Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for Television Journalism BA Television Journalism Single Honours 1. Awarding institution Middlesex University 2. Teaching institution Middlesex University 3. Programme accredited by 4. Final qualification BA Honours 5. Programme Television Journalism 6. JACS code (or other relevant coding system) 7. Relevant QAA subject benchmark group(s) P311 (TV Studies) P500 (Journalism) 8. Academic Year 2007-2008 Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies 9. Reference points QAA Benchmarking Statement for Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) QAA Codes of Practice Middlesex University Regulations Middlesex University Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy (document LTS4) Middlesex University Corporate Plan Programme Validation Panel, External Examiners, Staff and Student Feedback The Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries (Skillset) Guidelines Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) Guidelines
10. Aims of the programme The main aims of the programme are: through reflective practice, to develop the appropriate production and journalistic skills necessary for students to be able to progress to a career in the television news and factual sector to provide students with an advanced understanding of, and critical awareness regarding, concepts and theoretical approaches in the study of television journalism to develop a range of professional skills essential to television journalism as well as related channels of communication, as they increasingly demand flexible working practices to enable students to explore and reflect on the practical implications of working in this sector and to continuously evaluate areas of personal strength and weakness. 11. Programme outcomes - the programme offers opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes. A. Knowledge and understanding On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1. analytical concepts and methods of enquiry appropriate to the study of television journalism, with an appropriate technical vocabulary for discussing the subject area 2. relevant techniques for collecting and evaluating data and analysing and presenting arguments and evidence in the major areas of television journalism 3. the demands of professional practice in the television journalism sector Teaching/learning methods Students gain knowledge and understanding through: Reflective analysis and constructive criticism (offered by tutors and peers). Lectures, seminar exercises and tutorials Coursework assignments that include research projects, essays and classroom presentations. Participation in class discussions and exercises Individual reading assignments. (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details.) Assessment Students knowledge and understanding is assessed by: The accuracy and quality of performance and output Reflective production logs Staff-directed self-assessment Coursework essays, research projects and classroom presentation tasks. (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details) 2 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
B. Cognitive (thinking) skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. conceive and develop television news and factual stories, constructing and managing coherent arguments in speech and writing 2. critically analyse relevant media practices and acts of communication, adopting a systematic approach reflecting current work in television journalism studies 3. reflect, analyse and evaluate their own performance of a given role within a production team 4. evaluate arguments, analyses, and theories, distinguishing descriptive systems from the phenomena they describe and from interpretations of them Teaching/learning methods Students learn cognitive skills through: Lectures, seminar exercises and tutorials Coursework essays, research projects, and reflective production logs Classroom presentations and discussion Individual reading. (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details) Assessment Students cognitive skills are assessed by: Written assignments - coursework essays, research projects and other forms of written work. The presentation of programme ideas, in a variety of different ways. Reflective Learning Logs (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details) BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 3
C. Practical skills On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to: 1. communicate effectively via a number of related media channels, both in speech and writing 2. demonstrate professional competency in a range of different video and audio news gathering equipment, working confidently within both single-camera and studio production teams 3. collect, analyse, manipulate and present evidence and data of different kinds 4. reflect on own communicative practice Teaching/learning methods Students learn practical skills through: Group practice (television production) supported by skills training workshops Classroom and coursework exercises which require related journalism skills (writing and research). Seminar exercises, tutorials, research projects, classroom presentations, discussions in class, individual reading. (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details) Assessment Students practical skills are assessed by observation of performance, final output, reflective production logs, coursework essays, research projects, production paperwork and classroom presentation tasks. (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details) D. Graduate Skills On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to: 1. reflect on personal and career development 2. engage in effective learning and problemsolving 3. communicate effectively in speech and writing, with an understanding of the dynamics of communication 4. work in teams to achieve common goals, as well as independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and timemanagement 5. Demonstrate effective and appropriate information technology skills 6. Demonstrate effective numeracy skills Teaching/learning methods Students learn relevant key skills through lectures, seminar exercises, tutorials, work experience, (preparation of) coursework essays, reflective production logs, classroom presentations, discussion in class, individual reading. See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details. Assessment Students graduate skills are assessed by coursework essays, coursework exercises, and classroom presentation tasks. (See Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy for details) 4 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
