Course specification and structure
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UDJFTSFY - BA (Hons) Journalism, Film and Television Studies (including foundation year)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Arts Level Honours
Possible interim awards
Total credits for course 480
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Creative Technologies and Digital Media
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BA Journalism, Film and Television Studies (including foundation year) focuses on developing critical inquiry and professional skills, both of which are essential to success in the field of journalism, as well as exploring film and television history and theory and practice/theory approaches. Writing is paramount in journalism, even in today’s convergent media world, so students learn a range of writing techniques, from academic essay to snappy tweet. Curiosity about and knowledge of a wide range of social and historical contexts is also crucial in developing professional journalistic practice within today’s fast-changing industry. Students will also undertake both academic and practice-based learning in Film and Television Studies, exploring a wide variety of theories, approaches, national cinemas and television industries through critical analysis, and developing professional abilities in such fields as screenwriting, short film, artists’ film and video and documentary film-making.

The foundation year provides students with a broad range of learning in the media area as well as initial technical skills and study skills learning, providing foundational learning in preparation for level 4 study. Students will experience a structured route into higher education, allowing them to scaffold their learning through carefully graded (mostly coursework-based) assessments.

Sessions make use of blended learning, particularly via class blogs and the course website, and many modules are taught within the multimedia newsroom and digilab. Team working and collaboration, among other key social skills like the ability to gain interviews, present oneself successfully and sell ideas, is developed through class exercises, newsdays and practice-based group work. Students are expected to complement their in-class and blended learning opportunities with extensive guided independent study and to be actively engaged in their learning. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning experience through developmental learning and both formative and summative assignments including logs, portfolios, essay and project planning and practice/theory reflective work that are embedded across the course.

Guest speakers and field trips stimulate engagement with the world of work, as does an optional work placement module. Connections with national student TV and media networks develop professional skills in and outside formal teaching. Using a mixture of workshops, simulations, lectures, film screenings, seminar discussions and exposition, modules are taught by respected, experienced practitioners and active researchers.

Learning strategies on the course are designed to promote transferrable skills of communication, independent thinking, the ability to work effectively with others, work planning and independent responsibility. Student feedback and engagement with teaching and learning strategies are promoted via student representatives and course committees.

Course aims

The main aims of the BA Film and Television Studies (including foundation year) are:

• To offer students the chance to progress towards specialized accredited learning
• To develop students’ writing skills so that they can write accurately and fluently in a variety of formats, including academic essays, news items, headlines, features, reviews, reports, commentaries, blogs, tweets, interviews, profiles, investigations, critiques, comments, columns, campaigns and any other formats chosen to deadline and to length;
• To equip students with the news gathering tools to research the background data and risk implications of any journalistic task they may have to do;
• To familiarise students with the history and ideas important to understanding the practice of journalism in the UK today, as well as globally, so that they have an analytical framework with which to grasp their role within the industry;
• To develop students’ understanding of film and television theories and histories;
• To enable students to critically analyse film and television in relation to a variety of cultural issues;
• To familiarise students with the history and ideas important to understanding the legal and political systems in the UK today, as well as globally, so that they have an analytical framework and practical knowledge with which to grasp and practice effectively their role within society;
• To develop students’ social skills so that they can interview primary sources face to face, over the phone, via email and social media and so that they can pitch ideas and presentations to possible employers;
• To develop their powers of argument, analysis, research, narrative and sequencing so that they can construct effective, substantiated content for different audiences and articulate academic arguments;
• To introduce and promote the technical skills essential for any career in convergent media –text, audio, video–and practice-based skills in screenwriting, digital film production, artists’ film and video and documentary filmmaking;
• To foster students’ independence as learners and practitioners, especially through individual projects;
• To foster collaboration as learners and practitioners, especially through group work and simulations;
• To offer the opportunity for monitored work placements, extension of knowledge skills (shorthand), and publication within and outside the course website;
• To develop students’ own understanding of their work so that they can produce it and target it to a range of media audiences, specialist and non-specialist;
• To prepare students for more specialised accredited learning and further academic study, and for careers in a variety of fields including journalism and the film and television industries.

Course learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of Journalism, Film and Television Studies, including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1) deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Journalism, Film and Television Studies;
2) devise and sustain arguments, and/or solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Journalism, Film and Television Studies;
3) describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Journalism, Film and Television Studies, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;
4) manage their own learning, and make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Journalism, Film and Television Studies);
5) apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;
6) critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution –or identify a range of solutions –to a problem;
7) communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;
8) exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;
9) undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.
10) demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Subject Benchmark Statement: Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies [Oct-2016]


https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/subject-benchmark-statement-communication-media-film-and-cultural-studies.pdf?sfvrsn=28e2cb81_4.

The above latest subject benchmark statement is used in the design, delivery and review of the course and in facilitating the knowledge and skills normally expected of a typical course graduate.

Assessment strategy

The course provides a variety of assessment strategies designed to promote and evidence students’ engagement with learning. Assessments are both formative and summative to promote developmental learning, and include formal essays, timed tests, presentations, pop quizzes, portfolios, case studies, and practice-based assessments such as screenwriting, reviews and reports, investigation and magazines, short film-making and experimental film and video-making, some of which can be posted on the course website. Students will have the opportunity to submit draft material to tutors and receive individual tutorials and feedback during student development weeks when there is also the opportunity to take part in formative assessment whilst engaged on simulations, newsdays and activities. Students will be provided with both formative and summative feedback in a variety of forms including in-class, tutorials, on-line, peer critique and formal written feedback. Formative feedback provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with learning and develop their work towards their final summative assignments.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

Students are required to complete either the Journalism Placement module or Work-Related Learning for Media 1 at level 5. In the former module, they will undertake a placement of up to three working weeks moderated by academic staff. The latter module provides a variety of both internal and external work-related learning opportunities which students complete and are required to reflect upon. News days and news weeks are simulations which offer work-based learning. The course includes information, training and advice on employability, job applications, CVs and finances. Simulation of the work environment also includes job applications and interviews.

