This module provides basic knowledge, understanding and experience of processing words and pictures for newspaper, magazine and online use through an introduction to production methods constraints and needs, while also improving reporting and writing skills. It introduces computer-based editing and design using industry-standard software (Indesign and Photoshop) typography, layout, the use of headlines, and the analysis of how news values and reader needs and expectations are addressed through the editing process.


Students will gain design skills Weeks 1-4. Subsequent classes will be dedicated to practicing and perfecting these skills with the final product assessed. Students will curate a portfolio of work for future employment.

Proposal and editing skills – mid-semester 40%

Magazine proposal 1,000 words (LO 1)

Sub-editing skills assessment Two hours (LO 1)

Equal weighting


Design and layout portfolio – end of module 60%

magazine page Two hours (LO 2, 3, 4)

back page Two hours (LO 2, 3, 4)

double-page spread Two hours (LO 2, 3, 4)

Equal weighting


Employability

A journalist with production/layout/design skills is eminently more employable than one without. There is always a large volume of work – freelance and staff – available for those with production skills. Assessments 1-4 are very much “real world’ authentic assessments.


Diversity

Material will be used for the design and layout exams which features sensitive issues relating to diversity/inclusivity, therefore testing the students’ ability to produce appropriate headlines.

13 x workshops (3 hours) 39 hours; Independent learning (161 hours)
Demonstrating and investigating the key concepts and technological systems employed in the design and production of print journalism.
Developing knowledge and understanding of the techniques to produce trade-standard work

1. Realise concepts as coherent newspaper magazine and online pages and learn the skills required to be a sub-editor and understand the different roles a sub-editor must take in a newsroom

2. Demonstrate fluency with Indesign

3. design content to show understanding of reader expectations and responses

4. Demonstrate presentation skills transferable to other disciplines

Indesign and Adobe photoshop on Macs

Newsroom facilities, including audio editing software

Blackboard

Bull A. (2016) Multimedia Journalism – A Practical Guide, Routledge.

Evans, H. (1978) Editing and Design. London. Heinemann

Franklin, B. (2008) Pulling Newspapers Apart: Analyzing Print Journalism. Oxon. Routledge

Hand, D; Middleditch, S. (2012) Design for Media. London. Routledge

Harcup, T. (2010) Newspaper Journalism. London. Sage Publications

Harrower, T. (2013) The Newspaper Designer¿s Handbook. London. McGraw-Hill

Hicks, W. (2013) English for Journalists, Routledge.

Kordes Anton, K. (2014) Adobe Indesign CC Classroom in a Book. San Francisco. Peachpit

Marsh, David. (2013) For Who the Bell Tolls, Guardian Faber Publishing.

Phillips, A. (2007) Good Writing for Journalists, Sage.

Quinn, S. (2001) Digital Sub-editing and Design. Oxford. Focal Press

Synge, D. (2010) Survival Guide to Journalism. Maidenhead. Open University Press

Truss, Lynne (2009) Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Fourth Estate

Uskali, Turo, (ed) (2020). Immersive¿Journalism¿as Storytelling: ethics,¿production¿and design. Routledge.

Ever wanted to design the sports back page of a newspaper? This module gives you the skills of lay-out and sub-editing through InDesign software. You will also learn about magazine design and produce a double page spread of sports stories.