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Student Handbook

BA (Honours) Music Journalism


2015/16
Course leader: Kate Jenner
School of Journalism, Language & Communication

All course materials, including lecture notes and other additional materials related to your course and provided to you, whether
electronically or in hard copy, as part of your study, are the property of (or licensed to) UCLan and MUST not be distributed, sold,
published, made available to others or copied other than for your personal study use unless you have gained written permission to do
so from the Dean of School. This applies to the materials in their entirety and to any part of the material.
UCLan Mission statement

WE PROMOTE ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE ENABLING YOU TO DEVELOP YOUR


POTENTIAL
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Please review the UCLan Equality and Diversity Policy for further information.
Contents page

1. Introduction to the course

2. Structure of the course

3. Approaches to teaching and learning

4. Student support, guidance and conduct

5. Assessment

6. Course regulations

7. Student voice

8. Appendices: Grading, equipment loan and PCC Code of Conduct


8.1 Approved programme specification.

9. Fee Information
1. Introduction to the course

1.1 Welcome

Welcome to the School of Journalism. Language and Communication - one of the leading centres
for journalism education in the UK. Our reputation rests on our commitment to providing practical
and vocational courses in journalism, underpinned by the theoretical and conceptual aspects
relevant to these disciplines.
The School is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence in its field. We
have been teaching journalism in Preston for more than 50 years. Our graduates are spread across
the media industry. They regularly return to the university to give guest lectures and masterclasses.
They also help us to secure industry placements and inform our curriculum.
We have alumni who have carved out careers in entertainment journalism such as Jacqui
Meddings, Entertainments Director at Cosmopolitan magazine and Andy Halls who works for The
Sun’s Showbiz desk. The BA (Hons) Music Journalism programme aims to build on this reputation.
You will receive a solid grounding in multimedia journalism skills. You will also learn about the legal
and ethical constraints journalists operate under. You will also learn about the history of popular
music, its effect on cultural and sociological development and the development of the music media,
giving you the knowledge and understanding you will need to operate as a music journalist.
In recent years advances in technology have changed the face of journalism. The challenges faced
by the professional, digital journalist are enormous. Today’s journalist is multi-skilled, producing
news in a variety of formats for a range of platforms. We endeavour, through our teaching and
research, to equip you with the skills and knowledge to meet these challenges and to enhance
your employability within the profession. Ethical, professional behaviour is at the heart of our
teaching.
Cutting edge research in our Media Innovation Studio (MIS) has led to collaborative projects with
the BBC and organisations such as Trinity Mirror, Northwest Vision and Media, Skillset, and the
North West Development Agency.
Journalism programmes at UCLan have an excellent reputation for employability. This course will
prepare you for a career in journalism, however, the degree does not by itself guarantee a job in
the field. It is important that you not only work hard and attend all teaching sessions, but also take
advantage of the many extra-curricular opportunities available at UCLan to develop your skills and
enhance your employability. Get involved in student media; attend our prestigious guest lectures;
take advantage of our bursaries for international projects; study abroad; enjoy prestigious work
placements. UCLan is proud of the journalists it has nurtured over the past 50 years. We hope you
enjoy your time with us and make the most of the opportunities we offer.

Julie Freer, Journalism divisional leader.


Introduction to the course
This course handbook will help you understand the structure of your degree and how the
Journalism Division works. More details about each module are outlined in Module Information
Packs (MIPs), which are given out at the start of each module. You should keep copies of all
these documents.
1.2 Rationale, aims and learning outcomes of the course

Course Aims
The BA (Hons) Music Journalism programme aims:
 To produce fully-trained multimedia journalists equipped with the skills needed for entry-level
employment in journalism, the media/creative industries and other allied careers.
 To equip students with specialist knowledge and understanding of popular music in order to
enable them to operate as journalists in this area.
 To develop journalism practitioners who are independent thinkers and doers and to
encourage the development of critical thinking, reasoning and research skills through
journalism theory.
 To develop students’ understanding of the legal constraints and the ethics of journalism
practice and to encourage students to reflect critically on their own decisions as journalists.
 To provide a learning environment for personal development and growth both as an
individual and as a contributor to a team.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, this is what we expect you to have learned as a result of the teaching you
receive:

 Knowledge and understanding of the news media, popular music legal and ethical
constraints, how journalists work and the theoretical and conceptual issues relating to
journalism.

