Foundation Degree (FdA) in Journalism

Apply Now
You must apply for this course through UCAS
Visit the UCAS website
Summary: 

If you have a keen interest in the world around you, enjoy writing and have an interest in broadcasting this is the course for you. The FdA Journalism offers you the chance to learn vital skills in researching and writing new stories, as well as transferrable skills to allow you to work in a radio, television or online. You will also be offered the chance to take the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) preliminary examinations, which is essential for many entry level reporter jobs at local newspapers. The FdA in Journalism would be an ideal choice if you would like to:

  • Work in print, online, radio or television journalism
  • Progress onto further training within media industries
  • Work as a freelance journalist
  • Study further at degree level
Course Code: 
F0005-G0007
Age range (help you choose): 
Post-16
Course Length: 
Two years
Course Schedule: 
Attendance is usually three days each week. This is a challenging course and for students to achieve success, a minimum of two days per week self directed study is required.
Entry Requirements: 

Two A levels at C or above, with 4 GCSEs at A* - C, including English Language; BTEC National Diploma in an appropriate area at Merit or above, with GCSE English Language at C or above; BTEC National Certificate in an appropriate area at Merit/Distinction, with 4 GCSE at A* - C, including English Language; Access to HE in an appropriate area at Merit/Distinction.   More mature learners may present a more varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector. Interviews for applicants take place in January, April and May following your UCAS application. This is your chance to demonstrate to us your interest and enthusiasm. You will be able to show, and talk about, examples of previous work. In addition, you may be asked to undertake a simple task and bring it with you to your interview. There may also be an entrance test set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Assessment: 

Each module will be assessed separately and a wide variety of methods will be employed: written assignments, research reports, presentations, practical work, portfolios. There will be the opportunity to undertake NCTJ examinations for certain modules and for this there is an extra fee.

Academic Progression: 

Subject specific progression routes to BA Honours degree programme are available at some Higher Education Institutions and there is a fully articulated progression route, the BA Professional Studies, at the UEA.

Career Progression: 

Work in print, online, radio or television journalism; progress onto further training within media industries; study further at degree level.

Full Description: 

The FdA in Journalism is a new course which is due to start in September 2010. Whilst you must be able to fulfil the academic entry level requirements we respond to an individual's passion and commitment. This is why we place emphasis upon the applicant's personal interview, and you should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of current news events and an interest in print, online and broadcast news media.

The college core units for Foundation Degrees comprises of modules in Skills for Work,   Individual in the News Sector,   Higher Learning Skills and Advanced Higher Learning Skills & Research.

Subject specific modules include:  News Journalism,   Intensive News Writing,   Shorthand,   Media Law, & Ethics,   Politics for Journalists,   Online Journalism,   Radio Journalism,   Television Journalism, and   Original & Investigative Journalism.  

Methods of teaching & learning

Teaching and learning strategies will include, but not be limited to, lectures, seminars,  live industrial projects, demonstrations, group work, newsroom simulations, private and independent study. Work-related learning will be an important aspect of the learning process.

Please contact the Advice Shop for details of costs and start dates.

Please note that although the information given is believed to be correct at the time of publication, course information, costs where applicable and attendance details may change.

Pay online
You can now pay for courses online, go to the online payments page.
login