Journalism BA (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Kingston University is ranked No. 1 in London for journalism, publishing and public relations (Guardian University Guide league tables 2020).

Progression into work or further study stands at 100%. 90% of our students are employed within six months of finishing the course, with half working as media professionals, according to data collected from our graduates in the past two years. In addition, our graduates' first job salaries after six months of finishing the course reach £25,000 – higher than the UK average of £19,000 for journalism graduates.

Our alumni have progressed to roles such as senior broadcast journalist at the BBC, digital news editor at OK! Magazine, sports journalist at the Daily Star, and picture editor at The Sun. They also work in the business press, broadcasting, PR and media-related roles like fashion copywriter.

Apply for this course

Attendance	UCAS code/apply	Year of entry
3 years full time	P500	2021
4 years full time including foundation year	P501	2021
6 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2021

Location

Penrhyn Road

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2020 entry

If you are planning to join this course in September 2020, please view the information about changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2020/21 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2020/21. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston

Kingston is ranked No.1 in London for journalism and publishing (Guardian University League tables 2020)
You'll have many opportunities to do work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry. You'll be supported by our work placement scheme
You'll gain hands-on experience at our student-run River newspaper and River Online (a past winner of the Guardian Student Media Award newspaper of the year).

What you will study

This programme is designed to equip you with knowledge and expertise, both to understand the world of journalism as consumers and to engage with it as practitioners.

You will also gain transferable skills that are of use in a variety of professions. These include the capacity to carry out independent research, and to demonstrate initiative and leadership; teambuilding, interview techniques digital skills; and the ability to produce precise, accurate, engaging written work to tight deadlines.

Modules

Each level is made up of four modules each worth 30 credit points. Typically a student must complete 120 credits at each level.

Year 1

Year 2

Optional year

Final year

Year 1 introduces the skills for becoming an effective journalist including digital skills, mobile reporting, video and social media, news and feature writing. You will also study the broader context of journalism in society and the critical issues facing journalists today.

Core modules

Practical Journalism 1

30 credits

Writing is a key communication tool of journalism. This module introduces you to the language, practical conventions, contexts and functions of written journalism in the multimedia environment. Through studying and critically analysing the structure, style and content of articles published on websites, in newspapers and magazines you will begin to develop an understanding of how copy is gathered, put together and directed at specific readerships.

Through lectures and through practice in workshops you will learn to identify a story from raw, diffuse or incomplete information by the application of news values, to write it in appropriate style, to add headlines and online "furniture" and to upload it to a content management system.

Writing clear, accurate and engaging text relies on understanding and applying the rules of grammar, using the right words and constructing coherent prose. This module also helps you to boost your grammar and punctuation skills, choose and use appropriate words and craft effective sentences and paragraphs. You will discover the underlying rules and principles, consider the impact of your writing decisions and develop your own writing and editing skills.

Also, by examining and practising skills needed to develop and write pieces such as: originating ideas, researching, assessing the reliability of sources, interviewing, organising material and adhering to house style, you will aim to produce journalistic news pieces and feature articles that are suitable for publication.

Thinking about Journalism

30 credits

This is a core module for full and half-field Journalism students. It offers a critical introduction to the discipline of journalism in all its forms, with particular emphasis on news. At its heart is a question central to studying journalism: why do journalists approach their trade in the way(s) they do, and what are the values, norms and assumptions underpinning their professional practice? The module commences with an examination of news values – the (often unspoken) 'rules of thumb' that determine the subjects/stories journalists report and the angles they pursue. It adopts a critical approach to examining reporting practice – introducing academic concepts like framing, agenda-setting and active audience theory to consider not only how journalists select and/or construct their narratives but also the increasing contribution of audiences themselves to the shaping of news discourse.

The module examines two other issues central to the role of the journalist: objectivity and public interest. Students are encouraged to critique the question of objectivity, with reference to real-world examples that both uphold and challenge this idea, including the practice of openly partisan/campaigning journalism. Public interest is examined in light of recent controversies that have exposed legal and ethical issues with contemporary journalism – including the 'phone-hacking' scandal and ensuing Leveson Inquiry and criminal prosecutions.

The module also acts as a more general introduction to the academic strand of the BA Journalism degree - introducing students to Kingston's personal tutor system and the conventions of essay-writing, Harvard referencing and exam technique.

