BA (Hons) Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism

Key Details

Attendance: Full Time
Award: Degree of Bachelor of Arts
UCAS Course Code: P500
Entry Requirements: ABB
Course Length: 3 years
Course Start Date: September 2023

Other Start Dates

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Course Overview

Truth-seekers and storytellers apply here. If want to make a difference in the world, hold power to account, and find out what’s really going on, then this is the course for you. On this broadcast and multimedia journalism degree you’ll learn the skills you need to become a professional journalist who can work across TV, radio, print, social media and online platforms in the UK and beyond.

You’ll learn research, storytelling and production skills for the digital age. You’ll be taught investigative skills and how to use data in your journalism. You’ll understand the political structures that deliver the public services we all rely on, and you’ll practice inclusive journalism, working with diverse communities to help them tell their stories. We’re based in the Department of Politics at UEA, so we have a strong focus on asking the tough questions of those who make, and sometimes break, the law.

About

On this degree, you’ll be taught by lecturers with extensive and recent experience of journalism and broadcasting. You will learn core journalistic skills such as story finding, researching, writing, audio and video recording and editing, presentation skills, interviewing, news package production, court reporting, longer programme making, data and investigative journalism and website production. You’ll develop an understanding of media regulation and law including court reporting, defamation, privacy, copyright and other legal constraints.

Some of your modules will be taught on campus, but much of your teaching will take place at our dedicated media centre in the heart of Norwich, ‘Broadcast House.’ We are based in the former studios of Radio Broadland and Heart Radio in the centre of this attractive and newsworthy city. The building was refitted by UEA in 2021 and is home to three purpose built soundproofed studios, equipped with a radio studio, a TV studio, and a flexible space. We also have a 24-seat newsroom with Adobe Audition, Premier Pro and Burli workstations, and modern TV gallery. The best journalistic work by students will be published on the course website www.ueajournalism.com.

You’ll complete 15 days of assessed industry placement (or an industry engagement portfolio) as an essential part of your course. You will also participate in at least 15 newsdays in both years 2 and 3, which will prepare you for life as a working journalist, closely mirroring practice within professional broadcast or online newsrooms.

From the moment you enter the UEA newsroom, your tutors will work alongside and encourage you to maximise your potential.

Accreditations

The degree is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). As a successful graduate, as well as receiving your degree, you will receive a Journalism Skills Certificate from the BJTC. This professional qualification lets future employers know you have received industry-standard training, have learned the core skills they require and are ready for employment.

The BJTC is supported by major industry players such as Reuters, ITN, BBC, Channel 4, Associated Press, ITV and Sky News and these may offer placement opportunities. (In the event of continuing pandemic circumstances, the BJTC may authorise an alternative means of demonstrating and assessing a student’s industrial understanding and engagement).

As this is a BJTC accredited course, you will be able to read the UEA’s ‘Promise of Performance,’ our commitment to deliver a course which has undergone BJTC scrutiny, on their website.

Study and Modules

Structure

We’ll treat you as a journalist from Day 1 of this course and you’ll be out looking for stories right from the start. You’ll learn the basic journalistic skills you need to find, research and create news stories. You’ll learn how to use professional cameras and audio recording equipment, and you’ll create audio, video and text stories. You’ll create and populate your own website with stories which you can show to a potential employer. You’ll learn about the political structures which govern our society, and you will learn about media regulation, law and ethics, which are an essential part of functioning as a journalist in the UK. You’ll receive two hours of voice coaching either one-to-one or in small groups.

Compulsory Modules

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Teaching and Learning

Your learning will take place at Broadcast House at least one day per week, and this will normally follow a workshop format. Sessions will contain elements of lecture, seminar and class discussion along with practical reporting activities. There will be hands-on workshops when you’ll learn how to use the cameras and audio recorders, and how to edit audio and video. Self-directed study time includes watching, reading and listening to the news every day; finding, researching and producing news stories on a weekly basis, and background reading via textbooks.

Assessment

In the first year, you’ll produce an online portfolio of journalistic work which you will populate with text, audio and video news stories. Other assessment will follow traditional academic norms, such as essays and presentations. There will be a law and regulation exam which you must pass to proceed to Year 2 of the degree.

Structure

In your second year, you will delve deeper into journalistic practice, studying investigative and ethical dilemmas which face today’s journalists. You’ll take part in workshops to hone your practical radio, online and video skills and you’ll take part in 15 student-led newsdays in which you’ll work with your colleagues to create online content, radio bulletins or TV programmes in just one day. You’ll also further your study of media law, political and public affairs and industry regulation. You will receive two hours of voice coaching either one-to-one or in small groups.

Compulsory Modules

Optional A Modules

(Credits: 20)

Important Information

Teaching and Learning

Your second year is more intensive with practical workshops and newsdays at Broadcast House throughout the year. Sessions on Law and Public Affairs and some option modules will follow a more formal lecture/seminar format. You will also visit courts and local councils and practice your reporting skills on these visits. Work placements support will be given during Year 2, when you will organise your placements. In your self-directed study time, you’ll watch, listen and read a wider variety of news outlets which will prepare you for your newsdays. You will continue to find, research and publish stories on your personal website on a weekly basis. Weekly reading of key texts will form an important part of your learning.

