University of Sunderland

Broadcast Journalism

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism develops essential skills and critical understanding that are relevant to broadcast journalism in radio, television and on-line media.

There is a strong emphasis on reporting and production underpinned by knowledge and understanding of working practices and legal frameworks.

You will learn and practice general broadcast journalism skills such as researching, writing, newsreading and interviewing, as well as news bulletin production, editing and reporting.

Practical elements of the course include video and TV production, live radio and media law.

Media and cultural studies theory elements include the history of broadcasting, media ethics, audiences and regulation.

We are keen to produce graduates who can demonstrate informed and thoughtful as well as pragmatic approaches to their work and potential career.

Our media and journalism programmes enjoy excellent links with local BBC and ILR radio and regional television newsrooms.

Professional practitioners will be giving lectures and will also be acting as guest editors, as well as working with students on practical newsroom exercises.

[Top]

Course Content

Level 1

• Introduction to Media and Cultural Studies
• Academic Research for Media and Communications
• History of Broadcasting
• Introduction to Journalism
• Introduction to Broadcast Journalism

Level 2

• Media Studies
• Broadcast Reporting
• Media Law
• Placement

Level 3

• Media Ethics and Contexts
• Broadcast Journalism Practical Project
• Broadcast Reporting
• Placement

[Top]

Entry Requirements

The normal standard entry requirements for the media degrees are detailed below:

A typical offer will be in the region of 260 points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).

We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

BTEC National: 260 points from a BTEC Certificate or Diploma.

Access Courses: We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and that you would have a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or have obtained the equivalent as part of your course.

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Direct Entry to Level 2/3: Candidates wishing to be considered for direct entry to Level 2/3 of a programme should contact the Helpline on tel: (0191) 515 3000.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.

[Top]

Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

[Top]

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, demonstrations, seminars, workshops, group exercises and practical skills work.

Assessment is split between essays/reports, examinations, practical productions, portfolio submissions and group presentations.

[Top]

Work Experience

There are two opportunities for industrial placements in the newsroom of a radio station, television station or on-line news service. There is a one-week placement in year 2 and a further two weeks in year 3.

If you are taking broadcast journalism modules you will work closely with professionals from the industry. At levels 2 and 3 you will take work placement modules, which could involve you working with staff of one of the many radio, TV and on-line newsrooms.

The campus radio station Spark FM provides opportunities for students to broadcast news and programmes across Sunderland.

[Top]

Career Opportunities

This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in news and programme production areas of the broadcast industries.

Successful applicants may also continue their studies here in Sunderland with the MA in Media Production (TV), MA in Journalism or MA in Radio (Production and Management).

[Top]

Supplemental Information

Bursary Information
The National Council for the Training of Journalists runs a Journalism Diversity Fund which offers bursaries to help support students from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds. It is aimed at people without the financial means to attend NCTJ courses. Full details are available at http://www.journalismdiversityfund.com

[Top]

Facilities

Teaching takes place in the purpose-built Media Centre, which opened in August 2003. It houses a broadcast journalism newsroom, two TV studios, four digital radio studios, a cinema, an open-access computer suite, audio and video edit rooms and a range of seminar and lecture rooms. There is full technician support in these areas.

World Class Web/Design Tools
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 CS4 Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

[Top]

Related Courses

• Journalism - Combined Subjects (Major, Dual and Minor)
• Public Relations
• Scriptwriting (Film, Television and Radio)
• News Journalism
• Magazine Journalism

[Top]