Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Program Overview

This Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons) program equips students with the skills to thrive as multimedia journalists in the digital age. It combines core journalistic principles with multi-platform content creation, specialization in various genres, and real-world industry experience. Students develop the creativity, versatility, and critical thinking necessary for a successful career in media and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, Journalism with Foundation Year BA (Hons), is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of journalism in the digital age. The program aims to produce multi-skilled multimedia professionals capable of creating compelling content for both traditional and emerging media platforms. The program emphasizes developing creative and versatile journalists with expertise in various production techniques. Students will gain core journalistic research and writing skills, study media law, ethics, and public administration, and develop a multi-platform mindset. They will learn to produce print, radio, and TV reports, create blogs and podcasts, digital photos, audio/video stories, and content for websites and external devices. The program also focuses on intellectual and critical development, research techniques, and audience theory. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in a journalistic genre of their choice, such as film, fashion, sport, crime, science, or politics.

Outline:

The program is structured as a four-year program, including a Foundation Year.

Foundation Year:

• Provides a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge needed for journalism.
• Introduces students to the subject of journalism.
• Enables students to achieve their full honors degree in four years.

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Literature: Develops literary criticism skills for analyzing texts across various forms and historical periods.
• Study Skills: Enhances academic skills and techniques.
• Creative Project: Fosters creative expression and project development.
• Law: Introduces legal principles relevant to journalism.
• Optional Modules:
• English: Deepens understanding of the English language and literature.
• Mathematics: Provides foundational mathematical knowledge.
• Culture and Ideas: Explores cultural and intellectual concepts.
• Political Studies: Examines political systems and processes.

Year 2, Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Journalism-specific modules covering various aspects of the field.
• Optional Modules:
• Specialization modules in chosen journalistic genres.

Assessment:

• Foundation Year:
• Primarily assessed through coursework and in-class tests.
• Remaining Years:
• Assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Academic essays
• Audio and video reporting
• Case studies
• Editing skills
• Examinations
• Extended reports
• Journalistic writing
• Presentations
• Process analyses
• Production design and content production
• Production skills in image manipulation
• Reflective diaries
• Report writing
• Self-evaluation

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical exercises.
• Emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world application.
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified journalism professionals.
• Alex Canner, Programme Leader, specializes in broadcast media.
• Unique Approaches:
• Personal academic tutoring: Provides individual support and guidance.
• Work placements: Offers practical experience with media organizations in the UK or overseas.
• Outstanding facilities: Includes TV and radio studios, video editing suites, Mac suites, and a fully equipped newsroom.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Journalist for magazines, local newspapers, BBC, commercial and community radio, BBC and commercial TV.
• Digital business owner.
• Online agency worker.
• PR, advertising, corporate communications, law, public administration, or politics.
• Opportunities:
• The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in media and related fields.
• The transferable skills developed in the program are highly valued by employers.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive job market.
• The program provides students with the necessary tools to build a rewarding career in journalism or related fields.

Other:

• The program is ranked Top 30 in the Guardian University Guide 2022.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad in America or Europe.
• The University of Derby is an Apple accredited center, providing students with access to industry-standard software.
• The program offers a Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme to help students reflect on their learning and develop their career ambitions.
• The Careers and Employment Service provides support to students throughout their studies and for up to three years after graduation.

• UK fee: £9,250 per year (2024/25)
• International fee: £14,900 per year (2024/25)