Broadcast Journalism

Note: For more information on the course please contact the programe leader, Ewan Crawford at ewan.crawford@uws.ac.uk  Applications for entry in 2010 can be made at any time.   For an application form, please contact the university on 0141 848 3000 or you can download a form from the university site – www.uws.ac.uk   

Why choose this course?

This course has an excellent record of getting students into jobs.

If you walk into the newsrooms of the BBC, GMTV in Scotland, Real Radio, Radio Clyde, Northsound, Moray Firth Radio and many other broadcasters you will come across graduates of this programme.

Even during your time on the course you can be offered paid shifs. One student last year, Vicky Murray, went on work placement to Westsound, part of the major Bauer group. She was asked back to cover holidays and has now been offered a full-time job.

Another student was asked to make radio packages for BBC Scotland sport.

We all know that these are difficult economic times  but last year’s cohort have found full-time work at traditional broadcasters such as those mentioned above but also at organisations as diverse as the SFA media office and Bunkered golf magazine.  

Why is the course this successful?

Because it offers you a professional environment. That means you work in a newsroom  and  are taught by staff with a wealth of industry experience. You will also meet  current news editors and other journalists working for both commercial broadcasters and the BBC.

The course is the longest-established of its type in Scotland and is accredited by the industry training body, the BJTC. The course now has multi-media accreditation.

What will you be doing?

The primary focus of the curriculum is newsday preparation and presentation.  On newsdays, students replicate the work of professional broadcast journalists by taking on the roles of reporter/presenter, editor and online content provider.

Online journalism is becoming increasingly important for employers – so you will write, make and post film packages and organise web pages.

In addition you will take a module in television reporting – in which you will learn how to operate cameras and associated equipment and to edit video at your desktop.

Law for Broadcast Journalists and Public Affairs are the other important elements of the course.

Without acceptable vocal skills a career as a broadcaster would be impossible, therefore students will undertake regular intensive professional voice training.

A well-established work placement scheme is in operation. In addition industry visits are organised both to the BBC and commercial broadcasters.

Studio space and equipment:

In preparation for the exacting demands of broadcasting, it is vitally important that students operate within a realistic studio environment and the University offers such facilities – a dedicated, fully-equipped-to-industry-standard, two studio sound suite and auxiliary equipment.  Video and radio digital editing packages are used and industry standard film cameras.

A brand new television studio is currently being kitted out and will be in operation before Christmas.