Program Overview

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Introduction to the BA (Hons) Journalism with a Foundation Year Program

The BA (Hons) Journalism with a Foundation Year program at Birmingham City University is designed to prepare students for a career in journalism by providing them with the knowledge and cutting-edge skills required to be a professional journalist. This four-year program includes a foundation year, which allows students who do not initially meet the entry requirements for a three-year degree to undertake additional level 3 study.

Program Overview

The program will enable students to become agile, independent reporters working across multiple platforms, with the ability to understand the democratic role of journalism in society. Students will learn through research-and practice-informed teaching and have the chance to undertake placement opportunities. They will develop creative storytelling skills, technical skills, and the ability to analyze, innovate, and explore theoretical concepts.

Foundation Year

The foundation year is designed to allow students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen degree program. Students will study a range of modules, including:

• Media Audiences
• Professional and Academic Skills
• Media Production Practice
• Collaborative Media Production
• Media Concepts and Investigation
• Media Project

First Year

In the first year, students will study a range of modules, including:

• Understanding Media Texts, Industries and Audiences
• Investigating Media Texts, Industries and Audiences
• Telling Stories with Journalism
• Digital Reporting
• Journalism Techniques
• Community and Industry Collaboration

Second Year

In the second year, students will study a range of modules, including:

• Journalism in Context
• Media Law in Practice
• Practical Reporting
• Work Placement
• Live Project
• Collaborative Practice

Final Year

In the final year, students will study a range of modules, including:

• Advanced Reporting
• Major Project Preparation
• Major Project - Dissertation
• Major Project - Hybrid
• Major Project - Production

Optional Modules

Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including:

• Bi-Media Drama
• Comedy in the Media and Popular Culture
• Fandoms and Subcultures
• Photojournalism
• Television Studio
• Creating Compelling Content
• Digital Storytelling
• Radio Documentary and Podcast Production
• Commercial Photography
• Emotion, Media and Culture
• Climate Change, Media Work, and You
• Television From Small Screens to Smart Screens
• Graphic Design
• PR Campaign Planning
• Digital Creators Lab: Media and Journalism
• Exploring PR, social media and influencers
• Live Music and Media
• Live Radio Production
• Audio Drama and Podcast Writing
• Audience and User Experience
• Gender, Sexuality and the Body
• Race, Media and Culture
• Popular Music Narratives
• Media Production Company
• Communication in Action
• Feature Writing for News Media

Employability

The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in a career in journalism. Graduates have gone on to work in a range of roles, including social media editor, reporter, and trending video editor.

Facilities and Staff

The program is based at the Birmingham City University's City Centre Campus, which features state-of-the-art facilities, including four TV studios, six radio studios, and broadcast-standard edit suites. The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals, including Dr. Ellie Tomsett, Dr. Ross Hawkes, Robin Kay, and Dave Harte.

Admission Criteria

The admission criteria for the program include:

• 80 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements
• International qualifications
• Mature students
• English language requirements

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the program are:

• ｣9,790 per year for UK students
• ｣18,570 per year for international students

Research Areas

The program covers a range of research areas, including:

• Journalism and media
• Media production and technology
• Media law and ethics
• Media and society
• Media and culture

Conclusion

The BA (Hons) Journalism with a Foundation Year program at Birmingham City University is a comprehensive and practical program that provides students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in a career in journalism. With its strong focus on employability, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced staff, this program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a career in journalism.