Multimedia Journalism (Including Year Abroad)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Multimedia Journalism (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies
BA P501
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Admission criteria

  • GCSE: Mathematics and English C/4.
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Our Maths requirement can be met with either: 4 in Standard level Maths; 3 in Higher level Maths; or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page. or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Prof Jairo Alfonso Lugo-Ocando

Dean and Professor of Journalism

College of Communication, University of Sharjah, UAE

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 21 October 2024 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LT131-4-FY-CO  Essential Journalism  Core  30  30 
02  LT133-4-FY-CO  Media Law  Core  30  30 
03  LT134-4-FY-CO  Reporting Politics  Compulsory  30  30 
04  LT138-4-AU-CO  The Journalistic Imagination: Contemporary Issues in Journalism  Compulsory  15  15 
05  LT147-4-SP-CO  Practical Podcasting  Compulsory  15  15 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LT237-5-FY-CO  Advanced Media Law and Ethics  Core  30  30 
02  LT241-5-AU-CO  Feature Writing and Magazine Journalism  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LT240-5-FY-CO  Audio and Video for Broadcast and Online (Single honours)  Compulsory  30  30 
04  LT238-5-SP-CO  Research and Data Handling  Compulsory  15  15 
05    LT242-5-AU and/or LT218-5-AU and/or LT258-5-SP  Optional  30  30 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  AW121-6-FY-CO  Study Abroad Modules  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LT312-6-FY-CO  Advanced Practical Journalism  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LT313-6-AP-CO  Newsroom Practice  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LT314-6-FY-CO  Multimedia Project  Compulsory  45  45 
04  LT396-6-AU-CO  Journalism and Storytelling  Compulsory  15  15 
05    Option from list  Optional  15  15 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To create graduates who are thoroughly grounded in the theory and practice of journalism, and who have the range and depth of skills and knowledge necessary to embark on a career in journalism; to give students the legal, moral, ethical and values-based framework that will allow them to make sound editorial judgements and behave in a professional manner;
  • To help students develop their writing and broadcasting skills to a high level; to equip students with the technical, editorial and other (eg shorthand) expertise they need to operate effectively as journalists in today’s converged, multimedia, digital environment;
  • To encourage students to develop their critical faculties, in particular to adopt an inquiring, sceptical and whole-hearted approach to their work;
  • To encourage students to work effectively on their own and in teams to produce the best journalism;
  • To enable students to study for and achieve an industry-recognised qualification alongside their degree;
  • To develop students’ knowledge and skills necessary for living and working in non-UK cultures through a broad range of courses during the Year Abroad.


Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Theoretical and practical approaches to journalism

A2: The UK legal system, court reporting and the law relating to the media

A3: The characteristics and needs of a range of print, broadcast and web-based journalism, how audiences consume them and how best to serve those audiences

A4: Production processes and professional practice in relation to newspapers, magazines, online content and broadcast journalism

A5: Advanced research and data handling techniques, and the ability to assess and report statistics-based stories

A6: A specialist subject area or form of journalism

A7: The influence of theory on practice, operating professionally within a complex and ever changing regulatory framework

A8: The history and evolution of journalism, the current state of the industry and its future prospects

A9: The role of publishing and broadcasting in a modern society

A10: The regulatory framework and codes of practice relating to journalism

A11: Reporting local and national government processes, the nature of devolution and the relationship with the EU

Learning methods

Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.

Assessment methods

A1-A11 Range of in-class tests, portfolio of work, reflective journals, group work, project work, essays and other coursework
A1, A4-A7 examination

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Able to absorb and organise large amounts of information in a short time, applying critical techniques to assess evidence on the basis of relevance, reliability and newsworthiness

B2: Theoretical and practical approaches to journalism

B3: Make good decisions and present clear, well-reasoned and coherent arguments, in writing or orally, often against a deadline

B4: Exercise judgement in designing, planning and delivering journalistic output

B5: Demonstrate critical judgement of developments in the news, and of issues and concepts, and dispassionate assessment of own work and the work of others

B6: Produce independent and imaginative treatments conforming to a clear framework of values

B7: Be a self-critical journalist able to apply theoretical knowledge to enable sound decision-making in delivering journalistic output

Learning methods

Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by coursework, practical assignments, portfolios, group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, written examinations and, in some cases, oral presentations.

C: Practical skills

C1: An ability to find, research and write news stories and features for various print, online and broadcast media

C2: An ability to conduct interviews, record information accurately and analyse it to a professional standard

C3: An ability to work in production for various media, using industry-standard software and hardware

C4: An ability to work independently, cooperatively and in editorial teams to produce finished work to agreed deadlines for various media

C5: An ability to plan, produce and present projects suitable for publication or broadcast

C6: An ability to operate in professional manner, observing ethical and legal constraints

Learning methods

Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by coursework, practical assignments, portfolios, group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, written examinations and, in some cases, oral presentations.

D: Key skills

D1: Ability to express oneself in a clear, focused, relevant and effective way, both orally and in writing

D2: Ability to use appropriate software and hardware to produce and present high quality editorial content

D3: Basic grasp of numeracy, and ability to understand and apply a sceptical approach to statistics

D4: Finding, understanding, organising and processing information. Applying knowledge and understanding to make judgements. Ability to question conventional wisdom and find innovative methods of research. Working to deadlines. Management of projects and timetables.

D5: Ability to plan, manage time, and advance and argue for proposals in editorial meetings, ability to respond constructively to criticism, ability to engage in collaborative writing and programme-making activities; ability to work co-operatively in a variety of group contexts, including practical production, taking on a number of different roles.

D6: Ability to take responsibility for own work and actions in individual and collective contexts, and to reflect on performance and make constructive use of written and oral feedback.

D101: Develop intercultural skills

Learning methods

Lectures, workshops, group discussion and reflection, work experience, practical exercises, formative feedback.

Assessment methods

Assessment is by coursework, practical assignments, portfolios, group projects, peer assessment, critical commentaries, written examinations and, in some cases, oral presentations.


Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.