Journalism: 'We need curious, politically aware students'
By Ana Caistor-Arendar
Published: 02 July 2007
What are the entry requirements for this course?
Journalism is a very popular degree course so competition for places is tough. Most universities require two to three A-levels at grades A-C and you can also expect to be called in for interview. "Ultimately, the interview is how we make a decision about who we are going to take," says Sue Dawson, senior lecturer of journalism at the London College of Communication (LCC). "In the interviews we are looking for bright, lively, involved, curious and politically aware students." Work experience will also help your chances of success, as universities will want to see that you have a demonstrable interest in journalism.
What sort of people apply?
People with lots of different interests and attributes apply to study journalism, from those wanting to pursue a career in music journalism to those wanting to present the news. Journalism covers a broad spectrum of interests so it does help to be curious and keen.
What does the course involve?
"Journalism degree courses tend to require a larger workload than other degree courses, due to the combination of a highly practical training element with theoretical work," says Dawson. On average, courses consist of two to three days practical journalism a week, plus another full day of lectures, tutorials and seminars. So, expect to be at college at least three to four times a week.
How will I be assessed?
Most courses are assessed purely through coursework, which consists of practical journalistic work as well as essay writing. In general, you will be required to gain a pass grade in your first year in order to progress into your second year. In the second year, 10 per cent of your mark will be passed on to your third. The third year is the crucial one and is made up of a 10,000-word dissertation and a practical project, usually an assessment of your input and activity in the student newspaper.
How long does it last?
Journalism degree courses last three years. Some universities offer the opportunity to complete a year abroad or in industry, in which case the length of the course extends to four years.
Are there opportunities available for further study?
Many universities offer further study in journalism. The most highly regarded postgraduate journalism courses are those offered by City University, LCC and Cardiff University. All three offer MA courses and shorter postgraduate diplomas.
Most journalism graduates find that they do not require further study in journalism, as they will be covering much of the same ground.
What career options will I have when I've finished?
A degree in journalism provides students with an array of career options. Those wanting to work in print journalism usually start as editorial assistants or junior writers on magazines, or reporters on either local or provincial newspapers.
To work in broadcast journalism, graduates often progress into researcher roles at television or radio stations. Studying journalism will also equip you with the necessary expertise to go in to PR or work in company press offices.
Current student
Lorna Blount, 23, is in her final year of a BA in journalism at the University of Central Lancashire
"I did A-levels in English, history and French. I wanted to study journalism because I love the immediacy of it. The first two years of the degree were based around learning to write for news. In the final year, I had to choose a field to specialise in and I chose television. This past year has equipped me with reporting, presenting and production skills.
The majority of the course is assignment based; this can be both written and practical. I've also had exams in law and in public affairs. I won't be going on to further study as this course has equipped me with the skills I need."
Recent graduate
Rachael Gallagher, 23, works at 'Press Gazette'
"After working on a magazine at sixth form I decided that journalism was what I wanted to study and the course I did at City University sounded perfect. I graduated in May 2005 and got a job doing admin at Press Association to pay the bills. It helped me build contacts and get some writing work for the features department. I also freelanced for a woman's magazine to build up my portfolio.
In October last year, I won the Press Cadets competition, run by Press Gazette. I was given a job as magazines and broadcast reporter at the Press Gazette; I started in January this year. My job involves writing news, features and compiling analysis on the magazine and broadcast industries."
WEB WATCH
National Union of Journalists
Official website for one of the biggest journalist unions in the world
Journalism UK
Offers useful links to news organisations, training sites and journalism jobs www.journalismUK.co.uk
Media UK
Information on broadcast and print journalism as well as up-to-date job listings
