MA Journalism - Leeds Trinity University

MA JOURNALISM

Our MA Journalism has dual accreditation by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

LAUNCH YOUR JOURNALISM CAREER AT LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY Studying journalism at Leeds Trinity University offers you a pathway to a dynamic and exciting career at the heart of the news media.

We have a long-standing reputation for professionally accredited Journalism training and our alumni can be found in newsrooms across the length and breadth of the country. We know how quickly technology is changing the way the industry operates, so we work hard to ensure our programme keeps pace with the latest storytelling tools and techniques.

Our MA Journalism is one of just a very small handful of courses which has dual accreditation from both the Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. This means our students have an excellent grounding in the skills required to work in any part of the industry – for major broadcasters, magazines, online platforms or local or national newspapers.

If you join us to study Journalism at postgraduate level, we will ensure you receive an excellent grounding in all the practical skills you need to research and tell stories which shine a light on how the world works and engage audiences.

You’ll be taught by tutors with a wide range of professional newsroom experience in our industry-standard studio and newsroom facilities. You’ll take part in live broadcasts, mobile projects and multi-media production, all designed to give you the skills and confidence to step straight into your first job at the end of the course.

If you’re passionate about shaping your career in the news media, Leeds Trinity is a great place to start.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon and helping you achieve your ambitions.

Jennifer Kean Programme Co-ordinator for MA Journalism

About Leeds Trinity University A small university with a big reputation, Leeds Trinity University is renowned for teaching excellence and producing highly employable graduates.

We’re proud to be known as the University where you’re a name, not a number, thanks to our commitment to ensuring everyone in our community, whatever their faith, feels supported and valued.

Leeds Trinity has always been characterised by this sense of community spirit, offering a truly personalised university experience that enables students to flourish.

Our reputation for teaching quality and excellence has been developed thanks to a commitment to delivering outstanding teaching, led by research, scholarship and practice. Our teaching staff have extensive professional experience in their fields and many are active researchers, contributing to our increasing reputation for research excellence.

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COURSE OVERVIEW Our MA Journalism is an intense programme that prepares graduates for the dynamic and competitive world of journalism and communications.

It has the rare advantage of dual accreditation by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). This highly regarded combination, along with our impressive work placement and industry mentoring programmes, opens the doors to organisations including the BBC, ITV and a whole network of local, regional and national newspapers and radio stations.

The MA Journalism provides a comprehensive understanding of professional journalism practice, including researching and substantiating news stories, interviewing techniques and establishing contacts. Hands-on camera, studio, editing and mobile journalism skills are taught so that our trainees are confident and competent on their industry work placements.

We also cover the increasingly important areas of social media skills, verification techniques, data journalism and analytics. Shorthand is embedded in the course and you will sit your NCTJ diploma alongside your Masters.

Awareness of professional roles, law, public affairs and the regulatory responsibilities of journalists is taught, along with a critical understanding of the political and commercial structures within which the media operate.

All the skills you learn come together for our newsdays based on real-world industry practice, and your Journalism Project, when you can do more in-depth research on a topic of your choice to produce a multi-media project, a short video documentary or a podcast.

“The many MA graduates from Leeds Trinity who join us as trainees are ready to hit the ground running as they are NCTJ trained and have all the skills we are looking for. They have progressed into senior roles after such a strong foundation - and we value working with tutors to help the journalists of the future to flourish.”

Laura Collins Editor, Yorkshire Evening Post

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COURSE STRUCTURE Due to the NCTJ and BJTC dual accreditation, this full-time course requires full attendance and there are lectures and workshops four to five days a week (Monday-Friday). During live production, full working days 9.00am – 5.00pm are required. Therefore, it is not possible to combine this programme with a day job. Weeks are allocated for professional placement from June – September, which allow trainees to transition from study to work.

Modules The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

News Skills An intensive, practical module providing the multi-media skills needed in any newsroom, regardless of platform. This module also includes shorthand.

Law, Ethics and Regulation This will give you the knowledge required to become a legally safe and ethical journalist, and to follow regulatory codes.

Live Production You will run your own multimedia newsroom, producing radio, TV and multimedia stories in real time for our own website and external organisations.

This module also includes voice training.

Public Affairs This will support the development of your knowledge in relation to British central and local government.

Professional Placement All trainees must complete at least three weeks of placement, including a professional newsroom placement.

Journalism Project This is a substantial final project, which assesses both practical and academic competencies and is supported by a personal supervisor.

“If it wasn’t for the amazing tutors who helped me, day in and day out, to make me achieve the best I could – this journey would have been a hundred times harder. The skills I gained and the techniques I learnt are all still a part of me today.”

Harpreet Kaur CBBC presenter and award winning radio presenter on BBC Asian Network (Radio Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards 2019) MA Journalism

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TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT Teaching is structured so that the first semester provides the core skills and knowledge which you will build on during the second semester and during live production and placement.