12. Programme structures & requirements, levels, modules, credits & qualifications 12. 1 Overall structure of the programme BA Television Journalism is a full time single honours programme, normally studied over three years. To complete the programme successfully, students must gain a total of 360 credits, including 220 credits at level two and above, of which 120 credits are at level three. Level 1 Students are required to take all four modules offered at level one, each with a tariff weighting of 30 credits. Those who complete the year successfully will therefore progress to their level two studies with 120 credits. The four modules at level one are: - Introduction to Television Studies (TVP1001) - Single Camera Production (TVP1530) - Introduction to Journalism (JCM1000) - Media Moralities (PHL1300) Between them, these modules combine to introduce students to: - the study and transferable skills they will need to be successful in higher education and beyond - an understanding of the current dynamic television production landscape and specific career opportunities that lie within the journalism sector - the news and documentary television genres - the fundamentals of journalistic practice writing with clarity, accuracy and balance, working to deadlines, sub-editing, data collection and analysis - the complete production process from story idea to delivery - operating skills in a number of technical production disciplines, including camera, sound, lighting and editing - health and safety within the television production process presentation skills - strategies for successful team working - the roles and associated responsibilities within small and large production teams - the history, contemporary structure and issues associated with the UK and international television industries and markets - the impact of television and related media on our lives and the ethical dimensions associated with representation and practice BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 5
Level 2 At the end of their first year, students are asked make an informed choice of study for their second year. These choices support individual progression routes to work, vocation or further academic study. Students must complete Television News form and practice (TVP2120) which has a tariff-weighting of 60 credits. Combined with this compulsory module, students can choose one of three alternative study options. Two of these are single modules that also carry a tariff-weighting of 60 credits. The third is a combination of two 30 credit modules. Whatever the choice of study pathway, students who complete the year successfully will progress to their final year of study with a further 120 credits. COMPULSORY Television News Form and Practice (TVP2120) 60 credits Students must also choose one of the following study options: OPTION 1 Television Documentary Form and Practice (TVP2110) 60 credits OPTION 2 Campaigning Video (JCM2300) 60 credits OPTION 3 Media, Image and Power (MCS2300) 30 credits with Issues in Journalism and Communication (JCM2000) 30 credits In relation to both factual television genres - the compulsory TV News Form and Practice (TVP2120) and Option 1 TV Documentary Form and Practice (TVP2110) modules deliver: - an in-depth study of the genre s history and contemporary practice - intermediate-level concept development - intermediate-level technical operations skilling - intermediate-level production practice skilling - a thorough understanding of human and financial resource management - a thorough understanding of the role of research within the production process - a thorough understanding of the legal and compliance issues within the sector - a pragmatic understanding of the career opportunities within the genre - an understanding of the changing landscape of television with particular reference to the implications for skills and knowledge 6 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
The Option 2 Campaigning Video (JCM2300) module delivers: an in-depth study of the form s history and contemporary practice the necessary skills and the relevant tools to enable students to create their own work in this field an understanding of how to plan a campaign video (identifying its aims, audience, investigation/research required, potential distribution channels etc ) an appropriate level of technical operations skilling intermediate-level production practice skilling a thorough understanding of human and financial resource management a thorough awareness of the role of different contexts and possibilities for using video as a means of social change a thorough understanding of the legal and compliance issues within the sector an understanding of the changing landscape of video distribution with particular reference to the implications for skills and knowledge The Option 3 combination of Media, Image and Power (MCS2300) with Issues in Journalism and Communication (JCM2300) delivers: - an understanding of media images as a form of communication and the contemporary developments in society and culture which shape our experience of media images - an ability to comprehend key debates in media and cultural theory which enable the interrogation of the power of media images from a variety of angles - a consideration of genre and the convergences between static and moving images produced by digital technologies. - an awareness of how contexts, circulation and regulation can shape the meaning of media images - an awareness of the importance of rigour and method in the development of knowledge research skills that students need to flourish in academic and vocational contexts - an understanding of the importance of thinking critically and strategies for critical questioning - an underlying awareness of journalism and communication theories and the key ways in which these theories inform journalism, media studies and the self-understanding of media professionals. - an ability to apply media theoretical questions about communication (who says what to whom in what channel and with what effect) to contemporary media production. BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 7
