This is one of the oldest and most respected undergraduate journalism programmes in the UK, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (print routes), the Periodicals Training Council (magazine route) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (electronic routes). Journalism has been taught in Preston for more than 40 years and the course has an excellent employment record.  Graduates work for BBC Radio, Television and Interactive, the Press Association, Sky TV, independent radio and television, national and regional newspapers and magazines. Superb links with industry enable work placements with leading news organisations. While developing essential skills, students learn about the history of journalism, its role in society and the legal and ethical framework within which journalists work.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

For 2011 entry please contact our course enquiries team for entry requirements as these may differ from 2010.

The University's minimum standard entry requirement for degree-level study is a 12-unit profile, made up from one of the following:

• At least two A2-level subjects
• One A2-level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
• One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE

Other acceptable qualifications include:

• Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
• International Baccalaureate
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
• Kite marked Access Course

Applications from individuals with non-standard qualifications or relevant work / life experience who can demonstrate the ability to cope with and benefit from degree-level studies are welcome. If you have not studied recently you may need to undertake a Foundation Entry programme first. For details of those offered by the University please contact Enquiry Management on 01772 892400.

Course Specific Entry Reqirements

• ABB/BBB at A2 inc GCSE English

Other acceptable qualifications include:

• BTEC/SND: Distinction overall
• IB: Tariff point range = 32

Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or non standard qualifications are welcome. If you have not studied recently you may need to take a Foundation Entry programme. Contact Enquiry Management for details +44 (0)1772 892400.

Course Content

The course is made up of 18 modules, and students study six modules in each of the three years. The academic year is split into two semesters and students take three modules per semester. Roughly half the modules involve practical journalism. The rest are academic theory courses designed to complement the practical elements of the course. Students also take one elective module, chosen from the university's vast catalogue of subjects.

Apart from the elective module, all students follow the same course of study for the first year. In the second year, students choose between a print or a broadcast route for their practical modules and take other compulsory modules.

In the final year, students specialise in one of the following: newspapers and digital, magazines or broadcast. Students on these routes undertake a compulsory work placement. Alternatively, students can also opt to write a dissertation on a journalism-related subject.

All journalism practice lecturers have extensive experience of working at the highest levels in their chosen branch of the industry. Journalism theory elements complement the practical modules. Students learn about the history of journalism, its role in society and the legal and ethical framework within which journalists work
Make us your first choice if you are determined to have the best possible start in an exciting career in journalism.

The School of Journalism encourages students to take the NCTJ’s  examinations. Many editors require students to pass these examinations to be employed as journalists. These are external examinations separate from the degree programme. Fees for these papers are not included in your tuition fees. The NCTJ also offers bursaries through its Journalism Diversity Fund for people from diverse backgrounds to train as journalists. For more information see http://www.nctj.com/  and www.journalismdiversityfund.com/.

Course at a Glance

Assessment:

Assessment is by both coursework and examination. In final year practical modules, students work in teams to produce newspapers, magazines, TV and radio programmes and websites.

Learning Environment:

From the first day of the course, students are encouraged to think like journalists - to be inquisitive, resourceful, sceptical and persistent in their quest for facts. Learning takes place in lectures, seminars and practical workshops. In workshops, students have the opportunity to work as part of a team, using the School's superb studio and newsroom facilities to produce high-quality work.

Careers:

The course is designed to prepare students for careers in modern digitalised newsrooms and to allow students to work in a range of media. Our students move into careers in newspapers, TV, radio, magazines and online journalism.

Money Matters

For guidance, in 2010 the University's tuition fees for full-time undergraduate courses are £3290, but are subject to increase in line with inflation. You can choose to take out a loan and pay after graduation when you are earning over a certain amount, currently £15,000 per year.

In addition, for 2010 entry UCLan is offering bursaries worth £500 to all UK full time first year undergraduate students, where the principal earner's gross salary is less than £60,000 a year. Where students qualify for the maximum maintenance grant, this will be £319. There will also be Excellence scholarships available in some specialist areas, Achievement Grants and funding available via UCLan Plus to support a wide range of curriculum activities.

For further information on UCLan scholarships and bursaries, visit our website www.uclan.ac.uk/fees or Telephone: 01772 892400. For general information about university tuition fees and scholarships visit www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport and www.aimhigher.ac.uk/student_finance/index

Special fees apply for non-EU overseas students.

Details of current fees are available from
Enquiry Management,
University of Central Lancashire,
Preston,
PR1 2HE,
United Kingdom,
Email: uadmissions@uclan.ac.uk or Telephone: 01772 892400