Journalism (Hons) University of the Arts London (UAL)

Overview

The BA Journalism (Hons) programme at the University of the Arts London (UAL) delivers practical journalism teaching alongside academic study of relevant contextual theories. Everyone follows the same curriculum in Year 1.

In Year 2 you will choose the Print and Online Journalism or Audio and Video Journalism pathway. In Year 3 everyone will work to produce the Artefact magazine and website.

You’ll be encouraged to develop your own authentic and individual journalism in your chosen medium, building up a portfolio of your original work.

What can you expect?

A combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops, taught in Mac suites, AV- equipped classrooms and studios, as appropriate.

The course will cover:

• Core journalism skills: researching, interviewing, writing and pitching
• Broadcast techniques: self-shooting video, audio recording, digital editing
• Critical analysis of contemporary media, legal and ethical issues
• Contextual study of relevant cultural and historical theory
• Use of a fully Mac-equipped newsroom, video and radio studios
• Field trips, guest speakers and special events
• Choice of theoretical unit in Year 2

Print and Online pathway will include:

• Multimedia storytelling: using text, images, graphics and social media.
• Longer-form journalism: from initial idea to rigorously researched original long feature.

Audio and Video Pathway will include:

• Audio journalism and podcasting: writing for broadcast, creative sound recording, advanced editing, radio studio production and social media promotion.
• Advanced audio-video journalism: video packages, digital storytelling for social media, advanced camerawork, editing and video studio production.

In Year 3 both pathways will work together to produce content for the Artefact website and magazine.

Work experience and opportunities

In Year 2 the Professional Practice unit offers you the choice of a work placement or a collaborative industry project. Students have a successful track record in securing work placements with media companies such as The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, BBC, Sky Sports, Vice, Elle, Dazed, Freemantle media, Diva, The Week and The Independent.

In Year 3 the Preparing for Industry unit will take you through how to create an online professional profile, offering valuable CV tips and advice on freelancing.

You’ll get chances throughout the course to meet successful BA (Hons) Journalism graduates and other industry figures to hear about their professional journeys, either in guest lectures or special employability events.