Journalism and Public Relations BA Hons

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1 SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES Journalism and Public Relations BA Hons Greenwich Campus

2 Journalism and Public Relations Programme information This degree is aimed especially at those interested in pursuing a career in journalism and/or public relations. The structure of the programme allows students to focus on the core areas of journalism and public relations and to select from a range of specialisations in years 2 and 3, including sports, business or arts and cultural journalism. The link between journalism and public relations has always been a strong one, with the two disciplines working closely together and practitioners moving between them. In the past, many who trained solely as journalists went on to work in PR and occasionally vice versa. The new BA degree programme acknowledges this trend and gives students the opportunity to develop a wide range of writing, presentational and technical skills, including a facility in desktop publishing, that are relevant to both professions. It also aims to introduce students to contemporary issues and debates in each area. By the end of the three-year programme, therefore, students should be equipped with both practical skills and a thorough in-depth knowledge of these two industries. The aim is to increase employability, both for graduates wishing to enter these two professions and for those who aim to pursue other careers where good communications and presentational skills, together with a trained mind, are key attributes. This degree programme stresses the inter-relationship of practical and theoretical knowledge, although the course is intensely practical. A key component of the third year is a work placement. You should apply for this programme if you are interested in finding out what makes a story news ; finding out about the history of the communications industries; learning how to write copy for different media; learning how to write persuasive press releases; learning how marketing works; learning how to present your ideas and your copy to a professional standard; developing your communications skills. Simon Hardeman Journalism lecturer I have over 20 years experience in journalism as a news journalist, an arts editor, a TV journalist and co-presenter. I ve worked for exciting media companies such as Talk Radio, The Independent, Channel Five and also for the popular talk show The Wright Stuff. I m currently working as a freelance writer for The Independent and The Times.

3 Why study this programme? London is the hub of the UK s communications industries and the campus is within easy reach of the main offices of some of the world s top PR and marketing companies, as well as most of the national daily and Sunday newspapers. As a thriving capital city, London is a major centre for news and news production and home to literally hundreds of internationally renowned companies on the lookout for highly skilled PR and marketing professionals. The School of Humanities & Social Sciences is building a specialisation in journalism with the launch of its BA programme. Courses are taught by lecturers with considerable experience in journalism and PR and accreditation is being sought from the main professional bodies (see Accreditation ). Why study with us? The School of Humanities & Social Sciences has a long tradition of interdisciplinary study. It offers variety, flexibility and interplay between programmes, which has created a dynamic and innovative School with a lively and diverse student body of over 2,000. The School offers courses and programmes of study in a range of disciplines, giving you the possibility of taking one or more courses in, for instance, drama, politics, philosophy, history and sociology, alongside your chosen discipline. You also have the opportunity to study a European language. Students on this programme study at the Old Royal Naval College buildings on the university s Greenwich Campus. This magnificent 17th-century setting is in the centre of Greenwich, a bustling district just 20 minutes by train from central London. Halls of residence are close to the campus. What courses will you study? Year 1 Introduction to Journalism Theory and Professional PR Practice Professional Media Practice 1 Media Markets Year 2 Journalism Applied Professional PR Practice Professional Media Practice 2 One option from a range including: Arts and Cultural Journalism; Sports Journalism; Environment, Politics and the Mass Media; Documentary Video Production; Media Theory and Representation; Politics and the Media; Criminology; Politics of European Integration; Investigating Contemporary Popular Culture; Culture and Society in the Twentieth Century

4 Year 3 The Journalism Portfolio Delivering Professional PR Practice Professional Media Practice 3 One option from a range including: The New Media Environment; Creative Entrepreneurship; Business Journalism; a Work Placement; International Organisations: Politics and Policy Making; a Major Media Project; Contemporary Political Philosophy; Policing; Drugs and Drug Use in Society; The Empire Strikes Back? Career opportunities This degree programme equips students with communication skills relevant to a wide range of professions, as well as the more specific writing and presentational skills required in the communications industries. Journalism employers are keen to see industry-ready graduates hitting the market. Teaching and assessment Examinations and coursework, including practical projects, portfolios and presentations. Facilities The School has a purpose-built newsroom, comprising computer terminals, a specially designated interview room, a news conference area, and all the equipment one would expect to find in a typical newsroom. These new facilities reflect the university s commitment to the journalism programme, as well as its desire to recreate, as far as possible, a real newspaper environment, and to give students a truly vocational education. Accreditation Accreditation is being sought from the Periodical Publishers' Association to ensure our programme meets all the current standards required by employers. The public relations strand has already received accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Kathy Watson Programme leader I trained as a business journalist and have spent the last 25 years working on a variety of business titles at all levels. My experience is current, as I still work as a freelance journalist, as well as a trainer for one of the major publishing houses. This degree is a welcome addition to the courses on offer at the University of Greenwich. It gives an opportunity to people who have been under-represented in UK journalism. The emphasis is very much on professional training for those who wish to pursue a career in journalism and/or public relations.

5 Visit us University Open Days are held several times a year. These typically offer a programme of talks and the chance to speak to staff and students. You may also be given a tour of the campus. A list of dates can be found at Key facts UCAS code: PN05 G BA/JPRMkt Location: Greenwich Campus, southeast London Attendance: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time Entry requirements: 200 UCAS points, 160 of which must come from two A-levels. For further information, see requirements. Applications from students of all backgrounds are welcomed, including school and college leavers, mature students, those in employment and international students. Your application is considered based on your potential. How to apply: full-time students apply through UCAS up to the 15 January before entry in September. However, late applications are considered. Part-time students apply directly to the university by post, or online at There is no closing date.

6 For information on this programme, including how to apply, please contact: UK students Freephone: Fax: International/EU students Telephone: Fax: Website: REGISTER FOR PUBLICATIONS AND BECOME A GREENWICH VIP This document is available in other formats on request University of Greenwich, a charity and company limited by guarantee, registered in England (reg. no ). Registered office: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS D