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 2011 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?

The Broadcast Journalism MA has an excellent record of getting students into jobs.

If you walk into the newsrooms of the BBC, STV, 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 recent student, 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.

This is what she says about the course:  “Probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve had some great opportunities, learned loads and met some awesome people. I went to West Sound for a work placement- they liked me so much they gave me some paid shifts then a full-time job-so the course really paid off. The course offers everything you need to know about journalism but were afraid to ask.”

Graduates have also found full-time work at organisations as diverse as the SFA media office and Bunkered golf magazine.  

Even in these difficult times, and even though the current students have not yet graduated, this year’s students have already secured paid shifts or full-time jobs at the BBC, Real Radio, Original 106 and other employers. 

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 for the web, make and post film packages and produce associated audio.

In addition you will take a module in television journalism-  in which you will learn how to operate cameras and associated equipment,  make packages,  edit video at your desktop and to produce and present in the university’s  new television studio.

Journalism Law and Regulation 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 with one of Scotalnd’s top voice coaches.

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 – as well as the new television studio we have 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.

studio one