PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION. Joint Honours Scheme Journalism. (Major, Joint, Minor)

Transcription

1 College of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Humanities PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Joint Honours Scheme Journalism (Major, Joint, Minor) Programme valid from September 2015 Programme Code: Y002 Valid for delivery at University of Derby

2 Table of Contents SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION... 2 SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS... 3 Overview... 3 Programme Aims... 4 SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES... 5 SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE... 7 Structure and Curriculum... 7 Programme Structure... 8 Personal Development Planning (PDP) SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods Assessment SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS Entry requirements SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Academic Guidance University Support Students with additional needs Work-Based Learning Health and Safety Responsibilities SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS Appendix 1: Curriculum Map... 19

3 SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION Joint Honours Subject Title Joint Honours Scheme Journalism (Major, Joint, Minor) Award title and interim awards Final Awards: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism with Subject B Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism and Subject B Bachelor of Arts/Science (Honours) in Subject A and Journalism Bachelor of Arts/Science (Honours) in Subject A with Journalism Bachelor of Arts/Science in Combined Studies (without honours) Interim Awards: Certificate of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education Mode of Study Full-time or part-time Programme Start Date September 2015 Awarding Institution University of Derby College Managing the Programme Law, Humanities and Social Sciences Institution Delivering the Programme University of Derby External Benchmarks and Accreditation The development of the programme is informed by the Quality Assurance Agency s (QAA) benchmarking statements for academic standards in Communication, Media, and Cultural Studies 2008, focusing on those aspects most appropriate for Journalism. External Accreditation/Recognition None JACS Code(s) P500 Programme specification last updated April 2015 Period of validation Indefinite

4 SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS Overview We believe that there has never been a more exciting time to study journalism. The growth of the Internet and the rapidly changing way that people find news and information has led to an unprecedented level of opportunity for creative, adaptable journalists. Our course at the University of Derby focuses on these opportunities by preparing you for this exciting future, rather than by concentrating on the past. Unlike many other Journalism courses at other universities, our emphasis is on storytelling through the use of multi-media, multi-platform journalism. Younger audiences are moving away from the traditional media diet of pre-packed formulaic storytelling to a more dynamic form of news and our course reflects this by introducing you to the core skills needed to find and tell stories. There is nothing as certain about the future of journalism as the certainty that it will continue to change. Studying at Derby will give you the critical mind that you will to need adapt to those changes. Our strong emphasis on the future is underpinned by a number of distinctive features here at Derby. Our focus on the practical skills required for modern journalism mean that you will spend much of your time creating content, in the forms of video, audio, print and/or online. Small class sizes mean that you will get individual attention as you work, with tutors guiding and supporting you. The course is taught by experienced journalists who have worked for many years in all areas of the industry, including print, radio, TV and online. By continuing to work in the industry, our staff keep their expertise up to date. This is underpinned by industry-standard resources, including a dedicated newsroom and a range of fully equipped radio and TV studios. Our Journalism website enables you to learn about online and convergence journalism within the University while publishing your work to the world. Wherever possible, the course works with professional media companies, charities and arts organisations to ensure that your learning is grounded in the real world. Our students produce content which is used by these organisations as part of their personal development, and so you will be encouraged to develop links with these organisations in order to enhance your career. You will engage with an intellectually stimulating and contemporary course of study that will be personally satisfying in enabling you to explore a variety of interests and to develop a range of high-level academic and practical capabilities. The course aims to foster a balance of theoretical and conceptual knowledge, critical thinking, and editorial and technical skills, in order to equip you for employment, self-employment and/or further study not just in journalism but a wide variety of industries that require confident and multi-skilled graduates. This course allows you to explore both the practical and theoretical elements of Journalism. You will become an informed and critical interpreter of journalism and media, and develop essential journalistic skills, such as the ability to gather news, conduct interviews, take notes, write and produce news, reports and features for a range of outlets and in various different media forms. The course is designed to meet the needs of a fast-paced industry with an emphasis on multiplatform news production. Hence the programme strives to give you a thorough understanding of the evolving conventions of digital and online journalism and familiarity with new convergent technologies. The Journalism course stresses the importance of acquiring employability skills, and through our close relationship with local media, charities and arts organisations, and with the University

