Part one: Programme Specification

Transcription

1 Part one: Programme Specification Course record information Name and level of final award: MA in Multimedia Journalism Broadcast MA in Multimedia Journalism Print and Online Name and level of intermediate awards: Awarding body/institution: University of Westminster Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Journalism Broadcast Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Journalism Print and Online Postgraduate Certificate in Multimedia Journalism Broadcast Postgraduate Certificate in Multimedia Journalism Print and Online Status of awarding body/institution: Recognised Body Location of delivery: Harrow Language of delivery and assessment: English Course/programme leader: Deborah Vogel Course URL: Mode and length of study: Full time one year / part-time two years University of Westminster course code: PG Journalism [PJRNPRM] JACS code: P500 UCAS code: QAA subject benchmarking group: Professional body accreditation: Date of course validation/review: Broadcast Journalism Training Council April 2013 Date of programme December 2013

2 specification: Admissions requirements This course is open to applicants from anywhere in the world who are committed to pursuing a career in journalism, whether they have already been working as journalists, or are new graduates or mature students. You will have a good first degree, usually an Upper Second from a British University. For those new to study in the UK, you would be expected to have an equivalent result, also equal to GPA 3.0. You will also be expected to have some relevant work experience even if it is just a brief placement. We welcome applications from older candidates who have already worked in the field of journalism or other areas of the media or public relations, including those who may not have been educated to degree level. The course requires strong verbal skills, so for those whose first language is not English, it is essential that you have achieved a recognised English qualification at a high level. The minimum qualification would be an IELTS score of 7.0, which must include 7.0 for speaking and 7.0 for writing; or a TOEFL score of 627 / 263 or Internet-based TOEFL over 100. If you have had all, or a large part, of your education in English, usually at secondary education and undergraduate level, you will probably not be required to take an English test. As part of your application, you will be expected to show a strong commitment to a career in journalism, as well as an interest in and understanding of the news media, by completing two short written assignments. Suitable applicants will then be interviewed face to face, or if abroad, by telephone, before the final selection. Conditional offers of a place can be made pending successful completion of your degree study, or an English test or while you undertake a work placement of at least two weeks. Aims of the course The course is designed to help you develop the practical, technical and intellectual skills required of a good multi-platform journalist, so that you are equipped to pursue a professional career in either print or broadcast journalism, or as a multi-media web journalist. The course has been updated to reflect the changes that have been sweeping across the media industry all over the world in the past few years. So many journalists today have to be proficient in more than one form of journalism. These are the kind of journalists who are likely to be successful in years to come, and we want to be sure that those from Westminster are in the vanguard. You will be able to become a truly multi-platform journalist, but at the same time put more emphasis either on written journalism for print or web, by choosing the Print and Online pathway. If your preference is to put more emphasis on radio or TV skills, either for broadcast or for the web, you should choose the Broadcast pathway. These skills will form a foundation for future professional practice. You will apply them to your journalism assignments which form a large part of your assessed course-work, and that includes contributions to our journalism website, Westminster News Online, You will be expected to carry out all class exercises, as well as practical assignments, in a professional manner, showing consideration to other team members, also demonstrating self-direction, and ability in

