Course Overview

The English Language and Journalism program offers a dynamic exploration of the diversity of the English language alongside comprehensive training in journalism skills. In your first year, you'll delve into the richness of English language use, exploring regional variants, language and ethnicity, as well as slang and street English. Simultaneously, in journalism, you'll be introduced to key skills such as research, writing, and interviewing across various platforms. Ethical considerations in journalism will be a central theme, addressing the daily dilemmas faced by journalists. In the second year, core modules in English language focus on grammar and the sounds of English. You'll delve into theories of language development and tackle real-life language-related issues, including plagiarism and crime investigation in forensic linguistics. Meanwhile, in journalism, you'll engage in practical experiences, creating a magazine, producing a radio broadcast, and exploring the role of journalists in major scandals and social movements like Black Lives Matter. The program offers a unique opportunity between the second and final year to pursue a study abroad experience or a work placement for up to a year. This provides not only an enriching experience but also enhances your CV with practical exposure. In your final year, you can tailor your studies with modules covering diverse topics such as child language and communication, clinical linguistics, gender and language, and formulaic language, aligning with the research specialisms of academics. In journalism, the focus shifts to practical experiences, including work placements within journalism or related fields, studying international reporting, creating a journalistic website, and building a journalism portfolio. The program encourages entrepreneurship, allowing you to create your own freelance or media business based on your interests. Studio presentations and interactions with industry practitioners, including talks by professionals working in the communications industry, add a real-world dimension to your learning experience. The English Language and Journalism program prepares you for a dynamic and versatile career by combining linguistic insights with practical journalism skills, creating a well-rounded skill set for success in the communications industry.