Overview

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.

 

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 completion of the Diploma.

 

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 and ethical journalists, and to follow regulatory codes.
  Assessment - assessed by a three-hour unseen paper, a 3000-word essay and a 500-word reflective report.
• Journalism Skills for Print - Producing real news stories and features in real time for the North Leeds News.              Assessment - a logbook is used to record performance throughout the module including the production of the North Leeds News. Trainees are also assessed on the production of six news items and two features, which must be submitted by a given deadline.
• 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 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.

 

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.

 

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.  For an application form visit www.journalismdiversityfund.co.uk

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.middlenton@leedstrinity.ac.uk  

 

For informal chat please contact:

Course Leader Susan Pape

Telephone: 0113 283 7100, ext. 180
Email: s.pape@leedstrinity.ac.uk


For more information:
Leeds Trinity Centre for Journalism

Download the MA/PGDip Print Journalism course guide

 

Related Courses

MA/PGDip Broadcast Journalism (Radio & TV)

MA/PGDip Magazine Journalism

MA/PGDip Radio Journalism