3 solving problems. Punctuality and taking care of equipment on loan are all part of your professional obligations. Alongside the practical side of the course, you will also study in depth and reflect on some of the issues facing professional journalists around the world, and gain an understanding of the legal and ethical considerations which face journalists in Britain and elsewhere. You will also develop an understanding of the commercial pressures which affect how journalists operate, gain an insight into the importance of news values, and appreciate how to target your work to a particular audience. While educating you in the highest standards of British journalism practice, the course also takes a global perspective, which is reflected in the richness and diversity of the student intake; this enables us all to learn from each other about journalism in other parts of the world. You can discover how news stories are reported differently in different countries, or what makes a story international. You will be using our professional standard resources throughout the course in our well equipped newsrooms and studios; coaching on all production software, cameras, audio recorders, and studio equipment is provided as part of the course. Employment and further study opportunities Today s organisations need graduates with both good degrees and skills relevant to the workplace, ie employability skills. The University of Westminster is committed to developing employable graduates by ensuring that: Career development skills are embedded in all courses Opportunities for part-time work, placements and work-related learning activities are widely available to students Staff continue to widen and strengthen the University s links with employers in all sectors, involving them in curriculum design and encouraging their participation in other aspects of the University s career education and guidance provision Staff keep themselves up-to-date data on labour market trends and employers requirements, which will inform the service delivered to students. Postgraduate journalism students are encouraged and helped in making contacts so they can develop opportunities for internships, placements or workplace observation. We invite guest speakers from industry to give special talks and meet the students, and students are supported and advised by their personal tutors about making applications to employers for work experience. Throughout the year we hear through our media contacts of opportunities for placements, which are then published to students. We hold a networking event after the Second Semester, when students can meet successful alumni and senior industry figures for information and advice. The final months of the course, while students are working on their Final Projects, usually provide other opportunities of gaining further placements or paid freelance work, often as a result of our links with the industry. We are involved in the student programme of One World Media, the organisation that promotes media coverage of the developing world. They have a student media award, and they also grant bursaries on a competitive basis to help students go abroad to work on gathering material for their final project. Several of our postgrad

4 journalists have been awarded these. Through our connections with the Royal Navy and NATO media trainers, some MA students might be selected to work as embedded journalists on military training exercises. Students are encouraged to contribute both to the Students Union s Smoke Radio, regularly voted one of the best student stations in the country. Our graduates go on to good jobs in the media, some find work in BBC radio, local, national and international, BBC World News, BBC News Channel, ITN, Sky TV, BBC News online, CNN, Russia Today, Al Jazeera; and a whole host of national and international magazines, newspapers, websites and channels, such as The Washington Post, China Daily. Some graduates find jobs in public relations and communications on NGO websites. Students are also encouraged to think about applying to study for a PhD at CAMRI, the University s Communications and Media Research Institute or to explore other opportunities for study at other universities. Learning outcomes Learning outcomes are statements on what successful students have achieved as the result of learning. These are threshold statements of achievement and are linked to the knowledge, understanding and skills that a student will have gained on successfully completing a course. Students are expected to achieve an in-depth understanding of the practical and intellectual skills and techniques of professional level broadcast or print journalism, plus those of online and cross-platform journalism, using the latest media technology. The students are also expected to develop a deep understanding of the concepts of journalism, and a critical appreciation of journalism practice in a wider context. These outcomes will be demonstrated in their journalism assignments, and reflective essays, in order to lay the foundation for future professional practice, and to enhance and deepen the skills of those already experienced as professional journalists. Course Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) Graduates of the course in MA Multimedia Journalism will: CKU1: develop a systematic, critical and deep understanding of the significance of journalism and the way it influences and is influenced by the society in which it works CKU2: understand in a systematic, advanced, critical and deep fashion the developments in the industry and the technological changes as they affect journalism. CKU3: acquire in-depth knowledge and skills for critically understanding and applying the techniques and processes of journalism in a variety of media to communicate effectively with a particular audience

5 CKU4: either: a) undertake independent research in the form of a dissertation that critically, systematically and theoretically develops an understanding and analysis of societal dimensions, factors, implications and impacts of journalism; or b) create an journalism artifact in print, audio, video or web that is informed by and contextualised within relevant theoretical issues and debates and accompanied by a systematic theoretical reflection on this specific context of journalism use and practice. The core course specific modules that address these course learning outcomes are as follows: CKU1: 2MJI701 - Issues in Journalism: Freedom, Ethics and the Law CKU2: 2JSM787 - Multimedia Journalism Skills 2JSM783 - Web Production: Westminster News Online CKU3: Broadcast: 2MJI7H2 - Broadcast News, Print and Online: 2JSM780 - News and feature-writing CKU4: 2JRN7H9 Dissertation, 2FDP7H1 - Final Documentary Project (Radio), 2FDP7H2 - Final Documentary Project (Video), 2FJP701 - Final Journalism Project (Print), 2MJI71H - Final Project in Online Journalism Specific skills MA Multimedia Journalism students are expected to develop an ability to use, in a professional manner, the production software and technical equipment used by journalists; to effectively research and gather the source material necessary for their journalistic assignments, using the internet, telephone, digital archives and other resources; to carry out their assignments with meticulous care; be able to co-operate effectively in a team with their student colleagues on team assignments. All students complete three core modules plus one in their specialism of broadcast or print and online, and two other options from within the course or chosen from another course, with approval. Students taking the Masters degree take a further module of 60 credits, be it a dissertation or the production of an artifact. Core modules provide students with a set of core skills for the theoretical, critical and practical understanding of journalism. Optional modules give students the freedom to choose areas of additional specialisation, usually an extension of their chosen pathway as well as the opportunity to select modules from other courses.