As this is a very practical programme, much of the course is delivered in workshops where groups are kept small for more hands-on learning. Modules like Law, Ethics and Regulation and Public Affairs will be more lecture and seminar-based.

You will also take part in newsdays between 9.00am - 5.00pm across several weeks to reflect the news industry environment and give you some experience of what working in a newsroom will be like. The tutors on this programme have a strong track record in the news industry and will share their expertise, knowledge and journalism contacts with you.

Assessment Assessments mainly consist of coursework portfolios where you will be producing journalism of your own for different platforms including online, TV and radio studio output. Some modules are assessed through exams – for example, Law, Ethics and Regulation, Public Affairs and News Skills.

Entry requirements Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experience here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

The typical entry requirement for this programme is a good honours degree (usually 2:1 or above) or equivalent in a relevant subject. You will also be required to sit an NCTJ entry test to assess writing skills, news sense and general knowledge.

How to apply Applications for the MA Journalism are made online via our website. Please visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/postgraduate for the latest course information, including tuition fees, and to access the online application form.

For more information about applying, contact our Admissions team at admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk or on 0113 283 7123.

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WHY STUDY WITH US? The gold standard of journalism training Our MA has rare dual accreditation by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). These are the accreditations that editors look for when recruiting a trainee journalist, because they effectively mean that the trainee has successfully completed a course that meets the ‘gold standard’ of journalism training. The accreditation recognises the quality of the course in developing journalists for the demands of a fast-changing multimedia industry.

You’ll learn from journalists All our lecturers are experienced journalists with an in-depth knowledge of the industry. They come from a variety of backgrounds, including TV, radio, newspapers, magazines and digital media, which range from local to international media. They’ve worked for national broadcasters such as BBC Radio 1 and 4, ITV, Channel 5 and Sky News, as well as international publications like Seventeen magazine in New York. Many of them still work as journalists, and they’ll use their knowledge and connections to ensure you’re prepared for a career in the industry.

“The great thing about the course was that it was 50:50 television and radio. This not only gave great experience but also allowed me to realise where my talents were. The most favourite aspects for me were making my own news show and being the presenter. I knew then that this is what I really wanted to do.”

Katy Rickitt News Correspondent, Good Morning Britain MA Journalism

Industry placements

“Being at Leeds Trinity allowed me to finally follow my dream. Not only was the standard of training and teaching excellent but the support and the industry contacts of those who taught me was second to none. Quite simply, without Leeds Trinity I would not have the career I have now. I am eternally grateful.”

Mark Kielesz-Levine On-screen Journalist at ITV News MA Journalism 6

Our hands-on approach to training will prepare you for your professional work placement, which you’ll complete towards the end of your degree.

You’ll experience at least three weeks in a professional newsroom environment which could be at one employer or several. You can source your own placement or use our connections to arrange placements at leading media organisations such as the BBC, ITV, the Yorkshire Post, goal.com and Planet Sport. Not only are placements an invaluable way to put skills into practice, but you’ll also make valuable industry connections. Many of our students go on to work for their placement provider after graduating.

A hands-on approach to training We believe that the best way to train to be a journalist, is by being a journalist. That’s why we create lots of opportunities that simulate the fast-paced newsroom environment. You’ll work as part of a news team during events like our annual Journalism and Media Week and you’ll have the chance to take part in live production projects in partnership with local radio stations and TV studios. These opportunities will connect you with top journalists, as well as allowing you to hone your journalism and communication skills in authentic newsroom settings.

Alumni mentoring and career progression Our MA Journalism Mentoring Programme connects every trainee with a successful industry mentor.

Mentors have included alumni and business partners who have worked for ITV, The Mail on Sunday, Global Radio (including Heart, Capital, BC radio stations), the BBC and the Yorkshire Evening Post to name a few. The mentors develop a personal relationship with their mentees and provide bespoke careers advice, support and some can even support work placements for their Leeds Trinity journalism trainees.

Nina Hossain, ITV News

Journalism and Media Week We host an annual Journalism and Media Week.

This gives students the opportunity to hear from industry experts representing the UK’s leading broadcasters, newspapers, magazines and digital media outlets. Over a week of talks, workshops, Q&A sessions and networking, these experts provide a unique insight into what it’s like to work in today’s Journalism and Media industries.

Past guests have included Sky Sports’ Jeff Stelling, Channel 4’s Jon Snow and ITV’s lead news anchor, Nina Hossain.

“If you know you want to be a journalist and have a lot of drive but don’t quite know where to start, this course is for you. You’ll get all the practical support to help build your skills, make contacts and, most importantly, find a job!”

Abbey Maclure Live Content Journalist at the Yorkshire Evening Post/Yorkshire Post MA Journalism

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JOURNALISM AND MEDIA WEEK Our famous Journalism and Media Week brings students face-to-face with top TV broadcasters, programme-makers and digital media experts, as well as experts from online sites, newspapers and magazines.

