University of Sunderland

Journalism - Combined Subjects (Major, Dual and Minor)

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

Introduction

Click here to go to the Combined Subjects Homepage.

The Combined Subjects degree provides an opportunity to study Journalism Studies with another subject as a major, minor or dual combination.

Minor:
Students taking Journalism as a Minor Subject will study the core vocational modules at all levels.

They will progress from Introduction to News, Magazine and Sports Journalism 1 and Introduction to News, Magazine and Sports Journalism 2 at Level 1, onto News Journalism 1 at Level 2 and News Journalism 2  at Level 3.

These focus on the core journalistic skills of newswriting, researching and interviewing. This will enable them to obtain a systematic understanding of contemporary practice and a clear understanding of the current trends and developments within the newspaper/magazine industry in print and online.

They will also have the opportunity to take modules from the wide range of practical and theoretical MAC portfolio (with the exception of Media Studies). This might, for example, involve taking Introduction to Radio Reporting at Level 1, followed by Radio Journalism 1 at Level 2 and Radio Journalism 2 at Level 3.

Dual:
In addition to the core modules required for Minors, students taking the Dual route in Journalism will study Critical Issues in News and Magazine Journalism at Level 1 which will provide them with a basic understanding of the history of journalism and its place in the contemporary world.

Dual students who take Journalism as Subject 1 take a dissertation OR practical project at Level 3 and this determines one of the modules they are required to take at Level 2.

If they choose to take the dissertation at Level 3, they will gain a critical awareness of the academic research skills and knowledge they require through Academic Research Skills. If choosing the practical project, they will gain a critical understanding of Public Affairs at Level 2. Then, at Level 3, Dual students who take Journalism as Subject 1 will be required to complete a dissertation OR practical project.

Dual students taking Journalism as Subject 2 will achieve a greater understanding of media issues and practice than Minors through the study of a larger number of options at Levels 2 and 3. This might, for example, involve taking Social Media: Theory and Practice at Level 2 and Sports Journalism  at Level 3.

Major:
Like students on the Dual route, Majors will be required to take both vocational and theoretical core modules at Level 1. As they progress to Level 2, they will also acquire a critical understanding of Media Law. If they opt for a project at Level 3, they will first gain a critical understanding of convergence in the news media and how to research and write for print and online in News and Online Writing.

At Level 3 they will take the same core subjects as Dual Subject 1 students, but will also have the opportunity to specialise by way of a MAC module option. For example, they might take International Journalism or Arts & Entertainment Journalism.

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Course Content

Level 1

• Critical Issues in News and Magazine Journalism
• Introduction to News, Magazine and Sports Journalism A
• Introduction to News, Magazine and Sports Journalism B

 Level 2

• News Journalism 1
• Media Law
• Academic Research Skills
• Reporting Central Government
• Placement A (Journalism/PR)
• Magazine Writing 1
• Reporting Local Government
• News and Online Writing
• Newspaper Sub-editing
• Social Media: Theory and Practice

Level 3

• News Journalism 2
• Dissertation
• Practical Project
• Journalism Placement
• Arts and Entertainment Journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• International Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Media Ethics and Contexts

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Entry Requirements

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

We accept 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.

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

Scottish Highers: 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: 260 points.

Non-standard qualifications: Tel: (0191) 515 3000. Applicants with non-standard qualifications may qualify for entry through relevant work experience. Applicants in this category may be asked to attend an interview and present a portfolio of evidence.

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 - Tel: (0191) 515 3000.

International Applicants: Tel: +44 191 515 3000.

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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.

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Teaching and Assessment

You will learn by a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Individual courses have additional teaching methods particular to their subject, such as role-plays, computer-assisted learning and video/multimedia presentations.

You are encouraged to develop as an independent learner supported by a variety of facilities including the internet, well-equipped library, on-line databases and CD-ROMs.

You can also obtain excellent support and advice from the University's Student and Learning Support Service.

Assessment techniques vary, and usually include essays, examinations, computer-based evaluation, reports and or group presentations.

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Work Experience

Although there is no requirement to study abroad, the use of exchange programmes is encouraged.

Students are given the opportunity to spend one or two semesters studying abroad in Level 2.

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Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities for Sunderland graduates have typically been very good.

With the increasing influence and globalisation of the media, the skills and insight acquired through studying Journalism now have an application in every academic discipline.

The ability to communicate effectively and to understand the nature of the communication process not only enhances students' career prospects but also enables them to develop a more objective approach to other academic courses.

Combined Subjects students are offered a programme that will enable them to focus on the practical and theoretical aspects of contemporary news, magazine and sports journalism in both print and online platforms and to relate this to the wider cultural and historical context - particularly within their own second specialist area. It will also provide them with the communication and analytical skills to work with and in the modern media.

Journalism graduates are equipped for careers in the media industry, public relations and specialist journalism.

Please note that the Combined Subjects Programme does not fulfil career requirements as laid down by the industry training body, the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Students wishing to fulfil those requirements would need to take one of the university's five NCTJ-accredited single honours programmes. For more information on NCJT accreditation requirements please click here.

For further details of where this subject might lead please contact the Careers and Employability Service on 0191 5152920 or visit their webpage at http://my.sunderland.ac.uk/web/services/oc/ahome or www.prospects.ac.uk/links/Options

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Supplemental Information

Study Abroad
You can choose to study abroad for all or just part of your second university year, and you don't need a foreign language to do it. We have exchange agreements with universities all over Europe, from Lapland in Finland, right the way south to Coimbra in Portugal and many countries in-between. Several European universities teach courses in English, so language needn't be a barrier funding under the EU Socrates-Erasmus scheme.

Further a field we have study abroad programmes in the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan.

The time you spend abroad replaces the time you would have spent in Sunderland, so your degree will take the normal length of time to complete, but you'll be packing in more experience and excitement.

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Facilities

*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/

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