BA (Hons) English and Magazine Journalism (Full Time)

Think about English literature in new and exciting ways while also learning to be a magazine journalist. This course, part of our successful English programme, takes a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approach towards the study of English. You’ll be encouraged to think in imaginative ways about fiction, drama, poetry and language at the same time as acquiring practical skills in journalism.

The course is taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals, combining real world vocational training with intellectually stimulating academic study.

Key elements include:

• Two linked methods of study - practical production and critical perspectives of contemporary social theory and practice
• All aspects of magazine journalism, from reviewing to hard-hitting reportage and investigative pieces
• The chance to explore your own practical and creative writing interests
• Industry-specific briefs in magazine journalism
• Access to excellent facilities, such as our state-of-the-art Creative Industries Academy, with its dedicated journalism centre
• Work experience placements to supplement learning
• Study trips to support learning, to places such as Venice, Istanbul and Marrakech, and to Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton House Library, The British Library and the Globe Theatre
• Opportunity to study abroad for an academic year at one of our European Erasmus partnership universities, on both single or joint honours courses
• Option to study a foreign language - Mandarin, French, Spanish, Italian, German
• Strong student support, with easy access to staff
• A variety of teaching, learning and assessment styles
• Option to take Preparing to Teach English as a Foreign Language course.

National Student Survey ratings for overall student satisfaction are high for this course (95% in 2011; amongst the top 18 English degree courses in the UK for student satisfaction in 2012). We also have some excellent student feedback about the inspiring nature of the course and the quality of the teaching.

Industrial focus

Solent has a strong track record in graduate employment for all its English and magazine journalism courses. Students on this course use the latest professional equipment, and learn to produce good copy, written accurately and to a deadline.

Our students are encouraged to develop reflective, analytical and critical skills and to gain relevant work experience that will make them attractive to employers. We have strong links with Solent Creatives, Solent’s in-house creative agency, enabling our students to work on one-off freelance assignments and live creative briefs.

The course equips students with desirable skills for a wide range of careers. Graduates are working in such exciting areas as copy editing, staff writing, prison education, primary and secondary education, charity fundraising, TV, publishing, web design, freelance writing and legal practice. Others have gone on to master’s degrees in Foreign Languages, Critical and Creative Writing, and Writing for Children.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units

• Cultural Fragments: An Introduction to Literary Studies
• Adapting the Novel
• Making and Reading Poetry
• Magazine Journalism
• Layout and Visualisation
• Magazine Journalist’s Tool Box.

Year 2

Seven core units:

• Gender Agendas 1
• Gender Agendas 2
• Playtexts in Context
• Shakespeare: Script, Stage, Screen
• Law for Journalists
• The Editorial Hub
• Magazine Business.

Year 3

Three core units and four option units:

• Final-Year Project
• Shock Value
• Multi-Platform Publishing.

Options:

• Comedy
• Radical Re-readings
• Storytelling
• Writing about Writing
• Work Experience
• Freelance Copywriting
• Shakespeare and the Performer
• Writing and Difference
• Writing Criticism
• Fashion and Editorial Styling
• Digital Photography
• Reporting Politics
• Fashion and Difference
• Buying, Forecasting and Trend Analysis
• The Fame Game
• Life as a Freelance
• The Title Race
• Advanced Visual Merchandising
• Advanced Technology
• Science and Technology Journalism
• Journalism in Film
• Business Journalism
• Travel Journalism
• Changing the World
• Investigative Journalism
• Fashion and Styling
• Creative Entrepreneurship Freelance Practice.

Why choose Solent?

Solent’s joint honours English programme offers a unique and innovative blend of the academic with the practical. Our team of respected academics and industry professionals brings these subjects to life and ensures that you gain the best possible preparation for an exciting career. Students have the option of studying abroad for an academic year in one of our partnership European universities, thus increasing their intercultural understanding and employability.

• Innovative approaches towards the study of literature, taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals
• Combines real-world practical training with intellectually stimulating academic study
• Crosses boundaries between academic subjects and enables exploration of your own practical and creative writing interests
• Optional opportunity to study abroad for an academic year on our European placement scheme.

Assessment

In addition to the more traditional essays, examinations, research projects and presentations, students will have opportunities to submit creative writing, journalism, workbooks and portfolios.

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Projects/work experience

Industry-specific work placements and briefs are available on the Magazine Journalism side of the course, while the English side offers a work experience option in which you may explore your own career development plans.

Key career skill

Analytical writing, research, creative thinking, presentation, project management, visual communication and problem solving.

Graduate quote

Charlotte Gibson

"I have just seen my results and I can’t believe my eyes! This shows that all of the hard work paid off in the end. Thank you so much for all your help, not just with my dissertation, but for believing in me and supporting me throughout my years at University."

Chantal Brown

"You could not ask for better lecturers – any problem you have, they sort it. You are really encouraged and helped to find work experience. If you love English, just go for it – it’s not just English – it’s culture!"

Key info from UNISTATS