Every year, we welcome some of the UK’s most dynamic film-makers, presenters, journalists and content creators, who deliver talks, lead workshops, run masterclasses and are grilled by tutors - giving our students a unique and personal insight into the creative media industry.

The week also gives you the chance to put your skills into practice by interviewing speakers, filming and editing videos, live-tweeting throughout the week and reporting online.

Here are some of the speakers from previous years: Jane Garvey, Radio 4 presenter Richard McKerrow, Creator of The Great British Bake Off Ben Hunte, BBC News LGBT correspondent Clive Myrie, Journalist, BBC Steph McGovern, Host of Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch For more information on Journalism and Media Week, visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/journalism-and-media-week

Jane Garvey

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Richard McKerrow

Clive Myrie

Ben Hunte

Steph McGovern

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

“Studying the MA Journalism has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The practical skills which I developed on the course and the kindness and support shown from the course leaders played a huge part in me landing a dream job six months before I graduated. I love it so much I don’t even mind the 4am alarm!”

“I loved my time at Leeds Trinity. There were a lot of opportunities to get hands-on experience and to network at events such as the annual Journalism and Media Week. One thing that stood out to me was the supportive lecturers who do everything they can to make sure you get what you want out of the programme which I really appreciated.”

Alice Young

Mellissa Dzinzi

Newsdesk Editor and Breakfast newsreader Greatest Hits Radio UK and Greatest Hits Radio London MA Journalism

Reporter at Leeds Live MA Journalism

“I really enjoyed the practical experiences during my MA. Filming, interviewing, reading the news to real people on the radio, being published on news websites and giving talks were all really enjoyable experiences.”

Matthew Brannen Local Government Relationships Regional Lead, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government MA Journalism 9

THE MEDIA CENTRE Our industry-leading production spaces and equipment will help you to produce high-quality professional work across all media platforms.

Television studios

The multimedia laboratory

We have two television studios, equipped with a 360-degree twin track cyclorama curtain, a broadcast Pix mixer, 20 input video switcher alongside our EditShare video server and ENPS/Autocue which links the TV studios, to create an integrated production environment. The studios also have live link capabilities.

There are 22 Microsoft Windows PCs in the multimedia production space with the latest software for print, graphics, web, audio and simple video production that are used for both teaching and individual production work.

Radio studios

This is a dedicated video production and teaching space with AVID, Final Cut X and Premiere all supported on the EditShare server. It is typically used for graphics and effects production.

All our radio studios are equipped with a Sonifex mixing desk and multiple input sources for CD, computer, telephone, iPad and microphones.

Our multi-workstation newsrooms run industry-standard Burli and Myriad radio production software with live web broadcast capabilities. You will also be able to access an Integrated Services for Digital Network (ISDN) link to local and national stations for high-quality remote interviews.

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The Apple iMac laboratory

Access to industry-standard kit Students are able to borrow iPhones for filming and recording, along with mics, full-size cameras, tripod, lights and all the equipment they will need.

FACILITIES AND SUPPORT We’re proud to be known as the University where you’re a name, not a number thanks to our approach to student support.

We’re committed to giving our students a personal university experience. This means that our students can access a wide range of support and facilities, tailored to them, at every stage of their journey.

Whether you need academic skills support, help with your health and wellbeing, or you just need someone to talk to, you’ll find that help is available from lots of different places.

academic and study skills support through our Learning Hub. The team of specialist advisers can offer support with essay writing, time management, effective note-taking, critical thinking and research and much more.

Student Support services

As soon as you start the MA, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your learning needs throughout your degree, giving you personalised academic support to keep you on track with your studies.

As well as providing plenty of facilities and resources to support your learning, we also want to make sure that you look after your health and wellbeing.

We offer a range of Student Support services, from counselling and online self-help, to student finance advice. Whether you have a personal or academic issue, our experienced and dedicated staff are there to listen and help you get the support you need.

Library and learning resources

Media Loans and Helpdesk

The library is equipped with everything you need to succeed in your MA. It also has a variety of group, quiet and silent study environments, networked PCs and laptops for loan, and facilities for printing, copying, binding and laminating.

The Media Loans and Helpdesk team are located at the heart of our production spaces to provide equipment hire and assistance when needed.

Whether it’s guidance on fixed audio-visual facilities or providing one-off custom equipment for a specific project, the experienced team are on-hand to help.

One-to-one academic support

Learning Hub We understand that no two students learn in the same way. That’s why you can access personalised

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Leeds Trinity University Horsforth Leeds, LS18 5HD 0113 283 7150 hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk Information correct at time of publication, August 2022.

Please visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/postgraduate to review our latest course information before you make your application.

The information in this booklet is available in alternative formats.

Please call 0113 283 7150 or email hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk

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