Digital Skills for Journalists

30 credits

This two semester-long module introduces students to the background of the ‘online revolution' and its implications for the role of the journalist and the future of the industry. Through lectures and practical workshops students will gain understanding of the impact of the internet including social media on reporting and writing and an introduction to multimedia reporting including video. Assessment for this module takes the form of a portfolio (100%) of multimedia content including video, some of which is researched and created in students' own time.

Journalism in the Wider World

30 credits

A key part of a journalist's role is to inform readers what is going on in the world. To do this well, journalists have to understand how the world works and why. This module aims to build on existing understanding to provide students with the necessary political, economic, historical social and cultural context to underpin their development as journalists. Areas for exploration and discussion will include Britain's role in the world; the UK's relationship with Europe, the US and the developing world; British institutions and their role and influence (including the monarchy, parliament, the judiciary, Whitehall, religious bodies, universities, local government, banks and finance houses) and the history and emergence of competing ideologies such as capitalism, socialism and liberalism. The module will explore emerging social and cultural trends and the way these are covered in the media. Underpinning the module will be the key questions of "Where does power lie?" "Who has control?" "Who is responsible?" "Who really runs things?"

In Year 2, you will be able to develop your skills in a range of specialist modules including broadcast, and magazine journalism. In the Practical Journalism 2 module you will produce your own live digital and print publications. You will also study core subjects such as video, layout and media law and have the opportunity to pursue a research project. You can also choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities.

Core modules

Practical Journalism 2

30 credits

This is a core module taken by both all second year journalism students. It aims to expand, develop and hone the print and online skills acquired in Practical Journalism 1. The module will also explore how journalism is shaped by the legal and regulatory context in which it is practised. Students will focus on story development, writing and editing in print and online, layout and page design, and video story-telling. They will also learn Teeline shorthand, aiming to reach a speed of 60-100 wpm. They will acquire a working knowledge of libel, contempt and privacy law as well as court reporting skills.

Journalism in History and Literature

30 credits

This module aims to set the processes and outputs of UK journalism within their historical and literary context. You will develop an understanding of how journalism developed as a commercial activity and a recognisable profession in the nineteenth century and how these beginnings influenced the shape of journalism throughout the twentieth century, with the growth of the tabloid press, the battles of the press barons, the rise and fall of the power of the print unions and the growth of consumer and lifestyle journalism. You will discuss and debate key issues such as the growth of campaigning and investigative journalism and the freedom of the press in a democratic society.

You will be introduced to the journalism of writers such as Defoe, Swift, Steele, Dickens, as well as more modern literary journalists such as George Orwell. You will develop an understanding of how these writers helped shape the course of journalism. You will also have the opportunity to study two key texts in depth, chosen as examples of literary journalism, and examining them in their historical, cultural and theoretical contexts.

Optional modules

Journalism Research Paper

30 credits

This module offers students a chance to carry out an in-depth piece of research into an aspect of journalism which interests them and to work independently under the guidance of a tutor. Students will be able to choose their own topic, frame it in the way they want and select the most appropriate primary and secondary sources. Students can use their research not only to gain insight into a chosen topic but also to contact and question journalists working in the industry to find out what is really going on and to start networking. This module provides an excellent foundation for independent empirical research focused within the main course discipline. It will be especially relevant for students planning to do a dissertation or special study in their final year.

Magazine Journalism

30 credits

The UK magazine industry has never been more exciting and challenging. Despite digital and economic changes modern magazines devoted to trends and interests endure. This module looks at how these contemporary publications are positioned and how they co-operate to weave together strands of information. In this module you will learn about the contexts in which contemporary magazines operate. You will look at the current state of the periodicals sector and reflect on trends and developments by researching, originating and developing a magazine concept for a specified readership. You will build effective editorial, team-working skills and adapt these to the needs of differing audiences and objectives through the origination and production of your own magazine. You will apply journalistic skills to create a portfolio of articles and will use design and layout skills to produce a dummy magazine.

Broadcast Journalism

30 credits

This module will give students the hands-on editorial experience of news broadcasting using video and audio and provide them with the tools needed to deliver compelling stories. The course will be taught through weekly lectures and technical workshops. At the end of the module, students will have a digital portfolio containing a TV package and a radio report.

