BA (Hons) Journalism
- UCAS code: P500
- Mode of study: Full time
- Duration: 3 years
- Entry requirements 2012/2013: 240-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent. Evidence of interest and some relevant experience in Journalism is necessary. An Admissions Test is required.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8299
Email: humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies
Course overview
Studying Journalism at Portsmouth will let you develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in the exciting, fast-changing world of news media.
If you want to make a difference in the exciting and challenging world of journalism then this is the course for you. We will give you the must-have skills the industry demands to send you to the top of editors' wish-lists. From learning how to webcast, produce web pages, lay out news and magazine spreads, all with flair, right through to the all-important skills of uncovering and writing the best stories to deadline, we will equip you for the 24-hour rolling news culture. Alongside the practice of journalism, you'll also learn how to research and evaluate information, assess news priorities and reflect on and analyse the history and development of the press.
You will learn about the role journalists play in society, and the law that covers their activities; how to interview and research, how to produce webcasts, websites, newspapers and magazines in our state-of-the-art newsrooms. You will also acquire the shorthand skills needed for success in this industry. Throughout your degree, you will study under highly experienced journalists, using industry-standard equipment and software. It is intellectually and vocationally challenging.
The journalistic skills acquired through this course will also equip you for work in fields such as public relations, or any industry where communication skills, analysis and strong IT abilities are valued. We are committed to helping you progress in your career.
The University of Portsmouth is an NCTJ approved exam centre. Students will have the opportunity to sit NCTJ examinations.
Course content
We teach shorthand as part of our core; it isn't an option. We back up traditional methods of teaching shorthand with online learning support materials. You will also have the opportunity to sit the pre-entry examinations set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
From your first year, you will be following a programme of practical training in the techniques of journalism and news research, alongside courses in theory, law and ethics relating to journalistic practice. Shorthand is a core topic, and our training will enable you to reach speeds of 100 words per minute.
Options in years two and three allow you to specialise in media such as magazines, video or the Web, or in topics including sport and lifestyle matters. Depending on your interests, you may take a theoretically-focused dissertation in your final year, or undertake a special exercise that enhances your journalistic skills.
Throughout your studies, you will be using our state-of-the-art newsroom to put what you learn into practice.
Year one
- Web Research
- The Development, Role and Influence of Modern Journalism
- Law for Journalists
- Theories & Techniques of Journalism
- Introduction to Studying Journalism
- Copywriting and Web Editing
Year two
- Government in Britain
- Newsbeat 24/7
- An Introduction to Editorial Design
- Visual Journalism
- Feature Writing
- Option from:
- Sports Journalism
- Ethical Issues in Modern Journalism
- Learning from Experience (Faculty wide option)
Year three
- EITHER Dissertation/Major Project (Journalism)
OR Journalism Special Exercise - Writing and Producing Magazines
- Placement and Digital Portfolio
- Options from:
- Stranger than Fiction
- Money, Government and Power
- Journalists and Propagandists at War
- Advanced Editorial Technologies
- Broadcast Journalism
- Press and Public Relations
Teaching and Assessment
You will attend lectures, take part in seminars, tutorials, presentations, projects, practical workshop sessions and group-based activities including the production of magazine, newspaper, web pages and videos. Your lecturers will be members of staff with extensive experience as professional journalists. Their practical knowledge of journalism means that you will learn from experts in the field. They have experience working on international, national, regional, and online publications.
You will be expected to participate fully in group discussions and projects, apply word processing and other digital skills will be encouraged to make effective use of information from a wide variety of sources, including video and DVD audiovisual materials, CD-ROM and web searches, the University Library and our well-stocked resources area. You will also have the opportunity to sit the pre-entry examinations set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
We use a range of assessment methods including essays, close textual analysis, in-class tests, seminar presentations and a dissertation. You will produce a range of journalistic writing and artefacts for assessment and be required to sit in-class tests. The final classification of the degree award is determined by your overall performance in both your second and third years. You may also sit the NCTJ external examinations.
Your learning experience as an undergraduate will be different to pre-degree study, but we will teach you the necessary skills to progress. At each stage of study you will be assigned a personal tutor who will help ensure that you realise your academic potential. You will also have access to personal support throughout your time with us.
Please note that whilst a range of options will be offered, there will inevitably be some variation in the availability of individual units at any given time.
Students will be expected to participate fully in group discussions and group projects. The learning experience for undergraduates is different to pre-degree study and we address this issue by teaching the skills necessary for degree level.
Wide ranges of assessment methods are employed, including individual and group seminar presentations, essays, tests, projects (both individual and collective), media artefacts, in-class tests, and a dissertation or in-depth investigation. The final degree award is determined by the overall performance of students in units in both Year two and Year three.
Career prospects
This is a vocational course and at the end of it we would expect you to find employment as a journalist on websites, magazines and newspapers. In addition, this new course offers tremendous advantages to graduates, providing them with valuable transferable skills in analysis, writing, presentation, editing, design, layout and video.
Previous graduates from our journalism courses have found work editing magazines, working on fashion blogs and new media.