ObjectivesThis intensive programme of preparation for periodical journalism is run in association with the Periodicals Training Council and recognised by the National Union of Journalists. You will be equipped with the basic skills needed to work for business, specialist and professional journals and consumer magazines. A four-week placement in an editorial office will support and enhance the development of your practical skills. Your employment prospects within the magazine business will be good if you have had the benefit of this fast-track pre-entry course. Principal study areas are: interviewing, reporting, sub-editing, feature writing, layout, desktop publishing and law for journalists. The emphasis is on the development of practical skills and most of the course is delivered through seminars and workshops.
Entry requirementsApplicants will normally have a first degree (BA or FdA), HND, professional qualification or equivalent experience. Applications must be supported by a short essay titled 'Why I want to be a journalist’. Selection is made by interview and a short test to assess command of English and knowledge of both current affairs and the industry.
The course is taught over three and a half days, normally on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings (subject to change) with an optional enrichment programme also available free of charge. You would be expected to attend all taught hours and spend the rest of week in self-managed work at home or in college.
Students will work on projects related to these curriculum units:
-Feature writing, research and interviewing
-News writing and Media Law
-Sub-Editing and DTP*
-On-line journalism*
-Broadcast journalism*
-Work Attachment* - Students without relevant work experience are particularly encouraged to choose this elective.
*electives offered subject to availability
Career Prospects
Students completing the Graduate Certificate in Periodical Journalism can expect to find employment as reporters, feature writers or sub editors in the magazine industry, writing on-line for journalistic websites; in junior positions producing or writing for radio. Whilst the mainstay of the course is periodicals some graduates of the Grad Cert’s predecessor course have historically also been employed on local, provincial and national newspapers as information and press officers; and as TV researchers.