5 career centre, we will provide opportunities for you to gain valuable work experience during your time with us. Fieldwork will be incorporated into practical journalism modules and you will also be encouraged to write and produce articles and multi-media reports to build up a portfolio of published work. In addition, you will contribute to the Journalism website. Journalism in the Joint Honours Scheme maintains an emphasis on applied and employability skills that can be transferred to a wide variety of career opportunities outside traditional media. It has the potential to be linked to a variety of subjects, creating more diverse employment possibilities. So, for example, you may choose to link the study of Journalism with Media Studies, Law, Creative Writing, English, or Sports and Exercise Science. The University of Derby is one of a small number in the UK, where you may study for a combined degree including subjects from different colleges and subject areas within the University. This offers you an opportunity to tailor your degree to your own individual needs and career aspirations, whilst maintaining some flexibility. The course gives you the opportunity to develop your journalistic skills by linking them to the other subjects you choose as part of the Joint Honours Scheme. For example, if you chose to study Law with Journalism, you would get the opportunity to do practical work, linked to your legal studies. By linking your journalism skills to another subject in the Joint Honours Scheme you can develop the skills and knowledge to meet the growing demand for specialist journalists in today s world. Programme Aims The University of Derby s Joint Honours Scheme (JHS) offers the opportunity to study two subjects together as a Major/Minor combination, or two equal joint subjects. We offer students a choice of modules within Journalism. This allows you to select modules which are complementary to your second subject and which meet with your personal and professional developmental needs. However, because the skills you acquire within your Journalism modules are built up over the years, there are a number of practical modules which you are required to study each year. The general aims of the JHS are to: Embrace a full range of subject areas; Provide a full opportunity to enable students to develop their interpersonal, communication and career management skills; Enable students to decide the breadth of study they wish to undertake in any one subject; Enable students to delay any decision resulting in a commitment to particular subjects until they have sufficient experience to make that decision; Provide choice of curricular content within subjects whilst retaining coherence for those seeking named awards. In addition to this, the Journalism course has subject-specific aims. These are to: Promote innovative and challenging academic enquiry, which interrogates the relationship between media theories, histories and practices as they relate to Journalism; Provide a programme of study which engages with and develops understanding of production processes and professional practices in Journalism and inspires your passion for the changing nature of Journalism; Engage with contemporary perspectives in industry and the academy which equip you to enter employment or postgraduate research; Develop an empowering curriculum, providing a broad and flexible framework within which you can develop your own interests and strengths; Develop your capacity to learn both in the subject and as a lifelong learner, inspiring selfconfidence and motivation through student-centred learning and assessment.

6 SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES The Programme Learning Outcomes are described in terms of knowledge and understanding, intellectual skills, practical subject specific skills and transferable skills. There is an incremental development between each year of study: the skills, understanding and knowledge developed in the first year will be further developed in the second year, and subsequently enhanced in your final year. Learning Outcomes are designed to show how your learning progresses through the programme. Overall outcomes derive from the various individual module learning outcomes specified at each stage of your study. Therefore, if you successfully demonstrate outcomes within modules you will have satisfied the learning outcomes required by the programme. On successful completion of the Joint Honours Journalism programme you will be able to: Major and Joint Routes Knowledge and Understanding: Have an understanding of the history of communication and media technologies and industries; Understand key production processes and professional practices relevant to Journalism and developing areas in the field; Make professional, technical and formal choices which realise, develop or challenge existing practices and traditions; Reflect upon your own creative practice as a journalist. Demonstrate insight into global, local, national and international cultural experience in relation to Journalism. Intellectual Skills Engage critically with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms relevant to Journalism Studies; Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of forms of communication, media and culture relating to Journalism; Undertake close analysis and critical evaluation of these forms; Develop a substantive knowledge of the field of Journalism Studies; Consider and evaluate your own work in a reflective manner with reference to academic and professional issues, debates and conventions. Practical/Subject Specific Skills Produce work of a professional standard which shows capability of operational aspects of journalistic practice including production technologies, systems, workflows, techniques and professional practices; Produce work which shows an understanding of audiences, and traditional and developing media forms; Demonstrate an independent ability to realise distinctive and creative work in Journalism; Demonstrate the ability to discern how to develop ideas and produce work across multiple media platforms; Critically appraise debates within media, communications and culture with reference to Journalism. Transferable Skills Work productively in a group or team, showing the ability to listen, contribute and lead effectively;

