Program Overview
The University of Sheffield's MA Broadcast Journalism program immerses students in industry-standard practices and equips them with the technical and ethical skills essential for success in radio, television, and podcast journalism. Through hands-on learning, students develop expertise in news reporting, production, and media law, preparing them for careers as broadcast journalists, producers, and video content creators. The program is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, ensuring industry recognition and career opportunities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MA Broadcast Journalism program is designed for individuals who are passionate about news and current affairs and aspire to work as reporters or producers in radio and television news, or even launch their own podcasts. The program aims to equip students with the essential broadcasting and digital media skills needed to succeed in the industry. The program emphasizes hands-on learning using industry-standard software and equipment. Students will be immersed in TV, radio, podcasts, and online techniques from day one, utilizing facilities such as a TV news studio and gallery, radio studios, and production booths. The curriculum is taught by current and former broadcast journalists, editors, and media professionals, who will guide students through the process of finding and researching news stories, conducting interviews, recording and editing material for broadcast, and adapting content for web and social media.
Core Modules:
- Researching News: This module focuses on developing essential journalistic research and news gathering skills, including effective interviewing and researching techniques. It emphasizes the generic nature of news gathering skills across all media. It covers basic technical skills such as recording and editing for radio and television, writing and presenting conventions, and the nuances of writing for different platforms. Students will participate in simulated newsroom environments to apply their skills.
- Law for Journalists: This module delves into the legal constraints faced by journalists in the UK, including defamation and contempt law. The module also covers the Editors' Code of Practice and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
- Ethics and Regulation: This module examines ethical controversies in journalism, exploring the tension between freedom of expression and responsibility, the balance between privacy rights and public interest publishing, and the ethical considerations surrounding media representation of vulnerable groups. Students will learn about industry codes and how they promote ethical behavior.
- Power and Society - The Institutions of Government: This module explores the institutions and organizations that significantly influence society and drive change. It examines the relationships between local, national, and international institutions of government and how these relationships impact decision-making processes.
- Advanced Broadcast Journalism: This module builds upon the basic skills developed in earlier modules, focusing on features, bulletins, and programs across various formats and styles. Students will further develop their online skills and participate in a block of radio and television newsdays.
- Broadcast Journalism Portfolio: This module requires students to submit a substantial piece of journalistic work in either radio or television, accompanied by a detailed written appraisal of the editorial and production processes involved.
Optional Modules:
Students must choose one optional module from the following:
- Podcast Production: This module focuses on creating podcasts with purpose, covering the creative process, branding, research, planning, and technical aspects of podcast production. Students will learn about audience engagement, social media promotion, and pitching techniques.
- Sports Journalism: This module explores the skills needed for specialist sports reporting in a digital age, covering news gathering, delivery, and consumption across various platforms. Students will learn about research, writing styles, social media strategies, and live sports reporting techniques.
- Communicating with the Media: This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to communicate messages effectively through the media. Students will learn about media operations, communication strategies, news values, and ethical communication practices. Students will learn about statistical methods and machine learning techniques to support evidence-based journalism.
- Radio and NGO Communication in conflict-affected areas: This module examines the role of radio and NGOs in conflict-affected areas, focusing on communication strategies, challenges, and ethical considerations.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods, including:
- Production of radio and TV news stories, bulletins, features, and web pages
- Portfolios
- Essays
- Examinations
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group workshops
- Newsdays
- Individual and team assignments The faculty comprises current and former broadcast journalists, editors, and media professionals, bringing real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.
Careers:
Graduates of the MA Broadcast Journalism program are well-prepared for a range of careers in the media industry, including:
- Broadcast Journalist
- Assistant News Editor
- Producer
- Video Content Production Executive
- Video Journalist Many graduates secure positions in major news organizations such as the BBC, Daily Mail, Bauer, and ITN, while others pursue freelance broadcasting careers. The program provides students with opportunities for work experience placements to gain practical experience and build their professional networks.
Other:
The program is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), a recognized benchmark of quality in the UK media industry. Students also have the opportunity to take additional exams as part of the NCTJ Diploma, including shorthand and media law. The University of Sheffield's School of Journalism, Media and Communication has a strong reputation for training journalists and conducting research.
|------------------------|--------------------------------| | £12,070 | £27,650 |
