This module aims to provide students with the practical skills necessary to work as successful journalists, underpinned by an understanding of the constraints and tensions inherent in magazine offices, and online operations developing in a changing industry. Students will examine the structure of this fast-expanding sector, with a particular emphasis on the role played by freelance journalists and production staff in generating content.
Students will have the opportunity to acquire the core skills for producing online and print publications which will include the use of social media/analytics/branding/research and interview techniques. They will be equipped with multimedia reporting, production and design skills in demand in the journalism industry and will be confident about telling stories through video and audio as well as the written word.
The module offers valuable opportunities for students to work together to produce and run their own group website, and magazine, developing their teamwork skills and experiencing the reality of different job roles in a multimedia operation. This classroom experience will provide a valuable introduction to the two-week work placement all students will be required to undertake as part of the module.
The module will be delivered through a series of practical workshops, supported by short sections of whole class teaching to ensure key areas of professional practice are embedded in students' understanding. The emphasis will be on the acquisition and honing of practical journalism skills supported by module tutors but these skills will be developed within the context of changing journalism practices in a digital age.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshops | 120 |
| Guided independent study | Researching, writing and producing journalism and working in the newsroom | 180 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment strategy on this module is intended to test students' ability to research and write; to work to deadline; to put together industry-standard portfolios to show employers; and to reflect fruitfully on their own performance through verbal and written appraisals. To this end, summative assessments include portfolios of multimedia production and news writing. Students will also have significant opportunities for formative feedback, both in workshops and when they are working together on their own media products. In addition to Kingston University assessments, students may also cover the syllabus requirements for the course's accrediting bodies.
A portfolio of 2,000 words, which includes hard and soft news, stories for B2B and consumer magazines. 30%
A portfolio of 4,000 words, which will include features, a timed writing/editing element, a viva appraisal plus evidence of achievement and an assessed presentation on an in-depth case study of a chosen magazine. 70%
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Produce journalism across a range of platforms to industry standard and work confidently in a journalistic setting. | Portfolios of journalism, in-class tests, appraisal of contribution towards the production of the magazine or website, in both summative and formative assessment. |
| Recognise the constraints involved in producing publications and engage critically with the pressures and opportunities confronting journalists in a changing industry. | Portfolios of journalism, in-class tests, appraisal of contribution towards the production of the magazine or website, in both summative and formative assessment |
| Work professionally with colleagues to create journalism on the web and in print. | Portfolios of journalism, in-class tests, appraisal of contribution towards the production of the magazine or website, in both summative and formative assessment |
| Reflect critically on their own performance and experience of practical journalism, and on future career possibilities. | Portfolios of journalism, in-class tests, appraisal of contribution towards the production of the newspaper, magazine or website, in both summative and formative assessment |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 30 |
| Coursework | Portfolio | 70 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Morrish, J & Bradshaw, P (2011) Magazine Editing: In Print and Online 3rd edition London: Routledge
Bradshaw, Paul and Rohumaa, Lisa (2011) The Online Journalism Handbook Harlow: Longman
Stam, D. and Scott, A. (2014) Inside Magazine Publishing. London: Routledge
Evans, Harry (2000) Essential English for Journalists, Writers and Editors London: Pimlico
Hanna M, Dodd M, (2012) McNae's Essential Law for Journalists (21st edition) Oxford: Oxford University Press
Harcup, Tony (2009) Journalism Principles and Practice (2nd edition) London: Sage
Hicks, Wynford and Holmes, Tim (2002) Sub-editing for Journalists London: Routledge
Randall, David (2011), The Universal Journalist (4th edition) London: Pluto Press