6 Course Specific skills On completion of the MA Multimedia Journalism course, successful students will have developed the following course-specific skills: CSS1: The ability to systematically and critically interpret and analyse the role journalism plays in society. CSS2: The ability to systematically and critically interpret, understand and reflect on how journalism is used in practice and the implications for journalists and their audiences CSS3: The ability to systematically and critically analyse key current issues and debates about journalism by applying theories, categories, methods, approaches and models. CSS4: The ability to design and undertake a substantial independent piece of research or produce a project in whatever medium that addresses significant issues of interest to an audience. The core modules addressing these course learning outcomes are as follows: CSS1: 2MJI701 - Issues in Journalism: Freedom, Ethics and the Law CSS2: 2JSM787 Multimedia Journalism Skills, 2JSM783 Web production Westminster online CSS3: 2MJI701 - Issues in Journalism: Freedom, Ethics and the Law CSS4: 2MJI7H2 Broadcast News, 2JSM780 News and feature writing Key Transferable Skills (KTS) Upon completion of the course successful students will have developed a number of general as well as discipline-specific skills which any journalist must have if s/he is to be successful. These Key Transferable Skills developed and assessed at postgraduate level are: KTS1 Group working: Students will be able to: (a) work effectively within a group both as group leaders and/or group members; (b) clarify tasks and make appropriate use of group members abilities; (c) negotiate and handle conflict with confidence and sensitivity; and (d) participate effectively in peer review processes; KTS2 Accessing resources: Students will be able to locate and use a full range of sources to carry out literature reviews and engage in background research; KTS3 Self-evaluation: Students will be able to: (a) reflect on their own and others performance; (b) participate effectively in peer review processes and analyse and identify ways to improve practice; (c) know how to advance their knowledge and understanding; and(d) know how to recognise their development needs and develop new skills to a high level;

7 KTS4 Management of information: Students will be able to: (a) competently undertake research tasks with minimum guidance; (b) analyse and filter information to identify relevance; and (c) organise and present information effectively using different media; KTS5 Autonomy: Students will be independent and self-critical learners who can act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks, and who will be able to guide the learning of others; KTS6 Communication: Students will engage confidently in academic and professional communication both orally and through a range of media, reporting clearly, autonomously and competently; KTS7 Problem solving: Students abilities in independent learning and self-evaluation will equip them to regard problems as challenges and adopt the problem-solving approach required for professional life and continuing professional study, including making professional and ethical use of others where appropriate; KTS8 Critical thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on issues, problems and decisional alternatives, which will equip them for exercising initiative and personal responsibility. Associated skills include: complex and multidimensional reasoning; awareness of ethical and normative issues; and critical awareness of society s common values such as democracy and sustainability. All optional modules contribute in some way to the acquistion of these transferable skills. The following shows how the above key transferable skills are mapped to the core course modules: 2MJI701 - Issues in Journalism: Freedom, Ethics and the Law - KTS2, KTS4, KTS6, KTS8 2JSM787 Multimedia Journalism Skills KTS1, KTS2, KTS4, KTS 6, KTS7 2JSM783 Web production Westminster online - KTS1, KTS2, KTS4, KTS 6, KTS7 2MJI7H2 Broadcast News - KTS1, KTS2, KTS3, KTS4, KTS 6, KTS7 2JSM780 News and feature writing - - KTS1, KTS2, KTS3, KTS4, KTS 6, KTS7

