MSc International Management
The University of Worcester, located in the heart of the United Kingdom, is renowned fo...
BA (Hons) Journalism and Screenwriting
Worcester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Journalism and Screenwriting program provides a balanced and integrated study of factual storytelling in news and creative storytelling for the screen. It emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to understanding how narratives are constructed and how they impact audiences. The program encourages students to explore the theoretical underpinnings of both disciplines and to develop practical journalistic and screenwriting skills informed by a strong understanding of narrative structure and media ethics. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical projects, students develop a comprehensive understanding of both fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce the principles of news writing and reporting, alongside the fundamentals of screenwriting, including story structure, character, and dialogue. In journalism, students learn newsgathering techniques, media law and ethics, and digital storytelling. In screenwriting, they explore different screen formats, genre conventions, and the process of script development. As students advance, they engage with more specialized modules, such as investigative journalism, feature writing, documentary storytelling, writing for television, feature film screenwriting, and the business of media. The program encourages students to explore the connections between journalism and screenwriting, understanding how journalistic principles of truth and accuracy can inform documentary and factual storytelling, and how screenwriting techniques can enhance narrative engagement in news and current affairs. A significant component involves developing practical journalistic skills through news writing, interviewing, and potentially work placements, alongside creating and developing original screenplays.
Research Focus: The University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment within its School of Arts and Creative Industries and the School of Humanities, which directly benefits the BA (Hons) Journalism and Screenwriting program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of journalism studies, including media ethics and digital news, as well as in screenwriting theory and practice, narrative studies, and the media industries. Students benefit from being taught by academics who are actively contributing to their fields and may have opportunities to engage with research through their studies and final-year projects or screenplays. The program aims to cultivate a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to critically analyze journalistic and screen narratives and to conduct their own investigations into storytelling across different media.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Journalism and Screenwriting program places a strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers in the media industries. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from practicing journalists, editors, screenwriters, and film/television professionals. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with local and regional news organizations, film and television production companies, and media outlets. This engagement may include opportunities for workshops, networking events, and work placements or internships, providing students with valuable practical experience and industry connections. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in the dynamic and evolving media landscape.
Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Journalism and Screenwriting program. Journalism and screen storytelling are increasingly global activities, with diverse media systems and international co-productions becoming more common. The program encourages students to develop an understanding of international news reporting, global film and television industries, and the challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural communication in both fields. Discussions and analyses often incorporate international examples, and students have opportunities to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for navigating the interconnected world of journalism and screenwriting today.
Location
Worcester
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16700
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 76.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Worcester offers a range of scholarships for international students to support them financially during their studies. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, help with tuition costs, and make studying in the UK more affordable for students from various backgrounds.
International Scholarships: The university provides a specific International Scholarship which offers a reduction in tuition fees for international students enrolling in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The value of the scholarship varies depending on the student's academic profile and the course they are enrolling in.
Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance. International students who demonstrate strong academic achievements may be eligible for merit-based reductions in their tuition fees.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Worcester also offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships are aimed at making higher education more accessible to students from these countries, with discounts or financial assistance provided to support their studies.
Graduates from the BA (Hons) Journalism and Screenwriting program at the University of Worcester acquire a unique and highly valuable skillset, blending the principles of factual storytelling with the craft of writing for the screen. This interdisciplinary background opens doors to a diverse range of exciting career opportunities within the dynamic media and entertainment industries.
Journalist (Multi-platform): Reporting and creating factual content across various media, while also possessing a strong understanding of narrative structure applicable to long-form features or documentaries.
Screenwriter (Film & Television): Crafting original scripts for feature films, television series, and other screen-based media, informed by strong storytelling principles learned in both disciplines.
Digital Content Creator (Narrative Focus): Developing engaging written and multimedia content for online platforms, incorporating both journalistic accuracy and compelling narrative techniques.
Documentary Filmmaker/Researcher: Investigating and crafting factual stories for the screen, utilizing their journalistic research skills and screenwriting abilities to create impactful narratives.
News Writer with Screen Adaptation Potential: Reporting on current events with an eye towards developing longer narrative formats or adaptations for the screen.
Script Editor/Reader (News or Film/TV): Analyzing and providing feedback on written content, whether news articles or screenplays, utilizing their critical and storytelling skills.
Content Marketing Specialist (Storytelling Focus): Creating engaging brand narratives and marketing content across various platforms, blending factual information with compelling storytelling techniques.
Public Relations Officer (Narrative Development): Crafting and disseminating organizational messages with a strong emphasis on storytelling and narrative construction.
Arts Administrator (Film/Media Organizations): Working in the administrative side of film or media organizations, utilizing their understanding of both journalistic and screenwriting processes.
Further Study in Screenwriting, Journalism, Film Production, or Media Studies: Pursuing postgraduate degrees to specialize further in a chosen area, potentially leading to more advanced creative, analytical, or strategic roles in the media and entertainment industries.
