Course Title:
Newspaper Journalism
Key Facts
Award Type:
PGDip
Ancillary:
Additional awards:
Delivery Method:
Standard
Course Length:
Full time:
Nine months which includes one month mandatory work placement
Part time: Not offered
School:
School of Journalism, Media and Communication
Campus:
Preston
Partner Colleges:
Year of Entry:
2010
Start Month:
September
Entry Requirements
For 2011 entry please contact our course enquiries team for entry requirements as these may differ from 2010.
Entry requirements for postgraduate courses vary and you are advised to check for any specific requirements with Enquiry Management and on our website. Normally the following general entry requirements apply:
Postgraduate Diplomas, Certificates and Conversion Courses:
A recognised British first degree or its equivalent, or a BTEC Higher Diploma/Certificate.
Taught Masters Courses:
A recognised British honours degree to a good standard, or its equivalent.
Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits and in the light of the nature and scope of the programme or work proposed. Informal enquiries are welcomed and will normally be followed by an initial advisory interview.
An upper second or first class degree from a British institution or the equivalent from an overseas institution. Applicants must demonstrate involvement with and knowledge of the newspaper industry, usually by evidence of work experience on regional newspapers and/or involvement with their university’s student newspaper. Mature students and candidates with non-standard qualifications may apply if they have substantial professional or relevant qualifications. Overseas students for whom English is a second language need an IELTS rating of 8. Admission is by interview and successful completion of two short written news tests.
Course Content
In the first semester you will be taught the basics of newspaper reporting, then move on to more advanced writing styles for features and specialised reporting. You will also be introduced to online journalism, learn how to blog and handle user generated content. You will also be introduced to law, given an insight into the workings of local and national government and learn T-line shorthand. We expect our students to gain a minimum of 100wpm by the end of the course in May. You will also have sessions on the changing media landscape and discussions on journalism ethics and regulation. The programme features regular talks and masterclasses by visiting journalists. In the second semester law, shorthand and PA remain as part of the taught syllabus, but there is more emphasis on group directed learning in the form of newspaper production. Students spend several weeks producing two rival newspapers, print and web editions, which contain the stories and features they have written. The dual aim is not only to prepare students for their work placement, which usually falls either side of Easter, but also to enhance their writing, sub-editing and layout skills. Great emphasis is placed on team work and the ability to work together. Over the years the School of Journalism has built strong links with industry and organisations are happy to offer our students placements. The Press Association, Liverpool Post and Echo, Mercury Press news agency, News & Star, Carlisle, Lancashire Telegraph in Blackburn and Bolton News are just some of the newsrooms offering placements. Final exams are held in May when the course finishes.
Course at a Glance
Year 1
Semester One: Newspaper Journalism Practice, Digital Journalism, Law for Journalists and Investigating Public Administration for Journalists.
Semester Two: Newspaper Production, Law, PA and shorthand. Work placement. Internal and external exams.
Links with Professional Bodies:
Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Assessment:
The practical newspaper elements of the course are assessed by a combination of individual and group coursework. Law and Public Administration are a mix of essay, presentation and examination. Shorthand is by exam.
Learning Environment:
You will be mainly working together in a newsroom atmosphere. Throughout the course you will learn basic skills during workshops and practical sessions. Law and Public Administration will be delivered separately through formal seminars and lectures. Attendance is mandatory at all sessions.
Careers:
Journalism is a very competitive industry and the course does not guarantee a job. However our postgraduates regularly secure jobs in the national and regional press as well as news agencies and other media companies.
Additional Information
The School of Journalism encourages students to take the NCTJ’s preliminary 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/.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this course, our comprehensive How to Apply pages will guide you through the process. Here at UCLan, our aim is to encourage you to develop your potential and we offer a flexible approach to admissions, which reflects our commitment to all those who would benefit from our courses.
Applications should reach the admissions team by midsummer for September entry the same year. The application process includes the preparation of a short newspaper story and details are obtainable from the course leader. Successful candidates will then be invited for a formal interview as well as two short written news tests. Depending on the time of year, candidates will have the chance to meet teaching staff and current students. Applicants are usually informed of the outcome of their interview within 48 hours.
>> See link: PGDip Application Pack (.doc)
Postgraduate diploma in newspaper journalism
Money Matters
Most graduates of this University are entitled to a 20% reduction on tuition fees for our postgraduate courses, if self-funding.
Details of current fees are available from Enquiry Management,
University of Central Lancashire,
Preston,
PR1 2HE,
United Kingdom,
01772 892400.
Gilbertson Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to UCLan undergraduates in their final year of study in 2009-10 who want to continue their studies at postgraduate level, either on a full time or part time taught programme eg MA or MSc, or on a research programme such as an MPhil in the 2010-11 academic year. These awards worth £3,390 towards tuition fees are available to Home/EU students achieving a first class honours degree at UCLan in 2009-10 and are subject to specific terms and conditions.
All University of Central Lancashire graduates are entitled to a 20% reduction on fees. Details from Enquiry Management, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom +44 (0)1772 892400
Students with Disabilities/Learning Difficulties
The University is concerned to provide an educational experience of the highest quality for students with disabilities/learning difficulties. We strongly recommend you contact us before applying to find out if we can offer you the support you need. We are always pleased to hear from those enquiring about or applying to the University. Tel: 01772 892593 (telephone/text phone) for advice.
International Applications
We welcome applications from international students for full-time study and the application procedure previously described should be used. Forms and literature on studying in the United Kingdom are available from the British Council offices or British Embassies throughout the world. You can also find lots of information about living and studying in the UK on the British Council's website www.educationuk.org
Contact Details
Enquiry Management
University of Central Lancashire
Preston
PR1 2HE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1772 892400
Email: cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk
More Information
You can visit the following websites for information about the city of Preston, the University and the Students' Union:
www.visitpreston.com
www.uclansu.co.uk
www.uclan.ac.uk
Open Days
You are welcome to see the University and all it has to offer at one of our Open Days which run throughout the year. However, if you would like to visit the University independently, you are welcome to join one of our regular Campus Tours. For more information about both, ask for Advancement Services on 01772 201201 or book online at www.uclan.ac.uk/opendays/.
