Course summary

This course is suitable for graduates of any discipline and journalists who want to engage in academic study. It explores theory and practice and the social, cultural, economic and political contexts in which the media work. The quality of our course is reflected in our commitment to: •the synthesis of theory and practice •research-informed teaching •the development of practice in innovative and creative trajectories. The course draws on current research by specialists in media, communication and cultural studies. You will develop: •skills and abilities to work as a journalist in the 21st century •an ability to recognise new trajectories in journalism as your career develops and access the skills and knowledge needed to accommodate change •a critical understanding of media, culture and society •knowledge to theorise and analyse media and journalism •knowledge of media law and the development of an ethical approach to the field. You will also learn analytical and critical skills to conduct research in the field of media and journalism and to report in a range of platforms. Delivery: The course involves compulsory and optional modules and a dissertation which enables students to undertake independent research into a theme or issue relating to journalism. Teaching is conducted through a variety of forms including lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups. You are expected to work both independently and in groups, and to read widely, participate actively in discussions and develop topics for investigation based on advice from tutors. Modules are assessed by coursework which consists of essays, oral presentations, reports, projects and a dissertation. Part-time students take 80 credits of compulsory modules in year one and 100 credits (40 credits optional modules and the 60 credits research dissertation) in year two. Work experience: You will have the opportunity to work on Jesmond Local. This is a innovative ‘hyper-local’ digital news hub serving the Newcastle suburb of Jesmond. It is led by a team of journalists, including freelance journalist Ian Wylie (The Guardian, Financial Times). You can also volunteer to write for Newcastle University’s award-winning student newspaper, The Courier. Alumni who have written for the Courier, have gone on to achieve the highest ranks of the profession, including: •Head of multi-award-winning current affairs programme World in Action •Head of daytime TV for ITV •CEO of ITV •Daily Mirror football writer for the North East •Producer on Sky Sports. We work with a range of local and regional publishers and broadcasters to help you find appropriate work experience. There are also opportunities to apply for BBC placements. BBC placements are competitive and there is no guarantee that you will be accepted onto one. If you secure a placement outside of Newcastle, you need to pay your own travel, accommodation and living expenses. Facilities: You have access to a range of specialist facilities in Culture Lab, including: •cameras •voice recorders •audio and video-editing software •a computer-editing suite which includes Adobe CS 6. New facilities, including mobile studio equipment and editing suites, are being developed for the teaching of multimedia journalism and film production.