This challenging, highly practical course is designed for international students who wish to develop their journalism skills in English. It attracts students from all over the world. These include both experienced journalists and new graduates wanting to pursue a career in journalism.

In addition to delivering ‘hands-on’ learning, the course enables you to study the political, commercial and ethical issues which affect journalists world-wide. You opt to follow one of three strands for your journalism practice: either the Print, or Online, or Broadcast Journalism strand all students are introduced to web  journalism on the course and can contribute to www.wnol.com our student journalism multi-media website, and you can also contribute to our local news website, the HA1: www.TheHA1.co.uk

Course content

During this intensive year you will learn the reporting, researching, writing and presentation skills required for being a good journalist in both radio and TV, as well as develop a critical understanding of the news media. Teaching is done in small groups by experienced industry professionals, using up to date professional-standard news production soft-ware, video and audio equipment for your journalism assignments. You will also be introduced to web-journalism and blogging. You can also acquire the skills of a specialist correspondent by choosing from a range of specialist journalism options.

All students are encouraged to take up a work placement opportunity during the summer months.

There are three modules per Semester, each worth 20 credits.

Semester One modules

• The Principles of Journalism - exploring the key concepts underpinning journalism practice and an introduction to online journalism
• Issues in Journalism: Freedom, Human Rights and Democracy - a study of the ethical and other issues that confront journalists around the world.
• Broadcast News and Current Affairs for Radio and TV (Audio and video for the web)

The course also offers an English for Journalists module, opportunities for work experience, guest speakers from the media world.

Semester Two Modules

• Online Journalism
• Web Production for WestminsterNewsOnline

and there is a choice of two options to be taken alongside your strand modules. They could be:

• International Media Business
• Online Journalism
• Sociology of News

or a Specialist Journalism option:

• Investigative Journalism
• Arts and Entertainment Journalism
• Environmental Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Business and Finance Journalism
• Travel Journalism
• Health and Medical Journalism

(these are shared with the UK based MA Journalism students)

For those wishing a more theoretical option, perhaps as preparation for a Final Dissertation you can also choose a module from MA Global Media or MA Communications.