I'm thinking about a possible career in journalism, and I was thinking how courses at universities could set me on the way. What courses would everyone recommend? Do unis do courses in journalism or would I have to do English Lit or something and get some journo work exp?
I am quite new to this whole field, so no malicious replies please. Just a simple question.
Most books say that any 'meaty' subject would be appropriate to enter the field, such as politics or law etc. Many companies hire people with experience in those fields, so it'd be useful to get work experience. It depends which end of journalism you want to go into. Broadcasting or print? But it isn't always neccessary to do english, nor is it necesary to do media studies, in fact media studies is not recommended. I think you follow up in a postgrad course in say Broadcast Journalism or journalism. Anyone please add to my comments.
I have considered a career in journalism and it seems that the number one hint from successful journalists is: don't study journalism. What does it do to make you stand out? Do an academic subject, get involved with student journalism and see where you go from there.
I studied BA in Broadcasting at the University of Leeds in the well respected Communications department. The sister course is BA in Broadcast Journalism (take a look here) - all of my friends who did this course are now working for respected broadcasters (BBC/Sky/ILR etc), so you might want to take a look there.
Most books say that any 'meaty' subject would be appropriate to enter the field, such as politics or law etc. Many companies hire people with experience in those fields, so it'd be useful to get work experience. It depends which end of journalism you want to go into. Broadcasting or print? But it isn't always neccessary to do english, nor is it necesary to do media studies, in fact media studies is not recommended. I think you follow up in a postgrad course in say Broadcast Journalism or journalism. Anyone please add to my comments.
Thanks for your comments James.
To be honest, I'd be interested in anything that came my way, I just love news. I was thinking of doing a Politics degree as I enhoyed the A-level course.
Again, thanks for your help, and re: work experience, i've already got some sorted at Tyne Tees, so hopefully that should lead to something.
I studied BA in Broadcasting at the University of Leeds in the well respected Communications department. The sister course is BA in Broadcast Journalism (take a look here) - all of my friends who did this course are now working for respected broadcasters (BBC/Sky/ILR etc), so you might want to take a look there.
Hope that helps!
Aston
Interesting. Do any other unis do Broadcast Journalism? Had never seen that course advertised. How did your BA go, out of interest? You find it useful?
I studied BA in Broadcasting at the University of Leeds in the well respected Communications department. The sister course is BA in Broadcast Journalism (take a look here) - all of my friends who did this course are now working for respected broadcasters (BBC/Sky/ILR etc), so you might want to take a look there.
Hope that helps!
Aston
Interesting. Do any other unis do Broadcast Journalism? Had never seen that course advertised. How did your BA go, out of interest? You find it useful?
Yes, very useful - it's now what I do for a living!
I studied BA in Broadcasting at the University of Leeds in the well respected Communications department. The sister course is BA in Broadcast Journalism (take a look here) - all of my friends who did this course are now working for respected broadcasters (BBC/Sky/ILR etc), so you might want to take a look there.
Hope that helps!
Aston
Interesting. Do any other unis do Broadcast Journalism? Had never seen that course advertised. How did your BA go, out of interest? You find it useful?
Yes, very useful - it's now what I do for a living!
Congratulations on you're thousandth post! Also, what area of broadcasting do you work out of interest?
I get the impression most major broadcasters are a bit sniffy about a first degree in journalims or media studies. I'd recommend doing a degree in something traditionally academic (English, History, Politics, that sort of thing.)
Then go for a postgrad course in the area of journalism you're interested in (print or broadcasting). Personally i'm a bit sniffy about these postgrad courses (despite doing one myself) but they seem to be a requirement for a lot of companies.
Oh, and do lots of work experience, hospital radio etc.
I'm also thinking of doing a degree in Broadcast Journalism - I've heard Nottingham Trent is quite good for such a course. Does anyone who'd done a similar thing think that it would be a good idea to go straight from sixth form to do such a degree, or would it be a better move to, as some have already mentioned in this thread, do an academic subject first and then move on to journalism?
Southampton Solent University is one of a few uni's that do a BA Journalism degree course which is accredited by the three main national journalism bodies. The National Council for Training Journalists (NCTJ), the Periodicals training Council (PTC) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).
The screenings and research in order for the course to be accredited by these councils is extremely high and an asses to Southampton Solent Uni. I’m currently entering my third and final year on the BA Journalism course and have just worked with BBC THREE News over the summer. You get to participate in either Broadcast or Print journalism in your second year and the opportunities are endless. You can even study abroad in your second year.
It’s a great university with such a friendly vibe and is performing extremely well at the moment. I would give it a lot of thought.
Lists of employee’s from previous graduates include CNN, Sky BBC Local and National positions and many newspapers too!!! Go for it and good luck.
