A choice of team projects, producing a portfolio (100% weighting) to include a range of items, such as:

Detailed rationale/plan for the project (500 words)
5-minute team pitch to tutors and peers
Completed product (publishable/useable journalistic or PR material in the form of a news/magazine feature, radio or TV package, press release and campaign (1000 words)
Independent reflective evaluation (500 words)

Appropriate/equivalent word count – 2,500 words

Learning Outcomes 1-7

This module provides students with an opportunity to embark on a short independent project in small teams which will assist them in identifying appropriate ‘pathway’ choices from L5 onwards.

Students will attend seminars in weeks 1-3 which will outline the potential project formats in the areas of news, features, broadcast and PR, with guidance and instruction on how each choice should be planned and followed through.

Students will be encouraged to choose an area which fits their interests or career aspirations as it will assist in either cementing or changing their outlook and potential pathway going forward.

The possibilities include a researched news feature on a specific subject or topic for digital/print market; a researched TV or radio package for broadcast audience; a PR release and researched campaign plan for an identified sector; a researched magazine article for appropriate audience

Tutors will advise regarding suitability in complying with the module requirements.

The focus throughout is on producing work which has the potential to be developed to a professional publishable/useable standard.

3 x 2hr seminars weeks 1 to 3 to outline different types of media projects, examples, requirements and assessments, as well as requirements and guidance on pitching

4x30 min tutorials through weeks 4-11 to supervise teams on their projects

1 x 4 hr pitch event week 12 – each team pitches their plan and product to the group and tutors

Independent learning = 138 hours
Developing advanced knowledge and understanding of the demands of specialist areas of journalism and allied industries, as well as understanding and applying team-work and collaborative skills throughout the semester

Library resources
Newsrooms with appropriate Mac software programmes
Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook

Advisable as appropriate to individual projects/dissertations

1. DEVELOP ABILITY TO THINK LATERALLY AND CREATIVELY TO EXPLOIT POTENTIAL OF IDEAS AND MARKETS
[Learning]

2. DEMONSTRATE APPROPRIATE GRASP OF PROFESSIONAL AND/OR THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
[Knowledge and Understanding]

3. PRESENT, EVALUATE AND INTERPRET DATA IN APPROPRIATE FORMATS
[Enquiry]

4. DEMONSTRATE APPROPRIATE TEAM-WORKING SKILLS IN A SELF-MANAGED ENVIRONMENT [Application]

5. COMMUNICATE RESULTS WITH APPROPRIATE TONE, STYLE AND CONTENT IN WRITTEN AND VERBAL FORMATS
[Communication]

6. DEMONSTRATE A RANGE OF QUALITIES AND SKILLS PERTINENT TO JOURNALISM AND/OR PR WHICH ARE TRANSFERABLE TO OTHER DOMAINS AND DISCIPLINES
[Reflection]

7. DEMONSTRATE ADVANCED COMPETENCE IN PRODUCING/ASSESSING TO PUBLISHABLE/PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
[Practical and Professional]