7 Relate to individuals when gathering information through advanced interviewing and interpersonal techniques; Understand the processes of effective and accurate research in relation to information, archive and interviewees; Communicate effectively to target audiences across a wide platform of media; Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, self-direction and reflexivity; Gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate journalistic material cogently and effectively in appropriate forms; Organise and time-manage supervised, self-directed projects, and to deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline; Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as data analysis and wordprocessing to more complex skills using digital multi-media and web-based technologies. Minor Route Knowledge and Understanding: Have an understanding of the history of communication and media technologies and industries; Understand key production processes and professional practices relevant to journalism and developing areas in the field; Make professional, technical and formal choices which realise, develop or challenge existing practices and traditions; Reflect upon your own creative practice as a journalist. Intellectual Skills Engage critically with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms relevant to Journalism Studies; Develop a substantive knowledge of the field of Journalism Studies; Consider and evaluate your own work in a reflective manner with reference to academic and professional issues, debates and conventions. Practical/Subject Specific Skills Produce work of a professional standard which shows capability of operational aspects of journalistic practice including production technologies, systems, workflows, techniques and professional practices; Produce work which shows understanding of audiences, and traditional and developing media forms; Demonstrate an independent ability to realise distinctive and creative work in journalism; Demonstrate the ability to discern how to develop ideas and produce work across multiple media platforms; Critically appraise debates within media, communications and culture with reference to Journalism. Transferable Skills Work productively in a group or team, showing the ability to listen, contribute and lead effectively; Relate to individuals when gathering information through advanced interviewing and interpersonal techniques;

8 Understand the processes of effective and accurate research in relation to information, archive and interviewees; Communicate effectively to target audiences across a wide platform of media; Work in flexible, creative and independent ways, showing self-discipline, self-direction and reflexivity; Gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate journalistic material cogently and effectively in appropriate forms; Organise and time-manage supervised, self-directed projects, and to deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline; Put to use a range of IT skills from basic competences such as data analysis and wordprocessing to more complex skills using digital multi-media and web-based technologies. SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Structure and Curriculum Journalism is a Zone 1 subject in the Joint Honours Scheme. This means it can be combined with Zone 2, 3 and 4 subjects but not with, other Zone 1 subjects. The basic unit of the subject is the module. A single module is worth, while a double module is worth 40 credits. Modules vary in their difficulty and/or required pre-requisite knowledge and are clustered into levels accordingly, while modules of a particular level are normally associated with a specific phase of the subject: Phase of Study Level of Module Common Description Phase 1 Level 4 First Year Phase 2 Level 5 Second Year Phase 3 Level 6 Third (final) Year To pass each stage of the programme, students need to attain 1 worth of modules at a level associated with the stated stage of the programme. There are however some constraints associated with which modules you can access and indeed must take to pass each stage and indeed attain your degree. The status of modules on the JH pathway varies depending on their content and whether students are studying the subject as a Major, Joint or Minor student. Modules can either be prescribed or optional. Some modules also refer to other modules as being pre-requisite modules. A pre-requisite module is a module of a lower level that must have been studied before this module can be accessed. To help you in your selection of modules, you will be given module selection advice when you start your degree and at the end of the academic year. This is to help you select modules that fit your future career aspirations and meet our academic requirements. The number of Journalism modules students must undertake each year also varies depending on whether they are studying Journalism as a Major, Joint or Minor pathway. At each level, you must study any prescribed module and then you must select the appropriate number of optional modules depending on whether you are following a Major, Joint or Minor degree in Journalism. A number of modules are prescribed (i.e. you must take them) as the course is largely practical and so many of the modules in Years 2 and 3 require you to have taken specific modules in earlier years. This is because the later modules build on knowledge and technical skills learnt in earlier modules.

9 In order to qualify for a Major, Joint or Minor award, there is a minimum credit requirement for each subject named in a pathway. For the scheme as a whole, please see the Joint Honours Handbook Due to the practical elements of the Journalism course, students on Joint and Minor programmes will have to study more credits than the minimum laid out within these guidelines at levels 4 and 5, although there is more flexibility at level 6. The usual balance of modules at each stage, though, is as follows:. Each Stage of Study: Select 6 standard modules covering 2 Subjects Major/Minor Pathway Joint Pathway Subject A Subject A Subject B Subject B Programme Structure Students studying Journalism as a Major in the Joint Honours Degree Level 4 You must study three prescribed modules. In addition, there are two optional modules that you can also elect to study. Most students will select one of these options: Introduction to Journalism Introduction to Broadcast News Photojournalism and Reportage Professional Development in Journalism Reporting Reality Level 5 You must study the three prescribed modules. In addition, there are two optional modules that you can also elect to study. Most students will select one of these options: Media Law Broadcast Journalism- Radio Broadcast Journalism-Video Reporting Practices Work Based Learning in Journalism

