Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Radio Journalism provides the necessary knowledge and practical skills for a successful career in broadcasting, and an opportunity to progress to a Master of Arts in Journalism.
It is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), which continually oversees training standards. The award winning, highly vocational programme prepares trainees for roles as radio journalists in a multi-platform environment. Run in a calendar year it provides privileged access to placements in October and November (when demand from academic year courses is low), which many trainees use as a springboard into employment. During a month on air each trainee will experience the roles of news editor, newsreader and reporter when producing bulletins and online material for Bradford Community Broadcasting. The course is recognised as one of the best in the country and won the BBC Connect and Create Journalism Award 2009.
The Diploma programme is a full-time intensive programme designed to provide:
- the practical skills required for radio journalism, including sound recording and editing, sound management, radio grammar, use of ENG cameras, bulletin construction and delivery and more
- a comprehensive understanding of professional journalism practice, including researching and substantiating news stories, interviewing techniques, establishing contacts, 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
- 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
- the opportunity to undertake a piece of substantive independent research relevant to journalism.
Duration
Postgraduate Diploma - runs for one year from January to December on a full-time basis.
MA - runs for one year on a part-time basis after the completion of the Diploma.
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to develop working relationships with established news personnel and outlets.
Modules
The following five modules make up the diploma:
- Professional Journalism Practices & Responsibilities - the core skills of journalism including shorthand training.
Assessment - a practical scenario-based examination and a practical examination of proficiency at shorthand. - Law, Ethics and Regulation- the knowledge required to be legally safe journalists.
Assessment- Law is assessed by a three-hour unseen paper, a 3000 word essay and a 500 word reflective report. - Journalism Skills for Radio - Broadcast-specific technical, production and narrative skills.
Assessment - production and submission of four news artefacts to given specifications. - Public Affairs - where public affairs embraces British Central and Local Government.
Assessment - this module is assessed by means of a public affairs three-hour unseen paper. - Professional Placement - all trainees must complete at least four weeks of placement in a professional newsroom environment.
Assessment- trainees must achieve a satisfactory grade from their host newsroom(s).
The MA in Journalism consists of one module which trainees may register for up to two years after completion of the Diploma:
- Research Methodologies and Journalism Research Project - culminates in the production of a supervised research dissertation.
Assessment - trainees must attend a four-day introduction session in January and submit their research proposal by Easter. Trainees have 12 months to complete their thesis.
Facilities
Trainees work in a dedicated newsroom and studio complex which is exclusive to postgraduate students. The newsroom contains seven workstations that have specialist broadcast news management software and are equipped with incoming raw news feeds from Independent Radio News (IRN), Sky and the Press Association. Our two dedicated radio studios are linked to this digital network, enabling paperless news operation. Studio 1 is used for live broadcast and is usually configured for self operation. It has ISDN technology, allowing connection at studio-to-studio quality with any similarly-equipped studio anywhere in the world. Studio 2 is a recording studio where our trainees conduct telephone interviews, record voice pieces and construct creative packages. A link to Studio 1 enables journalists to practice down-the-line operation prior to the live broadcast period. Each trainee has access to a Flashmic portable audio recorder during our on-air and artefact production periods. Trainees also have full access to the Library and IT resources in the Andrew Kean Learning Centre.
Entry Requirements
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.
Awarding Body
Leeds Trinity University College
Contact Details
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
Tel: 0113 2837100 ext 398
Email: r.middleton@leedstrinity.ac.uk
For informal chat please contact:
Course Leader Richard Horsman
Telephone: 0113 283 7100, ext. 302
Email: r.horsman@leedstrinity.ac.uk
For more information:
Leeds Trinity Centre for Journalism
Download the MA/PGDip Radio Journalism course guide (PDF 6.69MB)
Related Courses
MA/PGDip Broadcast Journalism (Radio & TV)
MA/PGDip Magazine Journalism
MA/PGDip Print Journalism