Key Facts
About the course
The media industry is constantly changing, and you want to enter it bang up to date – with cross-industry editorial and production skills gained from experience of working in radio studios, edit suites and our newsroom, equipped with the latest Apple technology and Press Association news feeds.
Taught by professionals with print, broadcast and academic expertise, you will become skilled in news gathering, reporting, feature writing, shorthand and magazine page design. You will also develop an understanding of journalism in a globalised age.
You will do a placement in your second year, allowing you to graduate with vital work experience to give you the edge over other journalism graduates when trying to land your first job in the industry.
Why choose this course?
- Learn cross-industry editorial and production skills, using industry-standard equipment, from experts in the field
- Study aspects of journalism in practice, including media law, ethics and public administration, preparing you to enter the industry either as employee or freelancer
- Develop your knowledge of theory and current practice in journalism, and insights into future developments
- Gain practical skills in news gathering, feature writing and editing, magazine design, headline writing, shorthand, photo editing, sub-editing, producing and presenting your work across platforms including radio, internet, video and print
- Explore and build links with journalism and wider creative industries through work experience opportunities
- Benefit from our strong links with the local media in Milton Keynes providing you with suitable placements and regular guest lecturers
- Benefit from a course which reflects industry demand for graduates with the skills to enter careers in print, broadcast, online publishing and public relations. Journalists work at local, regional, national and international levels. Other career paths include research, sub-editing, production, editorial, new media production, or as a columnist in regional, national or international media companies.
Listen to our students broadcasting on our Ofcom-licensed community radio station RadioLab 97.1FM
You too could have your own show on RadioLab and even run the station in your third year.
See what our students are writing on their own news website citiblog.co.uk You too would be reporting for Citiblog and building up your online portfolio of stories.
You will learn to work as a multiplatform journalist and develop strong communication and analytical skills, as you gain insight into a rapidly changing media industry in the globalised age.
You will be given the opportunity to learn and apply journalistic practice in your placement unit.
Coordinator for the course, and main tutor is Jon Boyle
Jon has a wealth of industry experience in all areas of journalism that enables him to teach a wide range of topics including news and feature writing, page design and sub-editing, shorthand, online reporting and his specialist subject of sports reporting. He has spent more than a decade as a national freelance football reporter, covering teams such as Leicester City, MK Dons and Luton Town.
Having grown up in Milton Keynes and worked for some of the biggest newspapers in the area, he has built up strong relationships with the local media including the Milton Keynes Citizen, One MK, BBC Three Counties Radio, Secklow Sounds, MKFM and MK Pulse, which enables his students to take advantage of fantastic work placement opportunities. Read Jon Boyle's profile
Journalism (with placement) Milton Keynes with Professional Practice Year - BA (Hons)
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
Unit Information - What will I learn?
|
Unit Name |
Credits |
Core/ option |
What is it about? |
|
FIRST YEAR |
|
|
|
|
Inside the Journalism Industry |
30 |
Core |
You will learn how journalists need to work in an ethical way and be introduced to media law. You will learn about and critique the industry in the digital age. You will be introduced to politics, needed by all journalists to work effectively. |
|
Journalism and Society |
30 |
Core |
In this class the relationship between the media and topics such as protest, elections, culture, sport, terrorism and global media systems are explored. In short, you will examine journalism and society. |
|
Reporting and Writing |
30 |
Core |
You will learn the art of both researching and writing a good news story under deadline pressure. |
|
Introduction to Digital Storytelling |
30 |
Core |
You will be equipped with practical broadcast skills. You will learn to record and edit audio and video, use them to develop your storytelling skills and to upload them online |
|
SECOND YEAR |
|
|
|
|
Law, Regulation and Public Administration |
30 |
Core |
You will learn to delve deeply, trawling through public documents in order to hold both organisations and politicians to account. You will also take your knowledge of media law to the next level, so when the storm comes, you are ready to protect yourself and your sources. |
|
Print and Digital Production and Design |
30 |
Core |
This unit examines the practical and aesthetic demands of print and digital production, focusing on design, typography, image selection, work flow and sub-editing in newspapers, magazines and online. |
|
Enterprise Placement (BSS020-2) Compulsory |
|
Core |
|
|
THIRD YEAR |
|
|
|
|
Ethics and Journalism |
|
Core |
There could not be a more important time to cover ethics - when the conduct of politicians and indeed journalists is being called in to question. Hate speech, inciting violence from both, is on the rise. Journalism today is informed by our civilisation’s history and moral philosophy. It is time to learn why you should behave well – not badly, for your reputation and that of those you work for. |
|
Magazine and Online Publishing |
|
Core |
You will take a multi-platform approach to a media product by producing a magazine, developing a social media strategy and building a website. |
|
Special Project For Journalism (MED036-3) Compulsory |
|
Core |
|
How will I be assessed?
Assessment methods vary across the course, enabling you to develop strategies for a range of tasks, methods of evaluation and presentation giving you valuable employability experience. At all stages you will receive detailed feedback on your work.
The importance of relevant, constructive feedback in a written, clearly understood, format which is delivered rapidly, enables you to incorporate the elements of feedback in your rolling programme of progressive work throughout your course.
This is crucial to your academic and professional progression. Individual tutors all offer the opportunity to discuss any feedback in more detail at each level of study. As your skills and subject knowledge develop over the duration of your course, it is expected that you will develop increasingly sophisticated responses to assessment and employ increasingly effective methods of peer and self-review.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
- At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
- At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
UK
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 80 points with 64 points from 2 A level passes at C or above
- At least 80 points with 64 from Merit Merit in two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas or one BTEC Diploma
- At least 80 points with Merit Merit Pass in the BTEC Extended Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
International
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2020/21 is £12,350 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Fees and Funding
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
EU
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2020/21 is £9,250 per year.
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2020/21 is £12,350 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees by no more than inflation.
Extra Costs
Facilities
Milton Keynes campus
Our Milton Keynes campus is located in the town centre, very close to the main shopping centre and other amenities.
The campus has modern teaching facilities and social spaces to help our students prosper both academically and personally.
Study locally and save money if you're MK-based. For example, our foundation degrees offer you part-time and flexible learning study modes, so you can continue to work full-time and live at home whilst studying for your degree. Our degrees with placements also give you the opportunity to get real work experience as part of your studies.
Location
The Milton Keynes campus is ideally placed with good local connections as well as excellent transport links to London, the Midlands and internationally. By fast train you will be in London in 35 minutes. The campus is just a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the rail and bus stations, with all the businesses and amenities Milton Keynes has to offer close at hand.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
