Getting into journalism can be challenging, but here at the University of Sunderland, we give you all the tools you need to make it as a great journalist. You could be following in the footsteps of previous graduates who have gone on to work for the likes of Sky, MTV, the Guardian, Racing Post, ITV, Elle, as well as regional newspapers and PR companies. Here are just a few of the ways we equip you to make it in the industry:
You'll get real-life work experience in the mediaHUB
The mediaHUB is a bustling multimedia newsroom on the top floor of our David Puttnam Media Centre, where you will get a real taste of life as a working journalist. The room acts as the base for our student-run news websites and platforms, covering local magazine content and news with Spark magazine, sport with SportsByte, and fashion with Fashion North.
The ground-breaking workspace is designed to be a professional environment. It includes plenty of workstations, each with industry-standard software, including NewsCutter, Burli and ENPS, and a Sky feed with two 40” plasma screens. The whole space is managed by ex-Sky journalist India Adams-Norton, who is on hand with her team to point you in the right direction.
Such is the quality of the space, BBC Newcastle have a team of journalists based here, and they are joined by visiting journalists from organisations such as Trinity Mirror (Newcastle Chronicle, Journal) and Johnston Press (Sunderland Echo).
“The mediaHUB provides robust, real-world platforms for students to experiment with journalism. They create content and publish in a live environment with the benefit of support from interns, staff and visiting professionals. We created the space to work as a bridge between the University and the world of work by embracing modern newsroom workflows.”
Lee Hall
Head of Media and Communications
You’ll be studying an accredited degree
All of our degrees lead to the industry’s entry qualifications run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and give you the critical skills to work in leading media roles. NCTJ accreditation is widely recognised as a gold standard for courses that turn out highly skilled, highly motivated and highly employable trainee journalists. Find out more about the benefits of studying an NCTJ-accredited course.
Additional accreditation comes from the Professional Publishers Association for our Fashion Journalism course. Our accreditations give assurance about the quality of your degree, open up opportunities to compete for national awards and gain additional qualifications as well as help enhance your employability.
Our courses give you the opportunity to explore all areas of journalism and learn the key skills to make it as a journalist, from Shorthand, Media Ethics, News and Online Writing, Public Affairs Reporting, Multi-Platform and Video Journalism, to Writing and Researching. You'll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in your final portfolio of work, in addition to working for newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV and PR companies to connect you to the industry through placements.
You’ll be learning from award-winning journalists and broadcasters
Our academics have years of invaluable industry experience. You’ll be perfecting your craft alongside the likes of the former Head of Features at the Daily Mirror and the former Deputy Editor of Grazia magazine, and award-winning sports journalists, all of whom will be able to provide key insight into the industry.
You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with regional and national high-profile journalists such as Kevin Maguire, Associate Editor at the Daily Mirror and Visiting Professor in Journalism at the University, and ITV News Correspondent Alastair Stewart. Both regularly visit the University along with a host of experienced journalists to give insight into the industry via masterclasses and lectures. Working journalists are also on hand daily in the mediaHUB to offer expert advice on projects and portfolios.
Take full advantage of the mediaHUB by signing up for work experience with us, more information is available on the mediaHUB website.
Published: 6 September 2017