MA-Postgraduate Diploma Journalism - Television Pathway
ObjectivesTaught by practising journalists and broadcasters, students on this course will develop a broad range of journalistic skills. Regarded highly by the industry as one of the top practice-based courses in Europe, it has a close relationship with BBC and national newspaper practicioners. Its London location puts it at the heart of British and international media. The course consists of a common core of study in journalism methods, story origination and research and investigation techniques. You will gain a portfolio of advanced skills across a range of media forms, informed by theory of media ownership, structures and institutions in the UK and Europe. You will produce a critical appraisal of media ethics and law as applied to norms of professional journalism. The programme provides an opportunity to gain hands-on broadcast experience with the production of TV investigative programmes. The department links in with journalism research organisations including Spinwatch and has established a work experience programme which involves national, local newspapers, magazines, BBC and independent TV companies. The School of Media has excellent links with journalism, television and radio broadcasting industries, which contribute to an active programme of visiting speakers and master classes. Recent speakers at the Annual Cudlipp Lecture hosted by LCC have included Michael Grade, Andrew Marr and Paul Dacre. Tutors on the course include Course Director Gary Horne - who specializes in Investigative Documentaries - and Lyn Champion, BBC Trainer and Independent Radio/TV Producer. They are joined by a team of visiting journalists and film producers including Paul Kenyon, Darren Kemp, Alex Millar and Sam Bagnall from current affairs at the BBC and Phil Harding, former Director of English Networks & News for the World Service.
Entry requirementsA good honours degree with demonstrable examples of commitment to journalism is required. Mature students with exceptional life experience skills and proven commitment to journalism may be exempt the first degree qualification.
Academic titleMA/Postgraduate Diploma Journalism - Television Pathway
Course descriptionStructure
Phase One provides a critical understanding of the main economic, social, political and legal context in which journalism is practised within a developing body of theoretical work on the media. You will be equipped with a range of practical skills in Editorial Practice and develop a critical appreciation of the role of journalism in society in Journalism Methods and Context and Media Law, Justice & Ethics.
Phase Two addresses the practical and theoretical issues of journalism in an environment of rapid technological change. You will begin to develop advanced journalist skills to produce either print/online publications or short investigative TV Documentaries. A four-week work placement provides an opportunity to observe, participate in and reflect upon the production process at first hand.
Phase Three allows you to combine an original form of practical journalism with a research project to interrogate a story/topic, which raises fundamental issues and synthesises theory and practice, the summation of your learning experiences.
Career Prospects
In the past few years nine students MA Journalism students have got jobs on national newspapers (including The Independent, The Times, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and Trinity Mirror) and another nine have gone on to work in TV (three at the BBC, three at Al Jazeera). Others have gone to BBC Radio Five Live, the World Service, the London Paper, local newspapers like the Ham and High