ObjectivesThe LCC (formerly LCP) Broadcast Journalism course was the first of its kind in the UK and celebrated its 30th birthday in 2007. The course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) and is widely regarded by industry professionals as offering the best training in the country. The course prepares you for a Broadcast Journalism job with the BBC or a commercial broadcaster.
Entry requirementsYou will normally have completed a three-year degree or equivalent but in some circumstances we will make exceptions, especially if you already have plentiful experience of the broadcast world. If English is not your first language we will expect an IELTS certificate to level 7.0. Other than that we want candidates who have already pushed their way into a radio or TV station - made the tea, shadowed reporters - anything to prove their commitment. Hospital radio and student radio experience is also invaluable.
-Media law
-News writing and reporting for radio and television
-Contemporary affairs
-Online production and website building
-Shorthand
-Voice coaching
-Interviewing
-Radio studio operation
-Digital editing
-Radio bulletin reading
-Newsgathering
-Programme production
We will arrange a three-week work placement as part of the course. About two thirds of the course is very practical - eg. Newsroom simulations.
Our newsroom is equipped with the latest digital editing system - Radioman and Quick Edit Pro as used by the BBC. We have thirty workstations and three broadcast studios. We have access to IRN news wires and audio and BBC General News Service wires and audio. We've also got the Electronic News Production System (ENPS) as used by the BBC and ITN. The media complex was opened in 2003 and is the newest and best equipped in the UK. You will be supplied with an industry standard portable recorder worth approximately £750 and this is yours to keep and take away at the end of the course.
During the year we will take you on field trips to ITN and IRN, BBC Television Centre and BBC London TV and radio. Guest speakers in 2006 included Andrew Marr, Richard Bilton, Helen Boaden, Newsbeat editor, Rod McKenzie, editors from SKY, the BBC and ITN. Our Newsdays are overseen by editors from the industry (six from the BBC and six from commercial radio). You will also visit Parliament to meet lobby reporters and members of the Commons and Lords. Elements of the course are taught by industry professionals from the BBC and we employ a professional broadcast voice coach.
Career Prospects
Our graduates typically join BBC local radio or a commercial radio station and then move on to their chosen fields after a couple of years. Some go straight to television jobs - last year four students joined the new Russia Today TV service based in Moscow, this year two went to the BBC as TV producers and a third is at CNN. We expect around 90% of graduates to be in full time employment within three months of leaving the course.
Alumni
· Helen Boaden - Director of News BBC
· Jane Root - Controller BBC 2