Journalism BA (Hons)

As a trained journalist you will become part of an exciting cross-media profession with a dynamism and vitality rarely matched by other professions. Our BA (Hons) Journalism graduates have the opportunity to work in small news teams learning the trade from industry professionals.

Overview
About the course
Structure
Fees
Entry requirements
Applying

The BA (Hons) Journalism course offers a contemporary and unique approach to the study of Journalism. The programme is unique as it offers an interdisciplinary approach to Journalism meaning that graduates are prepared to enter an industry which is requiring a more multi-skilled approach to the workplace. We believe that the role of a Journalist is rapidly changing and this degree is written to provide training in a variety of skills that make our graduates ready to face the challenges of the modern newsroom. This includes traditional training in writing copy for long form and short form print, research and interview techniques, media law, public affairs and shorthand. These are combined with contemporary techniques such as filming and editing, producing multi-media web pages, digitally animated sequences, photojournalism and social media.

Why should I do this course?

The course being validated by the University of Essex is only one of the badges of recognition the Media Academy at South Essex College has. As an Accredited Apple Training Centre, a Nikon Academy and working towards Skillset Media Academy status, we are recognised across industry as an excellent provider of media training and education. Along with our Sony approved HD TV studio the Media Academy has a broad range of high quality facilities available to students who will be taught by lecturers who are industry practitioners. Excellent transport links and local amenities with easy access to central London makes us an ideal choice for those not wanting to pay London prices for a top class degree programme.

How will my work be assessed?

Learning is assessed through writing portfolios; completing briefs set by employers and commissioners; filling web pages to deadlines; writing copy for work placements; making audio and video reports and multimedia web pages; presenting evaluations and proposals; compiling research reports and portfolios; researching a dissertation; creating a media project; and through examinations, e.g. in media law, public affairs and shorthand. These are parts of The NCTJ Multimedia Diploma. Passing them all at Gold Bar standard (50%+) will give students a pre-entry qualification that will help them to gain work contacts and employment If completing one year only, students gain CertHE. Completing two years you gain DipHE.

What can I do after this?

Students have gained jobs in the local press, at Reuters, media press offices and in marketing and public relations agencies. Some have moved directly into freelance employment, reporting for national and overseas newspapers, magazines and websites.

A few students have used the transferable skills in project management, presentations and multimedia gained on the course to move into other areas of graduate employment. Some have taken an interest in additional higher education, e.g. gaining an MA or PGCE.

Careers

Publishing and journalism

Year 1:

The first year provides an interdisciplinary approach to Journalism. This means you will cover a broad range of media disciplines, giving you a clear understanding of how digital media industries such as television broadcast, digitally animated sequences, photojournalism and creative writing for media work together with Journalism

Modules:

Contextual Studies
Ideas Factory
Lens Based Media
Production

Year 2:

The second year focuses in on specialist modules to build upon the broad practical and theoretical knowledge gained in year one. The focus is on skills based and professional practices, alongside working with external clients on live productions. Feature writing will be a major focus alongside more challenging production activities and further work placements. You will contribute to a course website and be encouraged to research and write more adventurous stories. You will be taught video journalism by experienced tutors using HD cameras, sound recording equipment and Final Cut Pro on Apple Macs. Finally, you will prepare for your dissertation and study news coverage of foreign events.

Modules:

Journalism studies
Factual Programmes
Media Law
Reporting and Production

Year 3:

You will devise your own creative project and complete your final year dissertation. Exploring investigative journalism, developing an investigative story and polishing a full portfolio of your multimedia work will also contribute to your learning in the third year. Finally, you will be encouraged to progress your studies towards a specific journalism career path through studying a sector of special interest, exploring recruitment and freelance options and rehearsing work-related interviews.

Modules:

Journalism Studies
Creative Project
Dissertation
Reporting and Production

Low-cost higher education

Our fees are well below the national average and are among the lowest in the region, so studying with us is great value for money!

Click for more about higher education funding.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 160 UCAS Points are required from one or more of the following qualifications:

At least two GCE A levels
BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC National Certificate
Access to Higher Education Diploma

You will also need:

GCSE grades English at grade C (or equivalent)

Applications from mature students who do not possess the entry requirements as listed above, but who possess related professional experience or non-standard qualifications are welcome to apply. Candidates will need to demonstrate, by interview, admissions test and/or portfolio submission, that they are suitable for the course.

Full-time courses

Applications for full-time courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), quoting institution code S43 and the UCAS code for your chosen course.

Part-time courses

Applications for all part-time Honours Degree, Foundation Degree, Certificate of Higher Education and Diploma of Higher Education courses at South Essex College should be made directly to the College using the online application form or by completing a paper application form and mailing it to our freepost address:

HE Admissions
South Essex College
Freepost SMU 110
Luker Road
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS1 1BR

Click for more about applying for your course.