UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and
Location of Delivery
Main Campus - Preston
3. University School/Centre
Journalism, Language and Communication
4. External Accreditation
5. Title of Final Award
Journalism (Foundation Entry Year) BA Hons
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full-Time
7. UCAS Code
P503
8. Relevant Subject
Benchmarking Group(s)
Communication, media, film and cultural studiesno foundation benchmarking statements.
9. Other external influences
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
July 2015
11. Aims of the Programme
To provide students who do not have standard entry qualifications the opportunity to
prepare for and progress on to an undergraduate programme in journalism
To enable students to usefully apply the basic journalism and academic study skills that
are essential to a student wishing to progress onto the first year of an undergraduate
degree in journalism.
To give students insight into the practice of journalism and a grounding in the skills and
knowledge required by journalists.
To develop the basic intellectual skills and creative insights necessary to initiate reflective
practitioners
To promote engagement in debate about the definition, nature and purpose of journalism
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Knowledge and understanding of concepts and perspectives relevant to the
practice of journalism including an understanding of the roles and responsibilities
of journalists and the structure of the journalism industry.
A2. Knowledge and understanding of concepts and practices relating to academic
study skills at undergraduate level.
A3. Understanding of news gathering, writing and basic broadcast and online
production skills
A4. Acquire transferable skills, including critical thinking and reasoning skills; ability to
think conceptually and to work independently and with a team.
A5. Demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to learn from own
experience and that of others.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars and workshops will be used to introduce key topics, case studies and
skills. Students will engage in discussions and debates as well as practising basic skills
required within journalism and academia. Students will further develop their learning
through independent study and practice.
Assessment methods
Practical multi-disciplined journalism production/portfolios – Theoretical and Reflective
essays – Group presentations – Academic skills test
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Writing and originating journalism for broadcast, print and online formats
B2. Understanding and recognising target audiences for successful story-telling
B3. Basic broadcast skills including writing, recording, editing and composition
B4. Origination and development of digital platforms.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures and workshops will be used to initiate basic skills and concepts which will be
furthered through independent study and practice. Industry visits, talks and case-studies.
Assessment methods
Practical multi-disciplined journalism production/portfolios – Theoretical and Reflective
essays – Group presentations
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Analysis of broadcast material. Review and reflection. Research and independent study
C2. Ethics and Regulations Moral ideologies. Development of Codes of Practice. Debate and
Discussion
C3. Critical and personal reflection.. Structured Reading
C4. Experiential learning activities
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures and workshops will be used to initiate basic skills and concepts which will be
furthered through independent study and practice and reflection.
Assessment methods
Theoretical and Reflective essays – Group presentations
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Self-management
D2. Critical awareness
D3. Communication and presentation skills
D4. PDP
D5. Interpersonal skills
Teaching and Learning Methods
The rigour of deadlines and self-management through the process of assessment and
learning in a supportive and challenging setting will enable students to engage and
develop their personal, creative and academic skills.
Assessment methods
Practical assessment and presentations will test the student’s personal and practical
management skills. Appropriate critical and personal reflection will consolidate their
learning.
13. Programme Structures*
14. Awards and Credits*
Level
Module
Code
Module Title
Credit
rating
Level 3
JNC001
Journalism Matters
20
Level 3
JNC002
Making News
20
JNC003
Introduction to
Broadcasting
40
BA (Hons) Journalism
(Foundation Entry Year)
Requires 120 credits to
proceed to BA (Hons)
Journalism
Level 3
Exit Award:
Certificate of Achievement
Level 3
JNC004
Introduction to Digital
Communication
20
Level 3
JNC007
Communication Matters:
Practical Writing Skills
20
15. Personal Development Planning
The nature of this course is designed to encourage students to put their own personal
development at the heart of their learning. Students will be encouraged through assessment
and through tutorial and group activity to constantly reflect and apply their learning and
experiences on the course to their own personal, creative and academic goals.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic
qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study.
These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to
entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you
should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
This programme is aimed at students with non-standard entry qualifications.
However, entry requirements at A2 level would be in the range of DDE at A2 level and
BTEC: MPP. For international applications, an IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
Mature students and candidates with non-standard qualifications may also considered,
especially if they have professional or other relevant experience.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
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University, School and course specific websites
 www.uclan.ac.uk
University prospectus
External advertising
Industry contacts
Undergraduate advice events