Students will be supported while they learn how to capture and record news using industry standard equipment. They will develop an ability to write for pictures and to craft sound. They will receive voice coaching and get the chance to read a radio bulletin and present pieces to camera. They will become confident in the language of the broadcast newsroom.
In an increasingly digital media environment broadcast news has had to adapt the way it produces content. These technological advances have also influenced the way people digest news coverage. Therefore, alongside learning traditional methods of broadcast journalism, students will be introduced to podcasts. They will learn what the digital world means for storytelling and what the video-enabled internet means for live reporting.

Although the world of conventional broadcasting is changing rapidly, good ideas will always hold creative currency. Students will be required to generate and pitch two original TV and radio ideas with particular audiences in mind.

You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad.

The final year enables you to put your learning into practice through hands-on experience at The River Newspaper and River Online - a past winner of the Guardian Student Media Award newspaper of the year. You will have the opportunity to undertake work experience and internships in London, the hub of the UK's media industry, supported by our work placement scheme.

You will study key subjects such as ethics and media law to prepare you for the workplace, and specialist modules such as sport, fashion, data or international journalism. You will expand your critical and analytical skills by undertaking a research paper on a specialist module or through a dissertation.

Core modules

Practical Journalism 3

30 credits

The module incorporates involvement in the production of the campus newspaper, The River, and its web-based version, River Online as well as undertaking a period of at least two weeks work experience within a media organisation working in a professional environment producing and practising journalism.
Each student will take on an editorial role on The River as well as contributing news and feature articles. Roles may vary, but will allow students to observe and participate in essential activities which contribute to producing real journalism. Teaching takes place in our dedicated newsroom, equipped with live news feeds, online content management system, and industry-standard software packages including Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
The placement will typically be for two weeks, although students who show initiative in negotiating more substantial work experience may be allowed to extend this period.

Journalism, Ethics and the Industry

30 credits

This module aims to build on students' critical understanding of the function of journalism, its place in society and its ethical, legal, technological and commercial framework. It develops material on the nature, history and purpose of journalism covered in earlier modules to critically examine how the UK media has risen to the challenge of reflecting and representing the ever more socially and culturally diverse Britain of today – as well as its duty to accurately and impartially report on foreign affairs and conflicts.

By considering concepts such as truth, objectivity, accountability, a free press, freedom of information and public interest in relation to journalism, students will develop an awareness of the tensions between journalists, readers, sources and proprietors in a changing media landscape and what it means to be an ethically responsible journalist.

Students will also examine the impact of social, technological and commercial changes on the practice and business of journalism, including the decline of conventional advertising, the increasing plurality of media forms, changing audience demands and expectations, and the rise of news aggregating websites and cheap ‘content' over costly original reporting.

Optional modules

Journalism Dissertation

30 credits

This module aims to encourage independent research and hone study and research skills developed earlier in the degree course. Students will be asked to formulate a specific hypothesis relating to journalism and then conduct a systematic and sustained inquiry focused on that hypothesis. Students will conduct secondary research but great value will also be placed on their own primary research efforts. At the end of this year-long module, students will be assessed on a 10,000 word piece of writing that is expected to demonstrate keen analytical skills and logical thinking and offer a cogent, coherent argument that complies with the dissertation model.

Special Study: Literary Journalism and War

30 credits

In this special study you will read closely four exceptional books of journalism dealing with war. In these books – from George Orwell's account of the Spanish Civil War to Dexter Filkins's reporting on the American invasion of Iraq – the writers are centre stage, exploring their own feelings and beliefs as they try to make sense of the chaos of war. Through analysing the texts you will examine the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts of the conflicts themselves and how journalism deals with describing war. Through close attention to the style of these writers you will become familiar with literary journalism and be given an opportunity to develop your own narrative writing.

Special Study: International Journalism

30 credits

The module aims to encourage students to analyse the content and production of foreign news and to critically assess the many factors that combine to create the foreign reports we currently consume. Students will study media ownership, so-called dominant world views and perceived unfairness in the current system related to what and who gets covered - and how.

The changing face of foreign news will be critically assessed as the number of "traditional" foreign correspondents continues to fall and new forms of foreign news gathering evolve. Students will research the impact of economic, social and technological change on foreign news operations. Is the future of foreign news as bleak as some experts forecast or could the new emerging models outshine those they replace - and even be fairer? The issues may seem abstract but they will be explored through concrete foreign reporting from the most peaceful of news patches to war-ridden conflict zones.

The countless ethical dilemmas that face individual foreign reporters and their foreign news desks will be examined along the way along with the practical challenges particular to foreign reporting e.g. the difficulties of providing context for complex stories from distant lands.