10 Level 6 You must study the double prescribed module. In addition, there are three optional modules that you can also elect to study. Most students will select two of these options: Convergence Portfolio 40 credits Print Production Project Online Production Project Independent Study in Journalism Students studying Journalism as a Joint Honours Degree Level 4 You must study the three prescribed modules. You can also select one of the optional modules, although most students will only do the prescribed modules at this level: Introduction to Journalism Introduction to Broadcast News Photojournalism and Reportage Professional Development in Journalism Reporting Reality Level 5 You must study the two prescribed modules. You can also select one or two of the optional modules, although most students will only do the prescribed modules plus one option at this level: Media Law Broadcast Journalism- Video Broadcast Journalism- Radio Work Based Learning in Journalism

11 Level 6 You must study the double prescribed Convergence Portfolio. In addition you can also select one or two of the optional modules, although most students will only do one optional module at this level: Convergence Portfolio 40 credits Print Production Project Online Production Project Independent Study in Journalism Students studying Journalism as a Minor part of Joint Honours Degree Level 4 You must study the two prescribed modules: Introduction to Journalism Introduction to Broadcast News Level 5 You must study the prescribed module. In addition you can select one or two of the additional optional modules. Most minor students will study 40 credits of Journalism provision at this stage: Broadcast Journalism-Video Broadcast Journalism- Radio Work Based Learning in Journalism Level 6 For minor students all of the modules at Level 6 are optional. You must study at least of Journalism modules at this stage, and most minor students will study 40 credits: Convergence Portfolio 40 credits Print Production Project Online Production Project Independent Study in Journalism

12 Module content outlines: Level Four All students taking a Joint Honours course with Journalism are required to take two introductory modules that lay the foundation for future modules. Introduction to Journalism develops your skills in applied journalism and the practical skills needed for writing/reporting news and features for print and online. It introduces key academic skills of analysis, critical reflection and research as well as practice techniques of effective newsgathering for specific audiences and outlets. The Introduction to Broadcast News module builds on this to provide you with an induction into the processes, workflows, technical, editorial and intellectual processes involved with the production of radio and video news. You will work both in audio and video, and be introduced to the history, nuances and development of the various genres as well as to the specific requirements of how to construct stories in sound and vision. Students undertaking the course as either Joint or Major combination must also study the Photojournalism and Reportage module, which introduces you to an analysis of the importance of the visual image in constructing journalistic meaning and enables you to explore image gathering, and manipulation, as well as editorial and ethical concerns in relation to the use of still images. It also enables you to study the ways Photojournalism is increasingly produced on multi-media platforms. You will be introduced to skills in digital photography and web applications in a journalism context. Students on the Joint or Major pathway can also choose further modules to study during their first year. Most major students will select one of the following two modules. You can take the Reporting Reality module which contextualises journalism by looking at its role in interpreting history, sociology and politics and creating meaning in the contemporary world. It introduces the analytical study of journalism and examines the socio-cultural context in which journalists have challenged and reflected affairs of the state. You can also study Professional Development in Journalism which focuses on critical thinking, essential skills of researching and recording information, and developing journalistic sensibility and confidence through location work, coverage of local meetings and the use of the Freedom of Information Act to find stories. PDP is embedded within this module along with a focus on academic skills. Level Five The number of prescribed modules at Level 5 depends on which pathway you are following. All students must study the Broadcast Journalism Video module. This is because, with the development of high-speed Internet, almost all jobs involving journalism now contain a large element of video production. Joint and Major students must also take the Media Law module. This enables you to debate issues relating to the legal context within which journalists must work, their legal responsibilities and also the constraints on freedom of expression within the media generally. You will receive a thorough grounding in the laws pertaining to privacy, defamation, copyright, libel and censorship. Major students also take a third prescribed module: Broadcast Journalism Radio. This builds on the introductory module in the first year, Introduction to Broadcast News. It is also available to Joint and Minor students as an option. Work Based Learning in Journalism is available to all Joint Honours Students as an option. This module enables you to link theory and practice in a journalism work environment. You will be required to source and undertake a 12-day period of work-based learning or freelance work.

