introduce you to the concept of research and reflective practice. You will learn how to use research to underpin your knowledge on public and political systems in the UK.
NASC02 News Reporting (immersive)
This module to get you finding, writing and publishing news stories in your first few weeks of study. You will cover the basics of story construction, the importance of accuracy and legal compliance, and different multimedia journalism styles and social media platforms.
NASC03 Broadcast: Mobile Journalism
We will introduce you to the technical and writing skills needed for mobile journalism and you will discuss how online technologies have impacted the field of journalism. You will learn how to create and edit content with practical demonstration of a wide range of software and hardware used in the industry.
NASC04 Media Law
A sound knowledge of the law is essential for any journalist. You will be introduced to the study of law and its effect on reporting and press freedom across broadcast and print. Topics include broadcast regulation, court and legal reporting, defamation, contempt, privacy and more.
NASC05 Public Affairs
Whether you want to be a political correspondent, a sports reporter or a fashion writer, an understanding of politics is vital for any journalist. You will learn about current affairs, how local and national government works, the structure of public institutions such as the NHS, and how you access public information as a journalist.
NASC06 Journalism Ethics
To be a good journalist you must learn how to report fairly and ethically. This module will explore real-life case studies in the news, what is the public interest and how journalists can use the law and IPSO code to hold power to account.
Year Two - LEVEL 5 MODULE GUIDE
NASD01 Research 2: The story behind the story
This module will extend your learning from the first year module Research 1, seeking to widen an understanding of journalistic research and its methodologies, including data gathering and analysis, infographics and objectivity and bias.
NASD02 Audio Journalism: radio and podcasts
If you’re a budding radio journalist, this is the module for you. We will teach you how to plan and produce audio packages, write scripts for radio and use digital audio editing systems. You will even get to record your own podcast!
NASD03 Broadcast: On screen
You will develop advanced production techniques across a variety of media platforms and create output for specific programmes and audiences. This module will get you thinking about how you can maximise your audience as well as applying your production skills in a professional setting.
NASD04 Shorthand
Taking notes quickly and accurately is a vital skill in the newsroom and is an essential element of the NCTJ qualification. You’ll learn Teeline, the most accessible and popular form practised by journalists, with the aim of reaching 100 words per minute.
NASD05 Social Media
Learning how to navigate, understand and use social media is essential for journalists today. This module is focused on using social media to find news and sources, find photographs and video and cover live events on the field. You will learn how to create a brand, build followers and tailor content for specific audiences.
NASD06 Preparing for the workplace
This module will focus on getting you ready for the workplace. Content will include CV and cover letter workshops, personal reflection, discussion of building contacts and the media industry job market, interview techniques and an extended period of work placement.
Year Three - LEVEL 6 MODULE GUIDE
NASH01 Broadcast Journalism: Going live
This module is intended to build on the second year Broadcast: on screen module. You will learn how to research and write engaging stories for television, learn broadcast newsroom terminology, practise voice training techniques for presenting news clips and take on a more editorial and creative role in the newsroom.
NASH02 Magazine: features
You will get the opportunity to conceive, pitch and produce your own magazine to a professional print standard using Adobe InDesign. This module will give you experience in pitching ideas effectively, feature writing, sub-editing, and group work.
NASH03 Marketing and PR
Understanding the media and the role of marketing is vital for promoting your profile as a journalist. We’ll look at marketing concepts and how to produce a basic PR campaign, as well as exploring how PR operates in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
NASH04 Journalism for a digital audience
As a journalist you want your work to be seen by the widest possible audience. This module will teach you how to cater for a digital audience by using social media, SEO, CMS and the many digital tools at our disposal.
NASHP1 Honours Project: the long read
This is your chance to show off everything you have learnt throughout your degree. Your honours project can take the form of a traditional dissertation or any appropriate journalistic form, such as a large investigative piece or long-form journalism, a documentary or a series of podcasts, for example. You will write your own research proposal and upon completion, disseminate and publicise your work to its intended audience.