About Print Journalism Degrees
A leading industry-accredited journalism course with first class industry links and an excellent record in preparing candidates for careers in newspapers and websites. Former trainees are now working on national and regional newspapers, and websites.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Print Journalism is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and offers the opportunity to take the NCTJ Diploma examinations.
On the Leeds Trinity programme, trainees work in a dedicated print newsroom producing the weekly North Leeds News and its sister website, which gives them the chance to work on real news in real time. The paper is distributed to a wide audience and acts as a showcase for the trainees' work, offering them the chance to create an impressive portfolio of cuttings.
The Leeds Trinity MA/PGDip is a full-time intensive programme designed to provide the practical skills required for print and online journalism, including: finding news stories, writing to length, writing to deadline, writing for the web, page design, sub-editing and video journalism. It also offers a comprehensive understanding of professional journalism practice, including: developing contacts; interview techniques; researching and substantiating stories; writing to house style; shorthand; the knowledge and ability to apply the legal and regulatory frameworks conditioning British journalism; an awareness of the professional roles and regulatory responsibilities of journalists; and a critical understanding of the political and commercial structures within which news media operate.
In addition, the MA provides: training in investigative techniques for research projects and the opportunity to undertake a piece of substantive independent research relevant to journalism.
Facilities
Trainees work in a dedicated print newsroom containing 12 workstations equipped with Quark Xpress and Photoshop software. Cameras, sound equipment and editing facilities in the Media Centre are also made use of when the trainees undergo video journalism training. Trainees have full access to the Library and IT resources in the Andrew Kean Learning Centre.
Prerequisites
The normal entry requirement is a good honours degree qualification - minimum 2.2, preferably 2.1 or above.
Relevant work experience is also expected. You need an interest in current affairs and in people, places and events and should have a willingness to accept irregular hours and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
If English is not your first language IELTS 7.0 or equivalent is the minimum requirement. Whilst having a driving licence is not an entry requirement for the course we suggest that you pass your test before enrolling as your chances of finding work after graduation will be greatly enhanced.
The JOURNALISM DIVERSITY FUND is offering at least six bursaries for people from socially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, who have applied for a place on an NCTJ-accredited journalism course that either begins or runs during the September 2011 to August 2012 period.
Successful recipients will receive financial assistance, gain a work placement and have the support of a mentor throughout their training. The fund was set up by industry leaders in order to support the training of journalists from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds and those without the financial means to fund their training.
Application Procedure
For more information and an application pack please contact:
Rona E Middleton
Centre for Journalism
Leeds Trinity University College
Brownberrie Lane
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18 5HD
For informal chat please contact:
Course Leader Susan Pape