13 This will include the completion of a project, the outcomes of which are negotiated between yourself, your Module Leader and a mentor at the organisation for which you are working. Major students can also choose to study Reporting Practices a writing module, which hones your newsgathering and storytelling skills for print and online Level Six There are four modules available at Level 6 for all Joint Honours students. For minor students there are no prescribed modules. For Joint and Major students, the Convergence Portfolio double module is prescribed, and you can choose to study further optional modules as appropriate. Convergence Portfolio enables you to specialise in specific areas of journalism and produce a cross platform showcase of your original work in a professional quality portfolio. You will work in print, online, radio, stills and video. This module is though through the academic year in both semesters and it worth 40 credits. Optional modules for all students: Print Production Project gives you the chance to further develop your writing, along with subediting, research and reporting for print products. Online Production Project develops production and editorial skills for online where you will make multi-media news content for the Journalism website in a newsroom situation. Independent Study is an opportunity for you to undertake an in-depth piece of academic journalistic research on an area of your choice, presenting it either as a dissertation or as a practice piece (print feature, radio or video documentary) plus written report. Personal Development Planning (PDP) PDP is embedded throughout the Journalism course but specifically in Professional Development in Journalism at Level 4, Reporting Practices at Level 5 and Convergence Portfolio at Level 6. The Work Based Learning module at Level 5 also provides employability and PDP experience in a focused and professional context. Whatever modules you select you will be developing skills on your future career. Different modules cover study skills, analysis, and various forms of professional research. Others will give you good communication skills, along with the ability to work proactively, either independently or as part of a team. Many journalistic skills are also useful in other professions: writing, production of multi-platform journalism products, pitching and presentation, and developing story ideas. The practical elements of many modules will help build your confidence, create networks, and enhance your time and workload management skills. You will be encouraged to understand that in the competitive world of media jobs, a degree is not enough. You will be helped to build a portfolio of creative work both in class and outside to give you a tangible advantage when speaking to potential employers. From the very beginning of your course, you will be taken on field trips to see journalism in action. The different forms of journalism and the way they are used feature heavily in the modules and the guest speakers who visit our course. We invite many external visitors to speak to our students every year, along with former students who talk about the transition from studying to work. Our small class sizes and frequent tutorials and seminars, allow us to have individual discussions with you about your ambitions and the career routes open to you. Almost all students also undertake work experience outside the course, over and above the formal work-

14 based learning module at level 5. You will be encouraged to create content for professional organisations whenever possible. The work-based learning module at level 5 encourages you to explore different opportunities as well as traditional media. Tutors on the course have excellent contacts with local newspapers, radio and TV stations, and a number of other organisations, all of which are available for work experience opportunities throughout the year. SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods We actively involve our students in their own learning. As much as possible, you will learn by doing. Wherever we can, your learning is linked to the real world, producing content to be published by professional media organisations who work with our course to help maintain currency and legitimacy. All modules encourage you to develop awareness, acquire knowledge, think critically and reflexively, and develop your skills of analysis. Class discussions involve every student and will often centre on issues being discussed in the media at the time. Professional practice modules will enable you to develop creative production skills, understand workflow processes, carry out effective research and verification, and, of course, develop the armoury of professional skills required to work in the field of contemporary Journalism. Our students work in small class sizes. While other universities will have more than a hundred students in a lecture theatre, most of our classes take place in a newsroom where each student has a computer and the tutor has time to give individual feedback and help. The small class sizes also allow tutors to encourage you to work on areas of journalism that interest you. This is particularly important for joint honours students wishing to combine Journalism with your second subject to open up career opportunities in your chosen field. Learning and teaching methods include lectures from Journalism tutors, all of whom are industry professionals. Our lectures almost always include practical sessions where students are expected to combine the theory with their practical skills to produce journalistic content. You will also benefit from visiting specialists, plus seminars, workshops, location work, field trips, group work, self-directed research and study, individual tutorials and a range of e-learning opportunities and learning support options. Modules may utilise the Journalism website ( both educationally and as a publishing space, and we will run news days, voice training sessions and special workshops on such areas as freelancing and running your own journalist-based business in the contemporary multi-media landscape. Assessment The majority of your marks will come from producing journalistic content for a variety of platforms: print, online, video and radio. There are no examinations within the prescribed modules, but you may have to sit exams if you choose certain modules. Depending on your choice of modules, other assessments will include report writing, academic essays, process analyses, case studies, presentations, reflexive diaries, self-evaluation, dissertations and extended reports. Modules all contain elements of non-assessed formative assessment, which may involve presentations, technical tasks or seminar contributions.

