2012
Course overview
Journalism is in the process of rapid change; developments in technology have resulted in huge shifts to online practice. Editors of newspapers and magazines, who we speak to on a regular basis, are unsure about how the industry will look in five years time. The only thing they are certain of is that those involved in the media have to be ready to adapt and to develop skills that allow them to function in the media hubs of the twenty-first century.
Yet, while journalists must be able to embrace technology, they must not lose sight of the essential skills that allow them to function in this role. The core skills of being able to communicate a story to the reader/viewer remain at the heart of any journalist’s training, as do the vital abilities to critically evaluate a story and its impact on the audience.
Journalists who have the ability to adapt a story to make it appropriate to a range of media are very much in demand, and this course will support you to build a network of contacts and to promote your talents to future employers.
Industrial focus
You will benefit from existing industry placement opportunities offered within the School of Communications and Writing. These placements, many at national newspapers and magazines, are an important element of the course, and will enable you to gain valuable experience and insight into your chosen profession. Currently the School has links with more than 30 placement partners including; Sky, the BBC, Daily Mail, Sunday Times, Daily Express, Grazia, Now, Vogue, BBC publications and many more.
Course content
Advanced multimedia theory
This theoretical unit seeks to contextualise many of the multimedia working practices adopted by journalists and global media organisations. Your main focus will be an analysis of the transformative impact of networked communication and associated technologies and platforms.
Multimedia practice: strategies and management
This unit examines the role of the internet in delivering engaging and appropriate content to a target audience, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to independently create a multimedia website, concept and articles.
Cultural influences on media and writing
This unit focuses on key themes and issues that affect society and therefore impact on the creative industries, journalism and writing, from the cult, to celebrity, to the impact of globalisation. You’ll identify the cultural, ethical, social, political and technological implications of the area of communication practice that interests you, and explore the theoretical and practical connections between the ideas and debates raised in the unit.
Professional practice
You will critically analyse the global media, publishing and creative industries in the UK, equipping you with the advanced skills required to research the industry that you seek to work in upon graduation. You will be supported to secure a work placement, or freelance assignments, for one month in order to strengthen your industry awareness, and to refine your skills.
Major project
The Masters Project provides an opportunity to design, execute and present an individually demanding piece of work that deploys a systematic and in-depth understanding of the skills and debates relevant to your particular discipline of study.
Assessment
This course is taught and assessed using a vast variety of methods that mirror industry practice. In addition to lectures and seminars, you will take part in workshops, presentations, and use the Faculty’s industry standard media production facilities.
We have our own e-learning facilities, social networking sites and blogs to enrich your learning experience, and the majority of the course material will be available electronically.
Key career skills
Problem solving, communication, teamwork, time management, initiative, presentation.
Projects/work placement
The dedicated Professional Practice unit will encourage you to seek work experience, in order to apply your theoretical knowledge to the workplace.
Solent's special features
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A Focus on Professional Practice
Designed in conjunction with leading professionals to ensure that your teaching is informed by industry developments, this course meets the specific needs of this rapidly evolving industry. Blending theory and practice, it reflects the very convergence it seeks to understand; you will use the latest technology, enabling you to become highly skilled and able to work in the high tech media hubs of industry, while maintaining high levels of critical analysis and communication skills.
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Guest Speaker Programme
We run a successful guest lecturer series featuring many big names from the media and creative industries. These sessions offer a key insight into the profession and are useful networking opportunities, providing direct access to influential people.
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Staff Expertise
You will be taught by a talented team of industry professionals, including editors, freelancers and award winning journalists. Our tutors endeavour to maintain their industry links, and we currently have Sky and Daily Mirror journalists working as part of our teaching team.
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Solent Creatives
You will be encouraged to join Solent Creatives, a newly formed agency within Solent University that aims to match student talents with local business needs. This will provide you with the chance to enhance your portfolio with the work completed during freelance assignments.
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Field trips
Within the Journalism Programme Group we seek to hold three international trips a year; Paris, New York and Tokyo, which incorporate visits to publishing houses, newspapers, archives and museums. We also hold day trips throughout the year to national publishing centers, such as The Daily Telegraph, Trinity Mirror.
Special facilities
At Southampton Solent University we have first-class multimedia equipment and state of the art radio and television studios. You will be able to work with the very latest technical facilities including two multi-camera TV studios, radio news studios, Reuters and SKY news feeds, the latest print software and a dedicated journalism newsroom.
Fees
Fees for the 2012/13 academic year are:
Full-time
UK and EU students: £6,500 per annum
Overseas students: £10,000 per annum
Part-time
UK and EU students: £3,250 pa
Overseas students: £5,000 pa
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