Print Journalism, BA (Hons)

This course, which is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), was rated the top performing journalism course in the UK in 2012. With experienced tutors, fantastic work placement opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities, this course will provide you with all the skills you need to pursue a career in print journalism.

This course has been named as the UK’s top performing undergraduate course by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). Read more

Our graduates have gone on to work with:

• the BBC
• ITN
• Sky News
• major newspapers
• numerous BBC and commercial radio stations across the country.

This course has been developed in close association with major media organisations to offer innovative and relevant education and training for careers in newspaper and other print media. Students follow a well-balanced course that combines theoretical studies with practical training and professional work placements leading to a qualification recognised in the industry.

Why choose this course?

You will learn the skills needed to work in a print newsroom, including media law, politics, online copy writing and an understanding of the role of the media within society.

Students follow the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) syllabus leading to NCTJ exams in:

• law
• public affairs
• practical journalism
• shorthand.

Our students learn to write shorthand at speeds of over 100 words per minute.

The course is supported by local representatives from:

• BBC East Midlands
• Central News
• Sky News
• Capital East Midlands FM
• Gem 106FM
• the Nottingham Post
• the Stoke Sentinel.

You can also take advantage of the International Exchange scheme and University Language Programme offered by the School of Arts and Humanities. This will enable you to study in Europe, USA, Thailand or Australia as part of your degree.

Visiting lecturers have included:

• Sunday Telegraph Editor Ian MacGregor
• Jon Snow of ITN's Channel 4 News
• Roger Cook from Carlton Television's The Cook Report Special
• NTU's Chancellor Sir Michael Parkinson.

What our students say

"I have developed new skills like learning shorthand at speeds of 100 words per minute and using media law so I know what I can legally write."

Molly Woodruff
BA (Hons) Print Journalism

What the professionals say

"It is important that those who are choosing to go into the industry are as well prepared and highly skilled as they can be, not only to compete for jobs but also to ensure that the media grows and remains fresh with new ideas brought in by graduates. The Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism at Nottingham Trent University is focused on giving students the best possible start by ensuring that our graduates have all the skills necessary to be at the forefront when it comes to employability."

Sir Michael Parkinson
Broadcaster, Journalist and Author

*Rated the top-rated National Council for the Training of Journalists' (NCTJ) accredited course at the NCTJ performance awards 2010 and 2012.

When does the course start?

Please see the academic calendar for term dates.

What will you study?

Modules include:

Year One

• Democracy in Action (C)
• Covering the Courts (C)
• Media Matters (C)
• Media and Politics (C)
• News Production Skills One (C)

Year Two

• Print News Skills (C)
• Print Production Skills (C)
• Keeping out of Court (C)
• Social and Ethical Aspects of Media Regulation (E)
• Global Journalism (C)
• Sports Journalism (E)

Year Three

• Limits of Liberty (C)
• Celebrity Journalism (C)
• Multiplatform Project (C)
• News Production Skills 3 (C)
• Shorthand (C)

C = Compulsory module
E = Elective module

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a variety of teaching and learning experiences which will include:

• lectures and briefings
• seminars
• tutorials
• news days
• presentations
• teamwork
• live projects
• personal development planning
• visits

You will also be involved in self-directed project work where you will have the support of NOW, our virtual learning environment.

This course is 50% practical and 50% academic.

How will I be assessed?

Each module is assessed separately and may involve a combination of the following:

• essays
• projects
• competency portfolios
• placements
• class tests
• seminar presentations
• skills assessments
• formal examinations.

Over the three years students gradually increase their study skills and presentation techniques. The marks that count towards the degree also increase year-by-year, so that assessment is matched fairly with the expected rate of students' learning throughout the three year course.

Is the course professionally accredited?

This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and all exam fees are included in course costs. Please visit the Journalism Diversity Fund website to view what funding opportunities are available.

Learn from expert staff

Our journalism team is made up of expert academic and technical staff who have extensive experience in education and industry. These, together with visiting professionals, provide a rounded, up-to-date education, informed by current practice and industry developments.

Course Leader: Amanda Ball

Where will I study?

You will study this course at NTU's Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism, City site, based in Nottingham city centre.

Exchange opportunities – study abroad

You will have the opportunity to apply for an exchange in Year Two, to study at another university in Europe through our Erasmus scheme. Gain valuable work experience that will impress employers, learn another language, experience other cultures and travel the globe - all as part of your degree. Our international exchange partners include universities in Australia, Europe, USA, Canada and Thailand. Find out more at an Open Day.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

Our award-winning range of journalism courses are based in the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism, centrally placed on our City site. This multimillion pound development includes one of the largest student newsrooms in the UK, a fully functioning TV studio with production facilities and three radio studios.

Virtual Tour
Watch our short video of the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism.

Print Journalism facilities

• Newsroom: 96 work stations including two hydraulic work stations for disability access, specialised production facility for television, radio, print, magazine and online news production, integrated 1GB network system, Adobe Master Collection software (continual updates to latest versions), multi-screen workstations, newsroom live production points, live links to external camera feeds, live news feeds Independent Radio News feed and Press Association Feed.
• Photographic Production Area: Incorporating pull-down white Cyclorama curtain, three point lighting system, soft and hard lighting. You will also find white defusing tent for photographing smaller objects (for print magazines).
• Technical Support: The Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism production facilities have a dedicated team of five friendly and experienced engineers. They provide constant technical support for students and update and create systems that mirror the latest innovations in industry.

Other facilities within the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism:

• TV Studio: Six high definition SDI cameras incorporating pedestals, live weather green screen, studio news set with back video projection and automated newsroom reading system (autocue).
• TV Production/Viewing Gallery: Dedicated production facility incorporating live multi-channel audio mixing desk, digital high definition vision mixer, operation stations including Director (with access to multi-functional communications system), a Production Assistant (accessing automated programme time counts), Autocue Controller (synchronising camera on-screen prompts in live TV studio), Play-out Operator (responsible for queuing and output of pre-record and news packages).
• 3 x Radio Studios: Radio news production facility incorporating one larger studio with six-microphone hex desk (used for multi-presenter panel debates), fully sound proofed with acoustic isolated floating floor system, news production consoles, automated newsroom reading system (autocue), a three-presenter news desk, automated live bulletin recorder, audio news package play-out system (BPM), real-time audio monitoring for newsroom, convergence systems for online platforms, two voice-over recording cubicles.
• Student Technical Resources: Free hire of broadcast equipment that can be used on location including 70 wide screen digital video cameras, high definition cameras, video camera kits including balance line, microphone, Sony Pro headphones, Manfrotto Pro floating tripod system, over 60 digital audio recorders (digital Marantz recorders), over 40 digital still cameras and production lighting equipment.

Books and library resources
In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books, periodicals and other resources that focus on specialist areas within Print Journalism.

IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City site, with PCs providing access to:

• Microsoft Office
• email
• web browsing
• networked file storage
• high-speed online printing services (with a free printing allowance for each student). Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.