8 Learning, teaching and assessment methods The MA in Multimedia Journalism is an intensive, very practice based course: teaching and learning takes place in lectures, seminars, hands-on practical workshops and small group or individual tutorials; assessment is done through coursework including real journalistic practical assignments and live news exercises, either carried out individually, or as part of a group project. Essays are set to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of concepts, and reflective reports on practical projects are also assessed as course-work. There is an open book test of their understanding of the legal and ethical considerations facing journalists. Course structure This section shows the core and option modules available as part of the course and their credit value. Please see the award requirements section below for details of the modules required for each award. Full time MA students usually complete 180 credits in one year and part time MA students 180 credits over two years. PG Diploma students can complete 120 credits in either one or two years part-time. Module code Module title Status UK credit ECTS Both awards: 2JSM787 Multimedia Journalism Skills Core MJI701 Issues in Journalism: Freedom, Ethics and the Law Core JSM783 Web Production: Westminster News Online Core JRN7H9 Dissertation Option JSM762 Magazine Project Option MJI7H8 Online Journalism Option JRN7H6 Travel Journalism Option JNN7H1 Investigative Journalism Option JRN7H1 The Sociology of News Option JSSM788 Specialist Journalism: choose one from: Sports, Lifestyle Journalism or Medical and Health Journalism Option Level 7 module from School of Media, Arts and Design Option Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) only 2MJI7H2 Broadcast News Core FDP7H1 Final Documentary Project (Radio) Option FDP7H2 Final Documentary Project (Video) Option MJI7H0 Documentary Skills Option Multimedia Journalism (Print and Online) only 2JSM780 News and feature-writing Core FJP701 Final Journalism Project (Print) Option MJI71H Final Project in Online Journalism Option Please note: Not all 20 credit option modules will necessarily be offered in any one year.

9 Academic regulations The MA Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast), MA Multimedia Journalism (Print and Online) and their intermediate awards operate in accordance with the University's Academic Regulations and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in All students should make sure that they access a copy of the current edition of the general University handbook called Essential Westminster, which is available at westminster.ac.uk/essential-westminster. The following regulations should be read in conjunction with the Modular Framework for Postgraduate Courses and relevant sections of the current Handbook of Academic Regulations, which is available at westminster.ac.uk/academic-regulations. Award To qualify for the award of MA Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast), a student must: obtain a minimum of 180 credits at Level 7, including: o 2JSM787, 2MJI701 and 2MJI7H2 o 2FDP7H1, 2FDP7H2 or 2MED7H1 o three 20 credit option modules; and attempt modules worth no more than 240 credits (see section and 18.37); Note: A first attempt of any module will count as an attempt, and a re-attempt of any module that a student has failed will count as a further, separate attempt. Re-assessment following referral at the first sit will not count as a further separate attempt. To qualify for the award of MA Multimedia Journalism (Print and Online), a student must: obtain a minimum of 180 credits at Level 7, including: o 2JSM787, 2MJI701 and 2JSM780 o 2FJP701, 2MJI71H or 2JRN7H9 o three 20 credit option modules; and attempt modules worth no more than 240 credits (see section and 18.37); Note: A first attempt of any module will count as an attempt, and a re-attempt of any module that a student has failed will count as a further, separate attempt. Re-assessment following referral at the first sit will not count as a further separate attempt. The University may award a Masters Degree with Merit to a student whose marks average at least 60% across modules at Level 7 or a Distinction to a student whose marks average at least 70% across the modules at level 7. To qualify for the award of PG Diploma Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast), a student must obtain a minimum of 120 credits at Level 7 including 2JSM787, 2MJI701 and 2MJI7H2 and three 20 credit option modules. To qualify for the award of PG Diploma Multimedia Journalism (Print and Online), a student must obtain a minimum of 120 credits at Level 7 including 2JSM787, 2MJI701 and 2JSM780 and three 20 credit option modules.

10 The University may award a PG Diploma with Merit to a student whose marks average at least 60% across modules at Level 7 or a Distinction to a student whose marks average at least 70% across the modules at level 7, where the PG Diploma is the target award. An intermediate award of a Postgraduate Certificate (normally 60 UK credits at level 7) or a Postgraduate Diploma (normally 120 UK credits at level 7) are also available for students who are unable to complete their target award. Please note the requirements above to be awarded the PG Diploma.

