APPENDIX 6 - CDG

Programme Specification Template

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, Media and Performance
  1. External Accreditation
/ None
  1. Title of Final Award
/ MA International Journalism
  1. Modes of Attendance offered
/ Full-time and part-time
  1. UCAS Code

  1. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
/ Journalism
  1. Other external influences
/ n/a
  1. Date of production/revision of this form
/ June 2014
  1. Aims of the Programme

To equip students with advanced vocational skills in practical journalism, including reporting, writing and selection of news, with a focus on international and foreign correspondence.
To develop students’ knowledge of underpinning determinants of news production through critical evaluation and application of approaches, theories, perspectives and research methods at the forefront of international journalism studies.
To equip students with technical news production skills in print, online and broadcast media.
To develop students’ understanding of the ethics of journalism practice, and to reflect critically on their own decisions as journalists.
To develop and apply key journalism skills in news selection, gathering and writing, consider these activities in a variety of national settings and relate print journalism to practices in other media forms
To enable students to synthesise learning of advanced journalism skills in the initiation and production of a substantial practical international journalism project and analysis of issues and their activities.

APPENDIX 6 - CDG

Programme Specification Template

  1. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A.Knowledge and Understanding
A1 Critically analyse the relationships between journalism practices and underpinning theories and concepts.
A2. Relate practical journalism experiences to theoretical frameworks and show advanced abilities to synthesise practice and theory in considering the consequences of journalism activities in relation to social development.
A3. Relate news practices in international settings to underpinning social determinants and establish correlations and tensions with normative and ethical perspectives on the roles of journalism.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, participation in workshops and seminars, self-directed learning, practical coursework, essays, project, reflective log books, student initiated activities and individual tutorials.
Assessment methods
Reflective analysis of practical coursework
Presentations
Analytical essays
B.Subject-specific skills
B1.Demonstrate advanced abilities to critically analyse and make complex professional decisions in news production and selection to meet organisational, market, social and cultural requirements.
B2. Demonstrate advanced journalism skills in print, radio, TV and online news production and demonstrate abilities to critically analyse and evaluate differences in practices.
B3. Critically evaluate practices and issues in foreign news coverage.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Practical work, individual and group story development conferences, individual editing and writing tutorials, peer review, technical workshops, newsroom days, reporting site visits
Assessment methods
Practical news production in a variety of media.
Technical production assessments and news days.
Critical analysis of news production
C.Thinking Skills
C1. Review and critically evaluate journalistic processes with reference to theoretical understandings of the role of the media
C2. Research and gather (report) complex material and process this into accurate, concise and compelling journalism of a high professional standard.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, participation in workshops and seminars, self-directed learning, practical coursework, essays, project, reflective log books, student initiated activities and individual tutorials.
Assessment methods
Reflective analyses
Original reporting
Specialist reporting
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Demonstrate initiative and critical evaluation in identifying a significant topic of study that shows strong elements of originality.
D2. Critically evaluate practices andissues involved in journalism for international/transnational news media.
D3. Critically evaluate international practices and concepts involved in effective newsroom management.
D4. Critically evaluate and apply knowledge of practices and skills in news processing and visual presentation in international settings.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Experiential learning through practical workshops and writing assignments, supported by extensive peer and tutor critique of practical work and process.
Assessment methods
Practical work/reporting and story development
Research and development work
Essays and analyses

APPENDIX 6 - CDG

Programme Specification Template

13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 7 / Compulsory modules / Postgraduate Certificate in International Journalism
Requires 60 credits at level 7
Postgraduate Diploma in International Journalism
Requires 120 credits at level 7
MA International Journalism
Requires 180 credits at level 7
JN4078 / Reporting Skills for International Journalism / 20
JN4072 / Digital Journalism / 20
JN4048 / International Journalism Ethics and Practice / 20
JN4047 / International Newsroom Practice / 40
JN4073 / Extended Journalism Project / 60
JN4074 / Standard Journalism Project* / 40
Choice of
JN4049 / Introduction to Radio Journalism / 20
JN4140 / Introduction to Photojournalism / 20
JN4102 / Independent Study / 20
JN4103 / Postgraduate Work Placement / 20
JC4005 / Data analysis and visualisation / 20
PH4010 / New Media Practices / 20
* Students completing the Standard Journalism Project would normally be expected to combine this with JN4013 Postgraduate Work Placement
15.Personal Development Planning
PDP is a part of all modules within the course through the use of an on-going personal file which 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.
UK Admission Criteria: Applicants will normally be expected to hold a first degree classification of 2:1, or above.Applicants with a lower second will be considered if they can demonstrate a commitment to journalism.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in journalism and have an international outlook. Applicants with non-standard background (especially those with a substantial journalistic background) will be considered individually.
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 6.5.
17.Key sources of information about the programme

  • MA International Journalism Factsheet & News on UCLan website

  • UCLan prospectus

APPENDIX 21 - CDG

18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Compulsory or Option / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / B1 / B2 / B3 / C1 / C2 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4
LEVEL 7 / JN4078 / Reporting Skills for International Journalism / Compulsory /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4072 / Digital Journalism / Compulsory /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4048 / International Journalism Ethics and Practice / Compulsory /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4047 / International Newsroom Practice / Compulsory /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4073 / Extended Journalism Project / Comp/Option /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4074 / Standard Journalism Project / Comp/Option /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4049 / Introduction to Radio Journalism / Option /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4140 / Introduction to Photojournalism / Option /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4102 / Independent Study / Option /  /  /  /  /  / 
JN4103 / Work Placement / Option /  /  /  /  /  /  /  / 
JC4005 / Data analysis and visualisation / Option /  /  /  /  /  / 
PH4010 / New Media Practices / Option /  /  /  /  /  /  / 