BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism program at Leeds Trinity University is a comprehensive undergraduate degree specifically designed to equip students with the essential journalistic skills, storytelling techniques, and technological proficiency to excel in the multi-platform media landscape. This three-year full-time program provides a thorough exploration of journalistic principles, news writing, reporting across radio, television, and online platforms, digital media production, media law and ethics, and the evolving role of social media in news dissemination. The curriculum strategically blends rigorous theoretical learning with extensive practical application, ensuring graduates develop strong writing, interviewing, audio and video production, digital content creation, and critical thinking skills, alongside a deep understanding of the media industry and its ethical responsibilities. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through newsroom simulations, live reporting exercises, and integral professional work placements within broadcast and digital media organizations.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism program is carefully structured to provide a strong foundation in journalistic principles and media law while progressively building specialized skills in broadcast and digital storytelling. The initial years typically cover core journalism skills such as news writing, interviewing techniques for different media, media law and ethics, and an introduction to the broadcast and digital media industries. Students also develop essential digital media skills, including audio and video production, online content creation, and social media engagement. As students advance, the curriculum delves into more specialized areas such as radio and television news production, investigative journalism, data journalism, mobile journalism (mojo), and digital storytelling techniques. The program culminates in the development of a professional portfolio of broadcast and digital journalism work and a final year project that allows for in-depth exploration of a specific area within the field. Integral work placements provide invaluable real-world experience and professional networking opportunities within the broadcast and digital media industries.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism program at Leeds Trinity University encourages students to engage with research by fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of the evolving media landscape. While primarily an applied undergraduate program, it is informed by the active scholarship and industry expertise of the journalism faculty, who may be engaged in research related to digital journalism innovation, media ethics in the digital age, the impact of social media on news, and the future of broadcast journalism. Students are encouraged to explore and critically analyze current media research, industry reports, and case studies. The program often includes opportunities for students to conduct their own research projects related to their specific interests within broadcast and digital journalism, developing their ability to analyze media content, evaluate reporting practices, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a crucial element of the BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism program at Leeds Trinity University, enhancing its relevance and graduate employability within the competitive media sector. The program often involves strong connections with a diverse range of broadcast and digital media organizations, including radio and television stations, online news platforms, and multimedia production companies, providing students with valuable opportunities for applied learning and professional development. Students benefit from guest lectures and workshops delivered by experienced journalists, editors, producers, and digital media professionals, offering insights into current trends, industry practices, and career pathways. Integral professional work placements are a key feature of the program, providing invaluable hands-on experience in real-world media environments, allowing students to build their professional networks and gain practical skills directly relevant to their career aspirations. The university's dedicated Careers and Placements team supports students in securing these opportunities.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Broadcast and Digital Journalism program at Leeds Trinity University incorporates a global perspective by acknowledging the increasingly interconnected nature of news and information dissemination across borders. The curriculum explores international news reporting, the challenges and opportunities of covering global events, and the impact of digital technologies on global media landscapes. Students are encouraged to consider the ethical and cultural implications of reporting on diverse communities and international issues. The diverse student body at Leeds Trinity contributes to a rich intercultural learning environment, fostering an understanding of different media systems and global journalistic practices. While specific study abroad opportunities may vary, the program aims to prepare graduates to be adaptable, culturally aware, and ethically responsible journalists who can navigate the complexities of the global media industry.