BA (Honours) Journalism

Attendance

Part-time

Part-time – typically six years

At a glance

About this course

We work closely with the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) to ensure a strong focus on the core skills necessary for a career in the media.

The course covers journalism practice and theory. Course content draws on current developments in journalism and the media to extend your practical skills as well as awareness of the debates and issues in the industry.

You develop the basic skills of good journalism – an ability to spot a good story and to write an accurate and balanced report. At the same time, you develop the practical, professional and other skills necessary to sit the NCTJ diploma examinations in newspaper journalism, public affairs, law and shorthand.

You study • print • radio and television broadcasting • online journalism. You also deepen your understanding of the professional, economic, cultural and ethical role of journalism in modern society.

You learn how to gather, organise, write and present information to professional standards. We also introduce you to some of the specialist expertise needed by journalists working in areas such as • sport • travel writing • consumer journalism • weblogging.

We encourage you to take a critical approach to the issues that shape and relate to present day journalism.

As well as developing a questioning and ethical approach to your work you gain practical, intellectual and social skills, which make you readily employable in a range of other professions.

NCTJ pathway
You can choose to study as an independent candidate (outside of your course) for the preliminary examinations of the NCTJ. The course has a strong focus on teaching and developing the core personal, practical and professional skills necessary for a career in the media.

There is also a full-time version of this course.

Associated careers

The course addresses the ambitions of students wanting to practise journalism professionally.

You can find a career in • education • the leisure industry • legal, social and welfare professions • business • public and charitable organisations • marketing • advertising.

Course content

Level one modules

Include • approaches to journalism • making media • journalism, law and society • understanding popular culture • professional writing and practice

Level one options

Include • writing the message online • communicating sex and gender

Level two modules

Include • writing the news • breaking news • investigation and research skills

Level two options

Include • reporting and shorthand • applied photography • web design • introduction to feature writing • convergent journalism 1 (TV and radio)

Level three modules

Include • applied project/dissertation for journalism • journalism professional practices (newsroom module)

Level three options

Include • media specialisms • work-based learning: professional communication • media law • public affairs • celebrity culture • convergent journalism 2 (TV and radio)

Assessment

• essays • reports • electronic assessment • oral presentations • projects • portfolio work

Entry requirements

Normally GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, including at least 80 points in a relevant* subject, or from a VCE double award plus one GCE A level in a relevant* subject, which must contribute at least 80 points. AS levels and Key Skills may count towards these points.

• pre-2002 A levels – 22 points from three relevant* A levels or 16 points from two relevant* A levels

• GNVQ – advanced level 3 merit plus an A level at grade C or above

• pre-2003 BTEC/SCOTVEC National Certificate/Diploma – four distinctions and three merits in the final year

• Access – an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, preferably in a or media-related programme, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate

If English is not your first language you should be able to show English language competence at IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

* Relevant subjects are • media studies • communication studies • film studies • English • a foreign language • sociology • politics • history • economics • psychology • art and design.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £4,500 a year

How to apply

Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Contact details

For further information please contact the Faculty of Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 6718, fax +44 (0)114 225 6930 or email aces-reception@shu.ac.uk