A 100 per cent portfolio (LO 1- 7] consisting of:

1,200 words of original feature writing
A double page spread displaying the feature writing in print
A class test on the business of magazines
An individual six-page portfolio of designs for an original new magazine style publication
An individual evaluation of learning throughout the module 300 words
A commercial pitch of five minutes in length in the form of a presentation to class

The module focuses on three strands:
a) Studying the magazine business - from launching a magazine to developing the brand into a multi-media platform; this area of study will prepare students to take the NCTJ qualification in the business of magazines. Knowledge will be tested by a class test.

b) Exploring different writing styles from the personal profile, to the news feature, to the opinion column and fun fact files. Students will produce a portfolio of writing of 1,200 words.

c) Learning to use Indesign and understanding design principles to create a total of eight magazine pages
These three strands will enable students to develop their own idea for a magazine and create prototype pages. Students will be required to submit their design and the supporting argument for its commercial production in pitch in front of tutors and class members.

22 x 2 workshops plus 1 x 2 hour drop in sessions to complete work under tutor guidance; 1 x 1 hour revision session; 1 x 1 hour personal tutorials
This module will be co-taught involving three tutors. Each tutor is an expert in one of the learning strands and will deliver the appropriate workshops. Students will be given time in workshops to work on their designs with personal support from a tutor giving formative feedback. The business of magazines will be delivered in a seminar format and the writing skills will be developed through workshop exercises.

Independent learning = 252 hours

Library resources
PowerPoint/computer projector
Audio / video playback facilities
Indesign on Mac
Adobe Photoshop latest version
Web resources
Print product
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be used extensively to support this module showcasing the latest industry thinking and designs

Evans, H. (2000) Essential English: For Journalists, Editors and Writers. London. Pimlico
Harrington, W. (1997) Intimate Journalism: The Art and Craft of Reporting EverydayLife. London. Sage
Hennessy, B. (1997) Writing Feature Articles: A Practical Guide to Methods and Markets. London. Focal Press
Kordes Anton. (2014) Adobe Indesign CC Classroom in a Book. San Francisco. Peachpit
McKay, J. (2013) The Magazines Handbook. Oxon. Routledge
Morrish, J; Bradshaw, P. (2012) Magazine Editing: In Print and Online. Oxon. Routledge
Rivers, C. (2006) Mag-Art:Innovation in Magazine Design. Hove. Rotovision
Rowe, D. (2004) Sport, Culture and the Media. Maidenhead. Open University Press
Rudin, R. and Ibbotson, T. (2002) An Introduction to Journalism: Essential Techniques and Background. London. Focal Press
Stam, D. (2014) Inside Magazine Publishing. Oxon. Routledge
Temple, N. (2003) Writing Copy for the Web in a Week. London: Hodder and Stoughton

1. DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO REALISE CONCEPTS AS A COHERENT MAGAZINE PRODUCT. [Learning]

2. EVALUATE READER APPEAL AND EXPLAIN COMMERCIAL VIABILITY. [Analysis; Communication]

3. DEMONSTRATE ADVANCED PRESENTATION SKILLS, AND TIME AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS IN MAGAZINE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION TRANSFERABLE TO OTHER DISCIPLINES. [Application]

4. ANALYSE AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE YOUR WORK GIVING CONSIDERATION TO IMPROVING ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE. [Reflection]

5. IDENTIFY AND PRODUCE CONTENT IN A RANGE OF STYLES AND MODES. [Knowledge and Understanding]

6. UNDERSTAND THE MAGAZINE INDUSTRY AND HOW IT WORKS IN PRINT AND ONLINE, DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE OF DIFFERENT SECTORS, READERSHIPS AND REVENUE MODELS, PRINTING, DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION. [Knowledge and Understanding; Learning]

7. WRITE EFFECTIVELY ACCORDING TO THE PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS OF A SET TASK. [Communication]