15 Although we have some modules which run across the academic year, many modules are delivered within a single semester and this can result in concentrations of assignments towards the end of the semesters. The ability to manage time and workload is a key transferable skill which is invaluable in the workplace. Nevertheless, the Journalism staff will try to stagger deadlines for module assignments so that you are not overloaded at any one time. If you have difficulties in regard to time management, help is available through student support services, personal tutors, module tutors and year tutors. However, it should be emphasised that a key skill for a journalist is to work to a deadline and this is usually a requirement of effective work in the field. Detailed information on assessments for each module is contained in the relevant module handbooks and is also available on UDo. Submission dates for coursework will be communicated to you at the start of each semester. Coursework will be returned to you with detailed comments. You are also encouraged to make tutorial appointments, so that you can discuss your assignments in the preparation stage and receive additional feedback on your work. Quality of marking is assured by internal and external moderation. This course operates within the University s Regulatory Framework and conforms with its regulations on assessment. All students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking their study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS Entry requirements Our entry requirements can be found on the course specific pages on the University of Derby website, via: The UCAS tariff points are a guide. We will also consider all the information that you have included in your application. We will also want to see that you are enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university. For further information see the general University of Derby entry requirements, which can be found via We hold Open and Applicant Days throughout the year, at which you will be able to find further information on our entry procedures. We do not usually hold interviews, although we may offer an interview if there is any uncertainty concerning your suitability for the programme. The University has embraced the spirit and content of the Special Education Needs and Disability Act (SENDA) documentation. All Subjects in the Scheme have a clear and effective strategy for ensuring that access on to their programme of study is as wide as possible for students with declared disabilities. The process is officially initiated by application, although in many cases this is pre-empted by discussions on visit days prior to application. If appropriate, following application to the Scheme, a meeting with the applicant, the relevant Subject Leaders, Student Support Services and the Disability Advisor(s) for the relevant Colleges may be convened. This allows an evaluation of the needs and available facilities to be made and a support plan to be worked out and agreed by all parties. This means that support can be available immediately on enrolment. The support plan is monitored and modified as required throughout the period of study.

16 Within the context of the University s Mission statement and Equal Opportunities policy, the programme aims to attract applicants with a variety of backgrounds and experience. Accredited Prior Learning (APL): It may be possible for some applicants (especially mature students) to receive credit for relevant prior experience and/or learning. APL applicants will be considered on an individual case-by-case basis in line with University of Derby regulations. International Students Applications from European and international students are welcomed. To begin the course with us, you will need to have qualifications and experience that are at the same level, as we would expect from a UK student applying for the same course. You will also require adequate English language skills. If English is not your first language, we usually expect you to have at least one of these qualifications: IELTS 6.5 TOEFL 550 paper based (213 computer based or 80 internet based) Cambridge Advanced Certificate pass London Tests of English: We accept level 4 for undergraduates and level 5 for postgraduates. International GCE O-Level English Language grade C International GCSE English/English as a second Language grade C AES Proficiency pass. These are the basic English levels that you will need. It is possible that you will have to pass a written test, prior to being offered a place, in order to assess your language skills. Good English skills, both in written and verbal communication, are essential for the study of Journalism. If you require any further information, you can contact our International Office. SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE In managing your studies, you will find the following support and guidance within the University at an academic and personal level. As a student on the Joint Honours programme you can find support within the Journalism course and centrally through the support offered in the Joint Honours scheme. Academic Guidance Module leaders, Personal Tutors, and the Subject Leader are all involved in providing academic support and they are regularly available through office hours. You can also contact us via or telephone to arrange an appointment, or speak to us in person during classes. Subject Leader: the Subject Leader is usually the best person to consult for subject specific advice, and they will often signpost you to the appropriate places to get support. You are required to consult the Journalism Subject Leader before making module choices. Personal tutors: all Major and Joint students will be allocated a personal tutor. Your personal tutor is responsible in managing your academic journey. You will also meet with your Personal tutor to discuss your Personal Development Planning. Module leaders: Module leaders are the people who manage your learning experience through the module, and are the main people who are responsible for the teaching you on the modules.