11 Assessment map Level 7 core modules Multimedia Journalism programme Module Credits Essay In Class Test Practical work Presentation Portfolio Project/Diss code 2JSM News monitoring exercise 2,500 words (25%) News portfolio (50%) 2MJI Essay 2,500 words (40%) Law, ethics and public affairs test (50%) Story research brief 1,000 words (25%) Class presentation (20%) 2MJI7H2 (Broadcast) 2JSM780 (Print and Online) 20 Reporting week exercises (30%) 20 Reporting week exercises (30%) Page production exercise (25%) TV portfolio (35%) Radio portfolio (35%) News and features portfolio (45%) 2FDP7H1 60 Critical essay 3,000 words (20%) Radio documentary (30 mins) and web page (80%)

12 2FDP7H2 60 Critical essay 3,000 words (20%) 2FJP Critical essay 3,000 words (20%) 2MJI71H 60 Critical essay 3,000 words (20%) 2JRN7H9 60 Dissertation proposal 1,000 words (10%) Video documentary (12 mins) and web page (80%) Themed series of articles 12,000 words (80%) Website including articles totalling 3,000 words (80%) Dissertation 15,000 words (80%) Total credit weighting of core modules: MA - 60 credits plus 60 credits from final project PG Diploma 60 credits Overall summary Broadcast pathway Please identify below the percentage of the following categories of assessment as a proportion of the core and project modules. A. Exams 0% B. Written coursework 30% C. In Class Tests 5% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/10% if not D. Presentations 5% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/0% if not E. Portfolio/project/dissertation 60% Overall summary Print and Online pathway Please identify below the percentage of the following categories of assessment as a proportion of the core and project modules.

13 A. Exams 0% B. Written coursework 34% C. In Class Tests 5% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/10% if not D. Presentations 5% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/0% if not E. Portfolio/project/dissertation 56% Overall summary PG Diploma Broadcast Please identify below the percentage of the following categories of assessment as a proportion of the core and project modules. A. Exams 0% B. Written coursework 40% C. In Class Tests 10% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/20% if not D. Presentations 10% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/0% if not E. Portfolio/project/dissertation 40% Overall summary PG Diploma Print and Online Please identify below the percentage of the following categories of assessment as a proportion of the core and project modules. A. Exams 0% B. Written coursework 48% C. In Class Tests 10% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/20% if not D. Presentations 10% if take presentation option for 2MJI701/0% if not E. Portfolio/project/dissertation 32%

14 Assessment map Semester 1 Module title Assessment Hand in Multimedia Journalism Skills 1. News writing, reporting and blog 2. News monitoring exercise 2,500 words 3. Story research brief 1,000 words Wk 3 Wk 8 Issues in Journalism Broadcast News News and Feature Writing Semester 2 Law and Ethics Public Institutions Essay Radio Television Reporting week exercises Portfolio of news and features Page production exercise Reporting week exercises Wk 1 (S2) Wk 7 Wk 11 Module title Assessment Hand in Documentary Skills: Radio Television Wk 6 Westminster News Online (WNOL) Website Magazine Production Newsletter Magazine Wk 6 Online Journalism Team website Wk 1 (S3) Investigative Journalism Action Plan and pitch Investigative report Essay: 3000 words Wk 5 Wk 1 (S3) Specialist Journalism inc Lifestyle, Sport, Medical, Story research brief A portfolio of news and feature writing or audio podcast plus web page Essay 25% Wk 5 Sports Journalism Medical and Health Journalism Final Projects Wednesdays (at Marylebone) Tuesdays (at Marylebone) Audio, video or text Reflective / Dissertation Wk 1 (S3) Sociology of News Essay Wk 1 (S3) Magazine Production Fridays End July End Aug