Specialist Journalism: Sport

30 credits

This module offers an introduction to and broad experience of sports journalism. It is a practical course aimed at helping students to develop their writing and reporting skills to produce professional sports copy, including deadline-driven match reports, running copy, interviews, sports news stories, profiles, factboxes, comment, analysis and newspaper/multi-media sports packages. It also aims to help students understand the context and pressures under which sports journalism is produced in the modern media.
Workshops, alongside live reporting assignments, will be used to explain concepts and develop skills. During project work in the second half of the module, students will produce a publishable sports package. Guidance will be offered though seminars and tutorials.

Specialist Journalism: Fashion

30 credits

This highly practical module allows students to explore in depth and actively engage with the world of fashion journalism. Students will develop their researching, writing and reporting skills to allow them to write professional fashion news, catwalk and trend reports, interviews and features for specialist fashion and mainstream press and websites. They will also explore different fashion forums and build a range of digital skills such as blogging, vlogging and social media networking. They will learn about editorial styling – putting together shopping pages, makeovers and get-the-look pieces – and gain an understanding of main fashion and photoshoots. They will apply their newly-gained skills to the production of a portfolio of cutting-edge fashion journalism.

The practices of fashion journalism will be placed in a context throughout the module. Through a series of lectures and in-class discussions students will gain insight into the fashion industry and how it works: the designers, brands, seasons and how clothes are made. They will acquire an appreciation of the fashion industry's relationship with the media, the role and function of fashion PR, and the historical, cultural and global economic issues which fashion journalists must understand.

Students will demonstrate their skills and knowledge in an original, independent fashion journalism project.

Digital Detectives: Data Journalism

30 credits

In this module, students will build an understanding of the role and context of data journalism in the light of developments in data transparency, online ‘data dumping' by ‘hacktivists' and accompanying changes to the role of the professional journalist as the traditional ‘gatekeeper' to news and information. Students will gain practical skills in searching for and developing original investigative stories from online datasets, as well as learning how to make use of advanced digital tools to visualise their findings in dynamic graphic formats.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Foundation year

You can also study this course with a Foundation year.

Find out more about the Foundation Year

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2021

UCAS tariff points: 120 for BA (Hons); 48 for BA (Hons) including foundation year.

Level 3 qualifications, not including General Studies (A-levels, BTEC Diploma, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc.).

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English Language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in Writing and all other elements at 5.5. Please note that we do not accept Indian Standard XII English to meet the English language entry requirements for this course.

Make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we consider.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from a recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods include workshop-based core skills modules. There are lectures by practitioners, student-led seminars and guided research.

Assessment methods are often based on the production of news stories, features and essays. You may also be appraised on your performance on work placements and work on the campus newspaper.

You will also benefit from weekly guest lectures. In the past year guest lecturers have included senior journalists and editors at The Guardian, Glamour, The Sunday Times, VICE, Vogue, New Statesman and CNN.

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Time spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity

Year 1: 27%
Year 2: 44%
Year 3: 19%

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

Type of teaching and learning

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1

Scheduled teaching: 319 hours
Guided independent study: 881 hours

Year 2

Scheduled teaching: 140 hours
Guided independent study: 160 hours

Year 3

Scheduled teaching: 55 hours
Guided independent study: 235 hours

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (eg test or exam), practical (eg presentations, performance) and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios and dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2 - Core modules

Year 3 - Core modules

Year 1

Coursework: 75%
Practical: 10%
Written exam: 15%

Year 2 - Core modules

Coursework: 30%
Practical: 20%
Written exam: 50%

Year 3 - Core modules

Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 40 students and lecture sizes are normally 20–50. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

Many of the Journalism teaching team are published writers, reporters, international correspondents and editors, with extensive experience and professional links: they will help you to develop your skills, networks and gain access to industry contacts. Their expertise and knowledge is closely matched to the content of the modules on this course.

Ms Mary Braid

Course director

Beth Brewster

Mr Jan Goodey

Mr Julian Joyce

Miss Fiona O'Brien

Facilities

The campus at Penrhyn Road is a hive of activity, housing the main student restaurant, the learning resources centre (LRC), and a host of teaching rooms and lecture theatres.

At the heart of the campus is the John Galsworthy building, a six-storey complex that brings together lecture theatres, flexible teaching space and information technology suites around a landscaped courtyard.