17 All the modules we offer have thorough support mechanisms in place to enable you to engage fully in the work and be able to deliver the necessary assignments. Our team of approachable staff offer personal tutorial times and so we encourage you to liaise with the programme team throughout the teaching period to ensure that the work never becomes unmanageable or too stressful. University Support In addition to the support offered by the subject team, additional academic support is provided for all Joint Honours students by the Joint Honours Scheme. The College Joint Honours Academic Leaders are academic members of staff who will provide you with guidance and support for all aspects of your Joint Honours programme. In addition to this, there is a Student Liaison Officer (SLO). The SLO can help you with a range of issues within the University and can help you to find the most appropriate source of specialist advice. There is also University wide support. Most services are accessible on a drop-in basis through the Student Support Centre and also offer appointments if you would like to discuss personal or academic related matters in more detail. Please familiarise yourself with the services and if you are experiencing any difficulties make sure that you speak to someone about it. Students with additional needs The University operates within the guidelines of the Equality and Disability Act 2010, the European Union Race Relations 2003 code and the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 now part of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. The University Equality and Diversity Policy encapsulates principles which are actively applied to all University services, processes and procedures and monitored regularly. Those with study support plans are assisted to learn in bespoke ways in accordance with appropriate legislation and in conjunction with the range of support staff in the Student Services Team. Work-Based Learning We encourage you to seek work placements in journalism during the holidays and weekends over the three years of your degree. Tutors can often help with this, and you may wish to consider finding work experience which combines your interest in both Journalism and your other Joint Honours subject. All students studying Journalism can also opt for the Work-Based Learning module at level 5 which involves a two week placement along with a negotiated project and report. On these modules you will be responsible for arranging your work experience directly with an employer. Work experience can be spread over the semester, or taken as short block releases, normally about two to three days. Alternatively, you may also be able to work during your vacation(s). Before embarking on Work-based Learning, you will need to negotiate your intended learning outcomes with your tutors and in consultation with your employer/ workplace mentor. These learning outcomes form the basis of your report, which is part of your assessment. Health and Safety Responsibilities (a) Off-Site organisations providing work-based learning or placements have a general duty to ensure your health and safety. Take account of your potential inexperience for activities you may be asked to undertake, and put into place, appropriate controls. (b) Students should not to do anything that puts their own or other people s health and safety at risk. Follow health and safety instructions, information and training. Never intentionally misuse anything provided for health and safety reasons. Bring any health and safety concerns to the

18 attention of the off-site provider and your tutor/subject leader in the Journalism department as soon as possible. SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES As a graduate of a Joint Honours degree with Journalism, a range of potential employment opportunities will be open to you, particularly combined with the skills and knowledge from your other subject. The programme, while not offering full vocational training, is nevertheless largely practice based and, therefore, will give you the foundations needed to start to build a career using modern journalistic techniques. You are likely to find career opportunities in online businesses or working for organisations in your chosen area, which need to tell their story to the world. Increasingly organisations will seize the opportunity to talk directly to their core audience, thereby controlling their own narrative. To do this, they will need people with the storytelling skills of a journalist and the specialist knowledge that comes with working within the organisation. The programme also prepares you for future study. Our MA in Humanities gives Journalism graduates the option to continue their studies at the University of Derby. This postgraduate course allows students to develop their academic research and produce either practical and/or theoretical research-based work. Whereas it is envisaged most graduates will seek careers utilising their journalistic skills, you will have sufficient transferable skills to work in careers in or relating to teaching, archiving and research, arts administration, librarianship, public relations and advertising, museums, local government, advertising and the corporate communications industry. You will have the practical and theoretical skills appropriate for multi-platform journalism in print, online or broadcast journalism as opportunities arise, and the academic skills appropriate for postgraduate study in areas across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Tutors are all active in the various fields of print, photojournalism, online, radio and TV journalism. Journalism tutors regularly attend and hold conferences and forums nationally on issues related to a wide range of journalistic concerns and developments. Many of the tutors hold national and international awards for their work in journalism and production. Journalism holds regular discussions with Guest Speakers from the industry and contributes to Creative Conferences, Media Forums events and talks within the department for students. You will be encouraged to make links with outside news organisations, work in local radio stations, write articles for media outlets and produce blogs. Derby has an active athletics union with its own sports website, and you are encouraged to get involved with the student radio station and other student media, including the campus newspaper. You will be encouraged to add to your portfolio of published work throughout your programme, and this can include any work you may have published on the Journalism website, You will be encouraged to attend conferences, develop your contacts and learn how to network within the industry while you are still at university, for example by attending our annual employability day at which a wide range of media professionals give talks and workshops on working in the industry. SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS The Journalism course at Derby works closely with professional media organisations to give students real-world experience. We also work with a number of charities and arts organisations, so that students can use their journalism skills outside the traditional media industry. This gives Joint Honours students the opportunity to explore the value of their learning in specialist areas, linking well with their second subject.

