Manchester Metropolitan University

INTO-MMU-campus-building.jpg
Written by Neil_Harrison

Media, Journalism and Information Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University

The fast moving digital media and creative industries offer career opportunities in an extremely wide range of sectors. With Manchester now home to the largest purpose built media hub in Europe and boasting the second largest digital industry cluster on the continent, Manchester Metropolitan University continues to invest in and develop its range of Media, Journalism and Information Technology courses in order to maximise our students’ career potential at this exciting time for the region.

At both undergraduate and postgraduate level, students can expect courses which are highly regarded by employers and industry leaders in the North West and beyond. Our teaching staff includes experienced professional journalists, broadcasters, web experts and authors, whilst our specialist multimedia facilities and equipment meet high-level industry standards, allowing students to take advantage of a professional and friendly working environment.

See below for details of our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Contact: 

Manchester Metropolitan University
All Saints Building
All Saints
Manchester
M15 6BH
University Switchboard: +44 (0)161 247 2000

Courses
Multimedia Journalism BA (Hons) (Full-time and Part-time)This exciting undergraduate course complements the already highly successful MA Multimedia Journalism degree at MMU which has seen students go on to gain jobs at prestigious newspaper groups, news websites, publishers and much more.
The forward-looking BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism is designed to set students on the career path to becoming journalists, ready to work in a wide range of media environments including print, online, sports journalism and broadcasting, to suit the demands of today’s media employers.Key Features:
• A vibrant and innovative environment including multimedia newsroom facilities and radio production facilities in which talented journalism students will thrive and grow
• Course led by accomplished journalists including current and former reporters and editors from the fields of newspapers, magazines, websites, radio and sport
• A strong focus on digital media incorporating online course materials and research materials
• Emphasis on work output, enabling students to amass a full and varied portfolio to present to potential employers, demonstrating the extent of their core journalism skills and multimedia experienceWhat will I be studying?
Core Units
Digital Publishing
You will be introduced to the concept of digital journalism and its impact on the journalism industry. You will also be introduced to the practicalities of writing for the web. This will include a practical and theoretical understanding of the adaptation of conventional journalism to meet the demands of the digital age. This includes social media and the conventions, and technology, which underpin journalism in a digital context. You will also start an individual, personal blog.
Journalism and Media in Society
You will learn about the history of the press and freedom of the press from the 17th century up to the development of new technology and present day practice, including multiplatform delivery, user-generated content and social media. You will look at the role journalism specifically, and the media in general, plays within society. You will examine different types of journalism and the issues around the reporting and coverage of a range of specialisms, by different media, such as crime, sport and celebrity reporting and consider the impact of social media on present day reporting and the future.
Journalism Skills: News Reporting
You will be introduced to, and develop, core journalism skills including news reporting, interviewing, reporting meetings, press conference and much more. There is also the opportunity to interview guest speakers and to attend and report on live events.
Media Making
You will be introduced to the theory and practice of constructing web pages, digital images, audio and video. You will focus on industry standards and best practice, and develop an understanding of core design issues that include web accessibility and usability.

Other units include:
• Editing and Production
• Radio journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Digital Assets Management
• Multiplatform Journalism

Find out more at our Open Days in June, October and November

Email: courseenquiries@mmu.ac.uk

Multimedia Journalism MA (Full-time and Part-time)This course will prepare you to take a leading role in a rapidly evolving global media industry where you will explore the worldwide potential of multi-platform news and features publishing.

Studying for a Master’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism at Manchester Metropolitan University provides a direct route into the 21st century newsroom. Graduates of all disciplines are equipped with knowledge and skills in journalism through intensive practical training and tuition. Designed to meet the requirements of the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, the course is taught by dedicated staff with media and industry experience, and strong professional connections. You will benefit from a mandatory placement providing key networking opportunities which will also enhance your employability.

This Masters course welcomes applications from graduates of all disciplines and is designed to create multi-skilled news reporters and presenters.

• Explore the global potential of multi-platform news publishing
• Learn how to cover any story for print, web and broadcast and, crucially, how to adapt a story from one medium to another
• Designed to meet the requirements of media employers in the UK and beyond
• Offering flexibility and the ability to study at postgraduate level, in a subject designed to lead to employability in journalism, from any first degree
• A vibrant and innovative environment including multimedia newsroom facilities in which talented journalism students will thrive and grow
• Taught by dedicated, experienced professionals with extensive media experience and strong, professional contacts
• Emphasis on digital media will incorporate online course materials and research information, encouraging students to use their multimedia skills whilst engaged in learning, as the course seeks to keep up with the pace of change in the media industry
• Work placements, which are mandatory, will introduce students to the real working environment, and enable them to establish valuable contacts to assist employability
• Emphasis on work output will enable students to amass a full and varied portfolio to present to potential employers, demonstrating the extent of their core journalism skills and multimedia experience, acquired on the course.

The course will focus on block teaching to facilitate students who have jobs and core elements of journalism and media law will be introduced in the first term to ensure the students have a solid grounding and understanding of the subject before moving on to multi-platform application and broader elements.

Units will include:
Journalism Professional Practice

News gathering, core skills, how to write, interview, originate material and research stories. Students will produce a portfolio of news and material they have written.

Media Law

Covering the English Legal System, and specifically defamation, libel, contempt, privacy, official secrets, data protection, copyright, the PCC, Ofcom. Students will attend criminal courts and take notes from live proceedings.
Broadcast Skills

How to apply professional skills to the production and technical conventions of broadcast and the web. This unit will introduce production and post-production skills and how to deliver news items to a broadcast audience covering both television and radio.
Public Affairs, Ethics and Social Context – Understanding the structure and system of British Government at local and national level, the EU and other public bodies.
Online Journalism

Newsgathering, production and distribution, computer assisted reporting, website development, management and editing
Convergence and Work Placement – A 2-4 week professional work placement at a newspaper, online or broadcast environment
Dissertation.

Find out more at our Postgraduate Fairs in September, November, February and June.

Email: postgradjournalism@mmu.ac.uk