UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

  1. Awarding Institution / Body
/ University of Central Lancashire
  1. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
/ University of Central Lancashire, Preston
  1. University School/Centre
/ Journalism, Language and Communication
  1. External Accreditation
/ NCTJ, BJTC and PTC
  1. Title of Final Award
/ BA (Hons) Journalism
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-time
  1. UCAS Code
/ P500
  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ N/A
  1. Other external influences
/ NCTJ, BJTC and PTC
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ 1 September 2014
  1. Aims of the Programme

To produce fully-trained multi-media journalistsequipped with the skills needed for entry-level employment in journalism,the media/creative industries and other allied careers.
To develop journalism practitioners who are independent thinkers and doers and to encourage the development of critical thinking, reasoning and research skills through journalism theory.
To develop students’ understanding of the legal constraints and the ethics of journalism practice and to encourage students to reflect critically on their own decisions as journalists.
To provide a learning environment for personal development and growth both as an individual and as a contributor to a team.
  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme the student will have:-
A1. Knowledge of the development, structures and operation of the news media.
A2. An understanding of how a journalist works and how content is obtained, written, edited and presented across multi-media platforms.
A3. Knowledge of legal, ethical and regulatory constraints on content production. Knowledge of the operation of central and local government.
A4. An understanding of theoretical and conceptual issues that relate to journalism.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, practical workshops, newsdays, seminars, case studies, placements
Assessment methods
Practical coursework
Reflective analysis.
Presentations
Examinations.
Projects.
Analytical essays
B.Subject-specific skills
On successful completion of this programme the student will be able to:-
B1.Select, gather and process content for a range of media.
B2. Demonstrate technical and production skills, social media skills.
B3 Demonstrate Interviewing and presentational skills and other course specific skills
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, practical workshops, newsdays, seminars, case studies, placements
Assessment methods
Practical coursework
Presentations
Examinations.
Projects.
Essays
C.Thinking Skills
On successful completion of this programme the student will be able to:-
C1. Select, research, analyse and critically appraise information from a range of primary and secondary sources.
C2. Relate the practice and products of practical work to theoretical perspectives and concepts.
C3 Plan and conduct research and communicating results.
C4 Reflect on learning and personal performance.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars, reflection on learning.
Assessment methods
Reflective analyses
Coursework
Essays
Peer assessment.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
On successful completion of this programme the student will be:-
D1. Self-confident, curious, persistenta team player and flexible in approach.
D2. Able to communicate both verbally and in written form with clarity and brevity
D3.Able to use new technology and social media in content gathering and sharing.
D4. An independent thinker, creative, innovative and reflective
Teaching and Learning Methods
Seminars, workshops, group projects, presentations,
Assessment methods
Presentations.
Group projects.
Live newsrooms.Reflective analysis.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including a minimum of 220 at Level 5 and above and 100 at Level 6 and above
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a minimum of 200 at Level 5 and above
Diploma of Higher Education
Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5 and above
Certificate of Higher Education
Requires 120 credits at level 4 and above
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Compulsory Modules
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4 / JN3025 / Ethics and Regulation / 20
JN3600 / Public Affairs / 20
JN3046 / Work Placement.
(*compulsory for all students except dissertation students). / 20
Optional modules
One module from the following:
JN3112 / The Broadcast Newsroom / 40
JN3110 / Newspaper and Magazine Production. / 40
TE3069 / Enterprise Development and Production. / 40
PLUS one module from the following:
JN3062 / Photojournalism / 20
JN3703 / Social Media / 20
JN3076 / Specialist writing / 20
JN3111 / Data Journalism / 20
JN3029 / Community Journalism / 20
JN3043 / Independent project / 20
JN3200 / Law for Journalists.
(* This module is compulsory for any student who did not take JN2200 in Y2). / 20
OR students can opt for a dissertation route which would be
JN3024 / Journalism Research plus either / 20
JN3992 / Dissertation or / 40
JN3991 / Dissertation plus a 20 credit option or JN3046 work placement / 20
Compulsory modules
JN2064 / Print and Online Journalism / 20
JN2065 / Broadcast Journalism / 20
JN2050 / The Digital Landscape / 20
JN2033 / International Journalism / 20
JN2031 / Journalism Issues / 20
JN2200 / Law for Journalists / 20
Compulsory Modules
JN1014 / Reporting skills / 20
JN1015 / Broadcast Journalism skills / 20
JN1016 / Creating content / 20
JN1017 / Multiplatform Journalism / 20
JN1005 / Shorthand for Journalists / 20
Option Modules
JN1018 / Introduction to Book Publishing / 20
JN1033 / The Business of Media / 20
15.Personal Development Planning
PDP is a part of all modules within the course and helps define a student’s progress, professional direction and goals. The concept in part is to focus the student’s opportunities to maximize engagement with the learning opportunities especially as they relate to career goals. It gives them a framework to record their activities and actions which form the basis for professional development of skills and experiences that are sought by employers and will lead to advancement in the workplace. It is also tracking learning tasks and to reflect on what you learned and how, what the consequences are and ways they could be better accomplished.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The University’s minimum standard entry requirements for degree level study is a 12 unit profile, made up from one of the following:
At least two A2 level subjects including
  • One A2 level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
  • One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE
Specific entry requirements for this course are:
  • ABB/BBC at A2 level/ DDM/DMM - BTEC
  • Overseas Admission Criteria: Applicants should demonstrate academic levels, interests or journalism experience equivalent to the UK. Additionally, they must have an English standard at IELTS 7.5.
Other acceptable qualifications include:
  • Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
  • Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
  • International Baccalaureate
  • BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
  • Kite marked Access Course

17.Key sources of information about the programme

  • BA Journalism Factsheet & News on UCLan website

  • UCLan prospectus

18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 6 / JN3025 / Ethics and Regulation. / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3046 / Work placement / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3600 / Public Administration / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3112 / Broadcast Newsroom / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3110 / Newspaper and Magazine Production / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
TE3069 / Enterprise and Development / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3029 / Community Journalism / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3703 / Social Media / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3043 / Independent Project / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3076 / Specialist Writing / O / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x
JN3062 / Photojournalism / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN3111 / Datajournalism / O
JN3024 / Journalism Research / O / x / x / x / x / x
JN3991 / Dissertation / O / x / x / x / x / x
JN3992 / Dissertation / O / x / x / x / x / x
JN3200 / Law for Journalists / O / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
LEVEL 5 / JN2064 / Print and Online Journalism / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x
JN2065 / Broadcast Journalism / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x
JN2050 / Digital Landscapes / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN2200 / Law for Journalists / Comp / x / X / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN2033 / International Journalism / Comp / x / X / x / x / x / x / x
JN2031 / Journalism Issues / Comp / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x / x
JN1014 / Reporting Skills / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x
LEVEL 4 / JN1016 / Creating Content / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x
JN1015 / Broadcast Skills / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / X / x / x / x / x
JN1018 / Intro to Book Publishing / O / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN1005 / Shorthand. / Comp / x
JN1017 / Multiplatform Journalism / Comp / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x / x
JN1033 / The Business of Media / O / x / x / x / x / x

Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks