Work Placement Portfolio [100%] will be assessed by:

A critical evaluation/report of 2000 words, a diary and portfolio of published work [Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6]

An Editor’s report [Learning Outcomes 5, 7,]

This module allows the student the opportunity to work in a professional journalism environment. The equivalent of a minimum of 120 hours of independent study will be spent in work placement.
Students will try to use basic reporting skills of researching, writing, presentation and sub-editing to gather information, assemble and produce stories for publications or websites according to the brief given by your News Editor or assigned person you are working to. Students will be expected to initiate their own story ideas and use and improve their knowledge to the full.

Knowledge and confidence will also be gained through the experience of working within a professional journalism environment. Individual seminar and tutorial sessions will be held to assist with preparation of CVs and covering letters, together with general assistance in obtaining work placements, via lecturers’ network of contacts.

Multi-media newsroom.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

University library.

Hudson, G. & Rowlands, S. (2016) The Broadcast Journalism Handbook, Pearson
Allan, Stuart (2005) Journalism: Critical Issues, Buckingham, OU Press
Fleming, Carole et al (2006): An Introduction to Journalism, London, Sage
Frost, Chris (2010) Reporting for Journalists, London, Routledge
Harcup, Tony (2009) Journalism: Principles and Practice, London, Sage
Harcup,Tony (2007) The Ethical Journalist, London, Sage
Journalism Dept (2007) Journalism Style Guide, Staffordshire University
Tench, Ralph & Yeomans, Liz (2009) Exploring Public Relations, Prentice Hall
Willings Press Guide (2017) Chesham, Cision
*Please note some older texts are still regarded as standard within the journalism industry.

Websites:
www.guardian.co.uk
www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk
www.jobs4journalists.co.uk
www.pressgazette.co.uk
www.journalism.co.uk
www.broadcastfreelancer.com
www.broadcastnow.co.uk
www.jobsinbroadcast.co.uk

Other texts advised on an individual basis depending on student interests and placements.

1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF KNOWLEDGE WHICH IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM PRACTICE. [Knowledge and Understanding]

2. SYSTEMATICALLY AND CREATIVELY EVALUATE COMPLEX ISSUES TO MAKE SOUND JUDGEMENTS AND DEMONSTRATE CLEAR DECISION MAKING. [Knowledge and Understanding]

3. EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS IN THE JOURNALISTIC WORKPLACE. [Problem Solving]

4. UNDERTAKE EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCE A WORK PLACEMENT DIARY AND PORTFOLIO. [Knowledge and Understanding]

5. DEMONSTRATE STRONG PITCHING ABILITY, AND ABILITY TO PROMOTE AND DEFEND A STORY. [Communication]

6. COMMUNICATE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PLACEMENT IN A STRUCTURED FORMAT IDENTIFYING OUTCOMES. [Communication]

7. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH A PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF NEWS VALUES, WRITING AND HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENTS. [Practical and Professional]

This module prepares you for the world of professional journalism and you will undertake a minimum of 120 hours in a media-based work environment. It might be at a newspaper, radio station, public relations firm or a TV station. But the experiences and contacts made often lead to an offer of a full-time job. You will also learn how to build a professional CV and website that will attract the attention of potential employers.