15 Indicative timetable: this is provisional and may change Semester 1 Module title Day Time Multimedia Journalism Skills Issues in Journalism Broadcast News Mondays + Tuesdays (and Wednesdays for first few weeks) Thursdays (tbc) Seminar groups Tuesdays and Wednesdays News and Feature Writing Tuesdays and Wednesdays Semester 2 Module title Day Time Documentary Skills: Mon and Thurs (and some supervision and editing Fridays) Westminster News Online (WNOL) Mon and Thurs (tbc) Magazine Production Wednesdays Online Journalism Tuesdays Investigative Journalism Mondays Specialist Journalism: 1) Sports Wednesdays (at Marylebone) Specialist Journalism: 2) Lifestyle TBC Specialist Journalism: 3) Medical and Health Journalism Tuesdays (at Marylebone) Sociology of News Thursdays

16 Support for students Upon arrival, an induction programme will introduce students to the staff responsible for the course, the campus on which they will be studying, the Library and IT facilities and to the School Registry. Students will be provided with the Course Handbook, which provides detailed information about the course. Students are allocated a personal tutor who can provide advice and guidance on academic matters. Learning support includes four libraries, each holding a collection of resources related to the subjects taught at their School. Students can search the entire library collection online through the Library Search service to find and reserve printed books, and access electronic resources (databases, e-journals, e-books). Students can choose to study in the libraries, which have areas for silent and group study, desktop computers, laptops for loan, photocopying and printing services. They can also choose from several computer rooms at each campus where desktop computers are available with the general and specialist software that supports the courses taught at their School. Students can also securely connect their own laptops and mobile devices to the University wireless network. The University uses a Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard where students access their course materials, and can communicate and collaborate with staff and other students. At University level, Services for Students provide advice and guidance on accommodation, financial and legal matters, personal counselling, health and disability issues, careers and the chaplaincy providing multi-faith guidance. The International Office provides particular support for international students. The University of Westminster Students' Union also provides a range of facilities to support all students during their time at the University. Reference points for the course Internally University of Westminster Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy , Media, Arts and Design School Plan, University of Westminster Technology Enhanced Learning Strategy etc Externally SEEC guidance on level descriptors, QAA Academic Infrastructure Quality management and enhancement Course management The course is managed by Course Leader, Deborah Vogel, who leads the teaching team and manages all the post-graduate journalism courses in the Department, as well as the BA in Medical Journalism. The course is part of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Head of JMC is Geoffrey Davies. The Department is in the School of Media, Art and Design. Course approval, monitoring and review The course was initially approved by a University Validation Panel in The panel included internal peers from the University and external subject specialists from

17 academia and industry to ensure the comparability of the course to those offered in other universities and the relevance to employers. Periodic course review helps to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and that the skills gained on the course continue to be relevant to employers. It was revised in 2012/13 in order to keep pave with contemporary journalism. The course is monitored each year by the School to ensure it is running effectively and that issues which might affect the student experience have been appropriately addressed. Staff will consider evidence about the course, including the outcomes from each Course Committee, evidence of student progression and achievement and the reports from external examiners, to evaluate the effectiveness of the course. The Annual Monitoring Sub-Committee considers the School action plans resulting from this process and the outcomes are reported to the Academic Council, which has overall responsibility for the maintenance of quality and standards in the University. Student involvement in Quality Assurance and Enhancement Student feedback is important to the University and student views are taken seriously. Student feedback is gathered in a variety of ways. The most formal mechanism for feedback on the course is the Course Committee. Student representatives will be elected to sit on the Committee to represent the views of their peer group in various discussions. The University and the Students Union work together to provide a full induction to the role of the Course Committee. All students are invited to complete a Module Feedback Questionnaire before the end of each module. The feedback from this will inform the module leader on the effectiveness of the module and highlight areas that could be enhanced. The University also has an annual Student Experience Survey, which elicits feedback from students about their course and University experience. Students meet with review panels when the periodic review of the course is conducted to provide oral feedback on their experience on the course. Student feedback from course committees is part of the Schools quality assurance evidence base. For more information about this course go to: or contact the course leader, Deborah Vogel. You can apply electronically through UK Pass. Please note: This programme specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. This specification should be read in conjunction with the Course Handbook provided to students and Module Handbooks, which provide more detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content, teaching, learning and assessment methods for each module. Copyright of University of Westminster 2012