19 Journalism develops a range of skills that are attractive to employers and which we aim to emphasise through personal development planning. These include the ability to: Communicate well in written, oral or visual forms Comprehend and analyse different journalistic forms efficiently and critically, with an eye for spotting potential subtexts or vested interests Think creatively, proactively and independently Manage one s time and meet deadlines under pressure in a variety of situations Accurately collect, collate and verify information from a variety of sources Use electronic media to research and produce focussed and fact-checked documents Work effectively in teams of varying sizes to achieve set objectives Communicate with the public easily and with commitment and empathy. In addition to developing these skills there is also a focus on employability and pro-activity in gaining work. Students are encouraged to practice journalism with various organisations while still studying. Apart from working for media organisations, such work might include, for example, working with arts festivals, charities or institutions looking to tell their story directly to an audience. Our annual employability day has attracted speakers from organisations as diverse as the BBC, YouTube, Sheffield Doc/Fest and Cadbury s. Many students do undertake work experience with traditional media companies, but in recent years we have also worked with Déda (Derby Dance), Derby Jazz, and individual bands and promoters. To this end the ability to work as a freelance with various income streams is implicit in the practice modules, and explicit in the Professional and Personal Development parts of the curriculum. There is also a Careers Development Centre which can offer advice, and you will also be alerted to specific activities such as recruitment fairs, C.V. workshops, journalism competitions and opportunities to contribute to local journals and papers.

20 Appendix 1: Curriculum Map The tables below set out which modules allow you the opportunity to fulfil the Programme Learning Outcomes (which are laid out above). Knowledge and Understanding Learning Outcome 1 Learning Outcome 2 Learning Outcome 3 Learning Outcome 4 Learning Outcome 5 (Major, Joint) Have an understanding of the history of communication and media technologies and industries. Understand key production processes and professional practices relevant to journalism and developing areas in the field. Make professional, technical and formal choices which realise, develop or challenge existing practices and traditions. Reflect on your own creative practice as a journalist. Demonstrate insight into global, local, national and international cultural experience in relation to Journalism. through studying all practice modules and most theory modules. through studying all practice modules, but particularly Intro to Journalism, Intro to Broadcast News, Photojournalism and Reportage, Reporting Practices, Broadcast Journalism Radio, Broadcast Journalism Video, WBL in Journalism, Convergence Portfolio, Print Production Project, Online Production Project. through studying all practice modules, but particularly Intro to Journalism, Intro to Broadcast News, Photojournalism and Reportage, Reporting Practices, Broadcast Journalism Radio, Broadcast Journalism Video, WBL in Journalism, Convergence Portfolio, Print Production Project, Online Production Project. through studying all practice modules and Introduction to Journalism and WBL in Journalism. through studying most practice modules plus Reporting Reality and Independent Study in Journalism.

21 Intellectual Skills Learning Outcome 1 Learning Outcome 2 (Major, Joint) Learning Outcome 3 (Major, Joint) Learning Outcome 4 Learning Outcome 5 Engage critically with major thinkers, debates and intellectual paradigms relevant to Journalism Studies. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of forms of communication, media and culture relating to Journalism. Undertake close analysis and critical evaluation of these forms including how different social groups may engage with them. Develop a substantive knowledge of the field of Journalism Studies. Consider and evaluate your own work in a reflective manner with reference to academic and professional issues, debates and conventions. through most practice modules, and also through studying Reporting Reality, Media Law, and Independent Study in Journalism. through studying all practice modules, and also through studying Reporting Reality, Media Law, and Independent Study in Journalism. This outcome can be partially met through studying all practice modules, but can be fully met through studying Reporting Reality, Media Law, and Independent Study in Journalism. through most practice modules, and also through studying Reporting Reality, Media Law, and Independent Study in Journalism through studying most practice modules and most theory modules. Practical / Subject Specific Skills Learning Outcome 1 Learning Outcome 2 Learning Outcome 3 Learning Outcome 4 Learning Outcome 5 Produce work of a professional standard which shows capability of operational aspects of journalistic practice including production technologies, systems, workflows, techniques and professional practices. Produce work which shows understanding of audiences, and traditional and developing media forms. Demonstrate an independent ability to realise distinctive and creative work in Journalism. Demonstrate the ability to discern how to develop ideas and produce work across multiple media platforms. Critically appraise debates within media, communications and culture with reference to Journalism. by studying all practice modules. through studying practice modules at Levels 5 and 6. Level 4 practice modules prepare students for professional standard work. through studying all practice modules and Introduction to Journalism and WBL in Journalism. through studying all practice modules at all levels as convergence is embedded throughout the programme. through studying most practice, theory and research modules. All practice modules include academic work which involves putting the professional practice skills into a theory context.