More about facilities at Penrhyn Road campus

Fees and funding

2021/22 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2021/22 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	Foundation year: £9,250 £9,250*
International	Foundation year: £15,000 Year 1 (2021/22): £15,000 Year 2 (2022/23): £15,400 Year 3 (2023/24): £15,800

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2020/21 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK or EU), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2020/21 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK and EU students)	Foundation year: £9,250 £9,250*
International	Foundation year: £14,600 Year 1 (2020/21): £14,600 Year 2 (2021/22): £15,000 Year 3 (2022/23): £15,450

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home/EU tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence. Costs for optional study visits and field trips are not included in your tuition fees.

Shows and exhibitions

Costs of participating at external shows and exhibitions are not included in your tuition fees.

For this course you will be

involved in processes of making, as means of exploration, experimentation, and understanding your practice, by using a diverse range of media and materials
required to purchase your own copy of books, for required reading
required to produce physical artefacts for assessment
able to participate in optional study visits and/or field trips

However, over and above this you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for. In order to help you budget, the information below indicates what activities and materials are not covered by your tuition fees

personal laptops and other personal devices
personal copies of books
optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
printing costs
your own chosen materials and equipment
costs of participating at external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

The costs vary every year and with every student, according to the intentions for the type of work they wish to make. Attainment at assessment is not dependent upon the costs of materials chosen.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies for 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting in 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

After you graduate

Our graduates have progressed to roles at many of the main media organisations such as Reuters, Cosmopolitan, OK!, Channel 4 News, Sky, the BBC, The Times and Al Jazeera.

Examples of recent first jobs after graduation include:

Journalist, Express Newspapers
Picture editor/researcher, The Sun, News UK
Sub-editor, MailOnline (Snapchat Discover desk)
Junior feature writer, Harvey Nichols
Junior fashion writer, SecretSales.com
Multimedia reporter, Pink News
Reporter, Copenhagen Times
Reporter, EuroMoney Institutional Investor
Trainee reporter, South West News Service
Video journalist, RT UK
Editorial assistant, HMG Aerospace
Copywriter, Health & Care

What our students say

Links with business and industry

Our links with business are key to the course – whether it is the wealth of experience our lecturers bring from their own careers, the top calibre guest speakers who pass on tips every week or the extensive industry work experience you get as part of the course.

A diverse team of journalists teaches on the course. All have current or recent experience of either the national press or key local or trade press. This means that teaching is informed by the latest industry expertise and you will have access to practical help and career advice from people with insider knowledge.

Our guest speaker programme is a fantastic opportunity for students to listen to, and question, key media figures from every sphere of the industry. To give you a taste of what our speakers can offer, take a look at this selection of prominent names who have visited recently:

Farah Storr, editor in chief of Cosmopolitan
David Jenkins, editor of Little White Lies
Ben Machell, feature writer at The Times
Samira Ahmed, BBC presenter and former Channel 4 news anchor (Samira is currently Visiting Professor at Kingston)
Rossalyn Warren, award winning foreign affairs journalist and former Buzzfeed reporter
Fatima Manji, presenter at Channel 4 news
Alex Whiting, creative producer at Vogue Video
Charlotte Duck, deputy editor at Glamour.com
Will Dean, commissioning editor at The Guardian
Richard Monynihan, head of digital journalism at The Daily Telegraph
Anoosh Chakelian, deputy web editor at The New Statesman
Radhika Sanghani, features writer for The Daily Telegraph

Course combinations

You can combine a foundation year with the following subjects:

Journalism with Foundation Year – UCAS code: P501
Journalism and Media – UCAS code: PP53

The courses are 4 years full time, including foundation year.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Changes detailed here are for students who will be starting the course in September 2020.

Course information (changes for 2020 entry)

Composition of the course

We do not anticipate making any changes to the composition of the course, i.e. number of modules or credits in a year, as a result of the pandemic.

In order to safeguard our students' health and safety and to minimise the risk of disruption to their studies, the University has postponed all Study Abroad programmes for outgoing students in the first teaching block of 2020/21. The University will review this decision before the second teaching block and will take into account relevant government advice at that time.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Modules

We do not anticipate making any changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed, e.g. re-sequencing those modules that can be delivered more effectively under the current restrictions with those which would be more difficult to deliver, such as practical modules and placements.