Assessment

You will produce more in-depth news stories in text, video and audio formats. You’ll be assessed on your practical reporting skills over the course of 15 newsdays. There will be some traditional academic work such as essays and presentations. There will be an examination testing your understanding of law and regulation which you mass pass to proceed to Year 3 of the course.

Structure

In your final year, you’ll draw upon the skills you have developed to produce more sophisticated forms of audio-visual content including longer-form documentary production.

You will undertake a further 15 newsdays with increasing complexity, report back on your placement activities and take your choice of optional modules. You’ll receive two hours of voice coaching either one-to-one or in small groups.

Compulsory Modules

Optional A Modules

(Credits: 20)

Important Information

Teaching and Learning

Your final year of the degree will see you operating more independently. You will finish your work experience placements and produce a portfolio of work detailing what you have learned. You’ll spend much of the final year working towards your final documentary project on a subject of your choice, putting into practice all the skills you have learned in Years 1 and 2. You will receive law and regulation reminder sessions in the final year to ensure you are ready for your transition into the industry. As before you will complete 15 newsdays and 2 hours of voice coaching.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed on your journalistic performance during a further 15 newsdays, you will produce, and be assessed on a documentary which you will create in either video or audio format. Your option module may following more traditional academic norms with assesments such as essays and/or presentations.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

ABB If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.

T Levels

Not accepted

BTEC

DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.

Scottish Highers

AAABB

Scottish Advanced Highers

BBC

Irish Leaving Certificate

3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3

International Baccalaureate

32 points

GCSE

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

IELTS: 7.5 overall (minimum 7.5 in all components)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study: 

Interviews

If your application tells us that you're passionate about your chosen course, we will invite you to a one-to-one online interview with one of our experienced journalists. This is a chance to meet us, discuss the course and tell us about your interest in Journalism, giving you a taste of what it would be like to study it here at UEA. You'll be asked to talk about your favourite news programme, for example, and what kind of articles you'd enjoy writing, and you'll also have the chance to talk about your current studies, extra-curricular interests and what excites you about being a journalist.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.  We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application. 

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year. 

Additional Information or Requirements

UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes

ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

View our information for Tuition Fees.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.

Course Related Costs

You will be required to travel into the centre of Norwich for some of your modules. You will be required to travel within Norfolk to report on news stories on a regular basis, and some limited travel outside of the county may be required. Some additional study trips or visits may require a student contribution. Technical equipment will be provided although it is beneficial for students to have access to a modern smart phone. It is recommended that you obtain your own pair of over-the-ear plug in audio headphones (3.5mm jack connector).

View our information about Additional Course Fees.

How to Apply

Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub. 

UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.

Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started. 

Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.

View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:

How to apply through UCAS

Employability

After the Course

After the course students are ready to work as staff or freelance broadcast journalists in local or regional newsrooms. Students of related courses at UEA have gone on to careers in radio, TV, online and other forms of journalism.

Careers

A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.

Examples of careers you could enter include:

Independent local radio reporter
Local or regional TV / Radio journalist
Local or national newspaper journalist
Independent media production company staff
Journalist for a national or international broadcaster
Running your own business

BA (Hons) Broadcast and Multimedia Journalism

Course Overview

Accreditations

Study and Modules

Structure

Compulsory Modules

INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM

INTRODUCTION TO AUDIO VISUAL SKILLS

MEDIA INDUSTRIES

LAW AND THE JOURNALIST

INTRODUCTION TO AUDIO VISUAL SKILLS

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Structure

Compulsory Modules

JOURNALISM PRACTICE AND ETHICS

NEWSROOM PRACTICE 1

ESSENTIAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND LAW

JOURNALISM PLACEMENT PREPARATION

Optional A Modules

METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE

LIES, ALGORITHMS AND CONCERTOS: UNDERSTANDING MEDIA AND CULTURAL POLICY

POWER AND SOCIETY

MEDIA, GLOBALISATION AND CULTURE

TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS FOR MEDIA ACCESSIBILITY (LEVEL 5)

DIGITAL MEDIA AND SOCIETY

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Structure

Compulsory Modules

JOURNALISM PLACEMENT

NEWSROOM PRACTICE 2

EXTENDED JOURNALISM PROJECT

ACCESSING ALL AREAS: DIVERSITY, GENDER AND INCLUSION POLITICS IN TODAY'S MEDIA

Optional A Modules

POLITICAL JOURNALISM

MEDIA PRODUCTION FOR DEVELOPMENT

DIGITAL POLITICS

POLITICS AND POPULAR CULTURE

ACTIVIST CAMPAIGNING

Teaching and Learning

Assessment

Entry Requirements

Additional Information or Requirements

Important note

Fees and Funding

Course Related Costs

How to Apply

Employability

After the Course

Careers

Related Courses

BA (Hons) Politics

BA (Hons) Culture, Literature and Politics

BA (Hons) Media Studies

BA (Hons) Film and Television Studies