Level 3 Students are required to take both modules offered to them in their final year of study. Each has a tariff-weighting of 60 credits. Those who complete the year successfully will therefore progress with a further 120 credits and all being well, graduate with a BA Honours degree. The two modules at level three are: Final Project (TVP3100) Proposition (TVP3110) The Final Project (TVP3100) module allows students to develop their production skills and their understanding of specific roles to an advanced level. All production practice is measured against professional standards and the module aims to equip students as fully as possible with the skills and tools necessary for a future career in television or its related industries. The Proposition (TVP3110) module allows students the flexibility to pursue their own areas of interest arising from their previous two years of study at university. Students can propose a single large project or choose to be assessed on several smaller assignments. Working in tandem with the Final Project module the Proposition module is both future-oriented and outward-looking. The aim of this module is to prepare students for life after graduation by encouraging independent planning and learning for assignments that will bridge to future progression pathways. The coursework assignment that students propose might include: - A work experience / work shadowing report and evaluation - A dissertation - A case study - A substantial piece of programme research - A plan for a community project - A media-centred campaign for change - A television-related initiative (e.g. a website) 8 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
12.2 Levels and modules Level 1: Students take 4 compulsory modules at level 1 (TVP1001, TVP1530, JCM1000, PHL1300). These modules combine practical, theoretical and analytical work, including reflection on the students own communicative practices. Together they introduce key concepts, techniques and skills, and indicate the scope of the subject. COMPULSORY DESIGNATED OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS Students must take all of the following: TVP1001 (30 Credits) TVP1530 (30 Credits) JCM1000 (30 Credits) PHL1300 (30 Credits) None None Students must achieve at least 120 credits, at least 100 of which are at level 1, in order to progress to degree-level work. Level 2: There are four modules on offer at level 2. One of these is compulsory (TVP2120) and students must combine this compulsory module with one of three alternative study options (Option1 - TVP2110, Option 2 - JCM2300 or Option 3 - MCS2300 with JCM2000) TVP2120, TV2110 and JCM2300 are all 60 credit form and practice-centred modules, and the fundamental aims common to all are: to increase the production skills level of students (whether creative, craft, research or resource management) within the context of the chosen genre to give an in-depth understanding of the history and contemporary practice of that genre to study the changing landscape of the production and distribution processes in relation to future career opportunities within the genre in the television industry MCS2300 with JCM2000 provides students with a more theoretical alternative to their programme of study and will suit students (perhaps inspired by the level 1 Media Moralities module) interested in the wider study of journalistic issue and practice within the media and communications fields. BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 9
COMPULSORY DESIGNATED OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS Students must take all of the following: None Students must complete all of these modules before graduating. TVP2120 (60 Credits) Option 1 TVP2110 (60 Credits) Option 2 MCS2300 (60 Credits) Option 3 MCS2300 (30 Credits) with JCM2000 (30 Credits) Level 3: There are two compulsory level three modules: Final Project (TVP3100) Proposition (TVP3110) Between them, these modules aim to prepare students as thoroughly as possible for progression to work, vocation or further study. Students are given much more responsibility for the planning and direction of their studies, including the choice of production roles and coursework assignments. All production practice at level 3 is measured against professional criteria and the focus is to advance personal skills levels, interests, knowledge of industry and networks to allow students to take a confident step into life after graduation. 10 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
COMPULSORY DESIGNATED OPTIONAL PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS Students must take all of the following: Students must also choose 1 modules from the following list: TVP3100 (60 Credits) TVP3110 (60 Credits) 13. A curriculum map relating learning outcomes to modules See Curriculum Map attached. 14. Criteria for admission to the programme Requirement of 240 tariff points. We also accept students who have passed appropriate access courses and mature students with a wide variety of backgrounds. Students whose first language is not English must have an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 and a score of not less than 6.0 for each element. Students who score less than 6.0 on any component are strongly recommended to take the appropriate Middlesex University preparation programme. Direct entry to level 2 of the programme is considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no direct entry at level 3. 15. Information about assessment regulations Middlesex University regulations apply. 16. Indicators of quality Evidence of quality will come from: annual monitoring validation and review events reports from External Examiners student feedback student achievement during and after study staff research profile 17. Particular support for learning Throughout the programme of study TVJ offers introductory, intermediate and advanced workshops to help with related technical skills. This includes the operation of studio technologies, as well as single camera and editing equipment. BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 11
18. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning Quality and standards will be monitored and maintained by means of: Boards of Studies External examiners reports Student feedback questionnaires Annual monitoring reports Group teaching, peer observation and discussion of teaching Annual staff appraisal and related programmes of training Staff development events, including away days 19. Placement opportunities, requirements and support There is no formal work placement module on the degree. However, the staff team actively supports students in finding worthwhile work experience and work shadowing opportunities. The Proposition module at level 3 (TVP3110) gives students the choice of gaining credit for work experience as part of their assessment. A guest speaker programme that includes career advice that is particular to the challenges that face new entrants supports this. In conjunction with the Careers unit at Middlesex University, this module is preceded by lectures and workshops at level 1 and level 2, during which students investigate opportunities across the industry, update CVs, prepare themselves for interview, and apply for work experience. Students are encouraged to arrange their own work experience in order to equip themselves for the task of job seeking at the end of their degree. 12 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
20. Future careers: how achieving the qualification will support future career development BA Television Journalism has been developed in consultation with practitioners from the industry sector with the intention of providing students with an education that equips them with the appropriate knowledge and skills required of new entrants. The degree provides students with an extensive knowledge-base and a large number of industry-recognised skills relating to the sector. The programme has been designed to comply with essential standards as laid down by recognised industry bodies. The qualification also facilitates reflection at all levels on personal development in relation to progression, as well as intensive career planning at level three. The degree covers many types of news and factual production that equips students to work in a wide variety of industry contexts. There is a strong emphasis on multi-skilling and contemporary development s in production and distribution. The degree insists throughout on flexible skills teamworking, adaptability, independent-working which will be required in further career development. It also caters for those students with ambitions to move to postgraduate level as the next step in their studies or their career development. A more theoretical study option at level 2 allow students to explore the wider issues associated with journalistic practice within the media and communications fields. The level 3 Proposition module facilitates more in-depth theoretical study when required. 21. Other information. Please note: this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 13
Curriculum map for BA Television Journalism This map shows the main measurable learning outcomes of the programme and the modules in which they are assessed. A. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING B. COGNITIVE (THINKING) SKILLS C. PRACTICAL SKILLS D. GRADUATE SKILLS Module Title Code A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3 B4 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 1 Introduction to Television Studies TVP1001 X X X X X X X X X Single Camera Production TVP1530 X X X X X X X X Introduction to Journalism JCM1000 X X X X X X X X X X X X Media Moralities PHL1300 X X X X X X 2 Television News Form and Practice TVP2120 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Television Documentary Form and Practice TVP2110 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Campaigning Video JCM2300 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Media, Image and Power MCS2300 X X X X X X Issues in Journalism and Communication JCM2000 X X X X X X X 3 Final Project TVP3100 X X X X X X X X X X X Proposition TVP3110 X X X X X X X X X 14 BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008
Programme learning outcomes (A) Knowledge and understanding A1 A2 A3 Analytical concepts and methods of enquiry appropriate to the study of television journalism, with an appropriate technical vocabulary for discussing the subject area Relevant techniques for collecting and evaluating data and analysing and presenting arguments and evidence in the major areas of television journalism The demands of professional practice in the television journalism sector (B) Cognitive skills B1 B2 B3 B4 Conceive and develop television news and factual stories, constructing and managing coherent arguments in speech and writing Critically analyse relevant media practices and acts of communication, adopting a systematic approach reflecting current work in television journalism studies Reflect, analyse and evaluate their own performance of a given role within a production team Evaluate arguments, analyses, and theories, distinguishing descriptive systems from the phenomena they describe and from interpretations of them (C) Practical skills C1 C2 C3 C4 Communicate effectively via a number of related media channels, both in speech and writing Demonstrate professional competency in a range of different video and audio news gathering equipment, working confidently within both single-camera and studio production teams Collect, analyse, manipulate and present evidence and data of different kinds Reflect on the student s own communicative practice (D) Graduate skills D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 Reflect on personal and career development Engage in effective learning and problem-solving Communicate effectively in speech and writing, with an understanding of the dynamics of communication Work in teams to achieve common goals, as well as independently, demonstrating initiative, self-organisation and time-management Demonstrate effective and appropriate information technology skills Demonstrate effective numeracy skills BA Television Journalism Student Handbook 2007/2008 15