If the current pandemic situation continues into the next academic year and beyond, the University may be unable to offer suitable placements which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will provide students with appropriate alternative options and ensure that support will be available to them so that they are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2020 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a result of the pandemic. However, the range of accepted alternatives have increased as has the way in which we select students, which now includes virtual interviews and online portfolios.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a result of the pandemic. However, in response to the pandemic, we now accept a much broader list of English language exams for entry to the course; the level of these exams remain the same.

Teaching (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

Due to the current pandemic the course's teaching and learning activities will be delivered through both online and on-campus methods (blended learning) in 2020/21. In order to provide all students with a comparable on-campus experience, the University has committed to ensuring that all courses provide at least 30% of their teaching and learning activities on-campus.

While physical distancing measures remain in place, you will receive your learning and teaching via a blend of on-campus and on-line activities. Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you will still be able to engage with your course in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, support will be available to consider what options are open to you.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the current pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced the University will aim to deliver the course fully online. This may require some additional changes being made to planned teaching and learning activities, including assessments. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised significantly, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered appropriately. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

In the event that the current social distancing restrictions are fully lifted and the University is able to resume normal delivery of teaching and learning activities, courses will assess whether it is in the students' interest to resume normal delivery. In some cases it may be better to continue and complete modules under the planned blended delivery mode.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours will not be made as a result of the pandemic. However, it is possible that some adjustments might be made at module level, e.g. a few more scheduled activities, in order to help ensure student engagement with blended learning.

Any changes made to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

'Scheduled teaching' includes teaching that is online either live or recorded / on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2020) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2021) will not be available until the autumn. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, we will need to maximise the time available for teaching. This means, we may have to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Changes to class sizes

On campus class sizes will be smaller in line with social distancing measures. Online (synchronous) activities will be delivered via video conferencing apps that will enable a full range of class sizes to be used as appropriate.

Assessment (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes can be made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area. Due to the current restrictions in place, i.e. social distancing, it is anticipated that many formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be replaced with alternative assessments which can be completed online. These changes will be considered and approved through the University's processes to ensure that student assessments will be able to demonstrate they have achieved the expected learning outcomes. The approval process will also assess whether the change impacts the status of any professional body accreditation the course benefits from.

Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Staff (changes for 2020 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

As a result of the social distancing restrictions in place, on-campus teaching activities may need to be split into smaller groups which may require the support of teaching assistants and student mentors, who will be managed by experienced staff.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2020 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2020/21.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As a result of the blended delivery of courses in 2020/21, where a significant proportion of the teaching will be done online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities will be restricted due to social distancing requirements.

The University is considering how best to provide support to students who do not have access to suitable hardware and software requirements and access to the internet. Identifying students who require this type of support is an important milestone for the University in our journey to ensure equity of access while we continue to deliver our blended approach. Information about the support that will be available will be provided to students during the induction period.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2020/21. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2020/21.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2020 entry)

Placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead as planned. However, to ensure students are able to gain maximum value from these activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year, or to a different year when current restrictions have been lifted. We acknowledge that this year it may be more difficult for students to secure appropriate placements. In those situations, students will be guided and supported through the various options that will be available to them, including switching courses or interrupting their studies until a time when they can complete their placement.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through the University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered. Students will be advised of any changes that may become necessary and appropriate support will be available to guide them through the various options that may be available to them.

In the interest of the health and wellbeing of our students, the University will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Voluntary placements or field trips may be rescheduled, or, as a last resort, cancelled if it becomes difficult to deliver them and doing so is in the interest of the health and safety of our staff and students.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2020 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Accreditation

During the pandemic, the University has been working closely with all its associated professional bodies to establish where flexibility/changes can be applied without undermining their professional standards. This will ensure that any changes made to courses which have professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB) accreditation do not negatively impact the accreditation status.

In the very exceptional circumstance that professional bodies do not agree with changes proposed, it may be necessary to defer relevant modules until those modules can be delivered as required. Students will be informed of this during the induction period and appropriately supported so that they can consider all options available to them.

Additional (changes for 2020 entry)

International students

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.

Students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities

The University will ensure students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities are able to effectively engage with their studies remotely. For certain courses, an inability to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities may not be in the students' best interests, as it may impede their chances of succeeding in the course or lead to them receiving a poor learning experience. In such cases, students will be advised and guided through the various options available to them, such as deferring their studies until they can engage fully with the course.

Key information set

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