Journalism (Audio, Docs and Podcast) - MA

Program Overview

The MA Journalism (Audio, Docs and Podcast) at UWE Bristol is a one-year program that focuses on audio and radio journalism, audio production for podcasts, and documentary making. Accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, the program offers practical and theoretical teaching, industry placements, and a strong partnership with the BBC, preparing graduates for careers in audio journalism, podcast production, and documentary making.

Program Outline

MA Journalism (Audio, Docs and Podcast) at UWE Bristol:

Degree Overview:

• Focus: Audio and Radio Journalism, Audio Production for Podcasts, and Documentary Making.
• Duration: One year (Full-time, starting in September)
• Leader: Dr. Anne Harbin and Christopher Brown
• Accreditation: Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)
• Award: MA
• Partnership: Offered in partnership with the BBC.
• Target Audience: Graduates with a passion for radio and an interest in journalism and audio documentary making.

Objectives:

• Develop skills in audio and radio for the digital age.
• Build a compelling portfolio for a versatile career.
• Gain valuable experience and contacts for a career in audio journalism.
• Gain experience using audio collection techniques, sound recording, working in a studio, and using digital editing software.
• Gain useful online skills to develop your own websites and podcasts.
• Develop your technical expertise alongside skills needed to compete as a producer, such as commissioning, pitching, and getting your documentaries to air.
• Build experience on placements in some of Bristol's most innovative cultural organizations.
• Pitch your work to BBC Audio editors in Bristol.

Outline:

• Modules:
• Introduction to Media Law
• Advanced Media Law
• Journalism Collaborative Project
• Multimedia Journalism 1
• Podcasting and Programming
• Professional Practice in Journalism
• Radio Pre-Production
• Course Schedule:
• Formal learning takes place over two to three contact days a week.
• Self-directed study accounts for an additional two to three days of work per week.
• Content:
• The program offers a mix of practical and theoretical teaching through lectures, seminars, and expert-led technical workshops.
• Students benefit from Bristol's rich activity in the cultural and media industries.
• Guest speakers from the BBC and independent media production companies play a key role.
• Field visits to documentary producers enhance learning and bring valuable industry insight.
• BBC staff and/or former staff help design live briefs to prepare students for professional commissions.
• Students are expected to work to real deadlines under real-world conditions.
• The program emphasizes developing a portfolio and specializing in different areas based on individual interests.

Assessment:

• Practical work
• Research portfolio
• Exams
• Essays
• Presentations

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Expert-led technical workshops
• Faculty: Experienced faculty and professionals from the industry.
• Unique Approach: Strong focus on practical learning, hands-on experience, and building a professional portfolio.
• Emphasis:
• Building technical expertise
• Developing journalistic and production skills
• Gaining industry contacts and insights

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Audio journalist
• Podcast producer
• Documentary maker
• Broadcast assistant
• Junior researcher
• Production assistant
• Studio manager
• Opportunities:
• Freelancing
• Staff work
• Production companies
• Post-production facilities

Other:

• The program benefits from a strong partnership with the BBC.
• The course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) which allows graduates to access valuable resources, work placements, networking events, and prepares them for the job market.
• Students have access to industry-standard equipment and technology within the Bower Ashton Campus media studios.
• Opportunities for placements with Bristol's cultural and creative organizations, including Watershed, Arnolfini, Ujima Radio, and BBC News.

| Fee Type | Amount (£) | |---|---| | Home Award Fee | 10750 | | Home Module Fee (15 Credit) | 896 | | International Award Fee | 16000 | | International Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1333 | | Offshore Award Fee | 16000 | | Offshore Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1333 |