Course specific regulations

Year 1:
SM3018 Introduction: Film, TV and Broadcast Media
SJ3002 Introduction: Journalism and Writing for Media

Year 2:
SM3017 Introduction: Media and Communications
SM3019 Introduction: Digital Media

Year 3:
SJ4030 Approaches to Film and Television
SJ4034 Journalism: History and Ideas

Year 4:
SJ4046 Moving Image and Sound Practice
SJ4035 Practical Journalism

Year 5:
SJ5042 Film and Television Practice
SJ5033 Media Law and Ethics: Public Administration

Year 6:
SJ5035 Advanced Reporting
SJ5W78 (default) Journalism Work Placement
MD5050 (default) Film and TV Industry Roles

Year 7:
SJ6035 Broadcast Journalism
SJ6032 Screening America in Hollywood Film (default)

Year 8:
SJ6P35 Journalism Project (default)
SJ6080 Campaigning Journalism (default)
SJ6060 Documentary Filmmaking (default)

Modules required for interim awards

All core modules are required, unless an alternative core in which case one of the appropriate cores only is required.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Strategies designed to promote students’ reflective learning and personal development planning are embedded across the course. Assessments including reflective diaries, portfolios of research and planning, and blogs encourage students to reflect on their learning experience and develop plans for both individual and group projects.

Projects and sessions are grounded in theory and practice: both writing and film. Writing is paramount in journalism, so students learn a range of writing techniques, from academic essay to snappy tweet. Multi-media dominates professional practice, so students develop a range of media production skills. They practise these skills in studios and the newsroom. Curiosity about and knowledge of a wide knowledge of social and historical contexts is crucial both in developing professional journalistic practice within today’s fast-changing industry and in developing critical thinking skills of analysis and enquiry. Therefore, students additionally map their class contribution, taking account of their participation, reading, presentations, interrelations with others and extra-curricular work.

Formative feedback on assignments encourages students to reflect on and develop their learning and forms an integrated part of the course through student development weeks. A number of modules include an online journal, to be completed at the end of each class. Tutors give formative comments before the next class. This ensures a virtuous circle of feedback. It also forms part of assessment, so contributes to students’ ownership of their progress. Students’ personal blogs and the course website are repositories for successful work, creating portfolios.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in a variety of fields. These include: news organisations and specialist magazines and websites, corporate and public sector communications across convergent fields of text, audio and video, the film and television industries, teaching, arts administration and a variety of media-related professions. The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

Career opportunities

This course is perfect preparation if you want to become a journalist or critic in the film or TV industries.

The programme will also develop your transferable skills, especially for use in journalism or media fields. Our previous graduates have found work in public relations, marketing, digital journalism, film and media journalism, media consultancy, as well as film and television production.

The degree will also open up opportunities for further study at postgraduate level.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent, eg Functional Skills at Level 2) – if you meet UCAS points criteria but obtained a grade D/3 in English at GCSE you may be offered a University test in this area

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 26 Sep 2019 Last validation date 26 Sep 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code JFTSFY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SJ3002 Introduction: Journalism and Writing for Media Core 30        
SM3017 Introduction: Media and Communications Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
SM3018 Introduction : Film, TV and Broadcast Media Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SM3019 Introduction: Digital Media Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SJ3002 Introduction: Journalism and Writing for Media Core 30        
SM3017 Introduction: Media and Communications Core 30        
SM3018 Introduction : Film, TV and Broadcast Media Core 30        
SM3019 Introduction: Digital Media Core 30        

Stage 2 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SJ4030 Approaches to Film and Television Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
SJ4034 Journalism: History and Ideas Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SJ4035 Practical Journalism Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
SJ4046 Moving Image and Sound Practice Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
          NORTH AUT+SPR FRI AM

Stage 3 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SJ5033 Media Law and Ethics; Public Administration Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
SJ5042 Film and Television Practice Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
SJ5034 Newsroom Production Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
          NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SJ5035 Advanced Reporting Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
SJ5W78 Journalism Work Placement Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
SM5W50 Work Based Learning for Media Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR MON PM
MD5050 Film and TV Industry Roles Option 15 CITY SPR TUE AM
SJ5053 Scripting Performance for Screen Option 15 NORTH AUT WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED AM
SJ5072 Stardom and Performance Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM
SJ5089 British and European Cinema Option 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
SJ5090 Contemporary Television Studies Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI PM
SM5072 Documentary Photography Option 15 NORTH AUT THU PM

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
SJ6P30 Project (Film and Television Studies) Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR NA  
SJ6P35 Journalism Project Alt Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
MD6050 Film and TV Industry Careers Option 15 CITY SPR TUE AM
SJ6032 Screening America in Hollywood Film Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE PM
SJ6035 Broadcast Journalism Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM
SJ6058 Film Reception and Interpretation Option 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
SJ6059 The French New Wave Option 15 NORTH AUT MON PM
SJ6060 Documentary Filmmaking Option 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
SJ6074 Arts Journalism Option 15 NORTH SPR FRI AM
SJ6080 Campaigning Journalism Option 15 NORTH AUT TUE AM