 Subject specific skills such as news gathering and writing, interviewing and presentational
skills, technical, production and social media skills and shorthand.

 Thinking skills such as selecting and critically appraising information from a range of sources,
planning and conducting research and reflecting on learning and personal performance.

 Other skills relating to employability and personal development.

A complete description of the learning outcomes of the course can be found in the programme
specification in Appendix 1.
1.3 Course Team
Head of School – Dr Paul Elmer

Journalism Division Leader- Julie Freer


Julie leads the team of journalism lecturers and also teaches print and digital journalism.
She spent 20 years in the regional newspaper industry before moving into teaching.
Direct line: 01772 894750, e-mail JEFreer@uclan.ac.uk

Kate Jenner, course leader BA (Hons) Music Journalism.


Kate is a senior lecturer in print and digital journalism She joined the School after a long
career in regional newspapers. She spent 10 years as a news sub editor for the Lancashire
Evening Post in Preston.
Direct line: 01772 894818, e-mail kjenner@uclan.ac.uk

Dr Peter Atkinson
Pete is Course Leader for Film and Media Studies at the University of Central Lancashire
and has a doctorate on the subject of cultural representations of Liverpool at the time of the
rise of The Beatles in the early 1960s. Pete has given papers at various international
conferences and has work published on aspects of British popular music in several
international publications. Pete specialises in British popular music studies.
Forming partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, Pete helped young people stage their
own music events, founded a youth magazine and gained media coverage for young
musicians, e-mail pjatkinson1@uclan.ac.uk

Amy Binns
Amy teaches magazine and online journalism. Amy has previously taught at the University
of Huddersfield. She has worked as a senior reporter on the Yorkshire Post and the
Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
Direct line: 01772 895694, email abinns@uclan.ac.uk

Pat Brand
Pat is module leader and co-ordinator for all shorthand teaching. She has a wealth of
experience teaching this essential skill for journalists.
Direct line: 01772 894735, e-mail pabrand@uclan.ac.uk

Clare Cook
Clare is an award-winning investigative journalist with ten years' industry experience. She
moved into lecturing following a successful career at regional and national press level before
turning to magazines as a chief sub editor. Being bilingual has also allowed her to pursue a
journalism career in France.
Direct line: 01772 894737, cecook@uclan.ac.uk
Andy Dickinson
Andy is a senior lecturer in print and teaches online production techniques and he is also involved
in the department’s industry digital training programme. Prior to joining the department Andy
worked in the university’s media technology centre. Direct line: 01772 894752, e-mail
asdickinson@uclan.ac.uk

Georgina Gregory
Georgina teaches modules on youth and popular culture and the visual culture of popular music.
Her research looks at issues around popular music, authenticity and imitation and gender and
performance. She has published the first monograph on the subject of tribute bands – Send in the
Clones: a cultural study of the tribute band as well as a number of articles and book chapters about
popular music and bereavement, the Manchester music scene, glam rock, cross gender tributes,
boy bands, dance and the politics of identity. She also works as a freelance music researcher for
the UK Performing Right Society and performs regularly with award-winning vocal group Accord.

Caroline Hawtin
Caroline is an experienced radio journalist having worked for BBC Radio Lancashire for a number
of years producing and reporting news and features. Caroline is course leader for the MA/PGDip
in Broadcast Journalism and she teaches on the BA Hons International Journalism course.
Direct line: 01772 895692, email chawtin@uclan.ac.uk

Charles Lambert
Charlie is a senior lecturer and teaches on the BA Sports Journalism programme. He worked for
the BBC as a reporter, producer and presenter for both radio and TV. He was North West Tonight's
sports presenter and became a regular contributor to TV's Final Score and radio's Sport on Five
and Sports Report. He continues to work as a freelance broadcaster, reporting regularly on
Premiership football.
Direct line 01772 894739, email CLambert@uclan.ac.uk

Judy Merry
Judy teaches broadcast journalism on the BA Journalism programme. She is a highly experienced
journalist, specialising in radio features and documentaries. Judy works part-time at UCLan and
when not teaching, she continues to work for BBC Radio Four.
Direct line: 01772 894533 email JMerry@uclan.ac.uk

Francois Nel
François is the founding director of the Journalism Leaders Programme at UCLAN and co-founder
of the Digital Editors’ Network. An award-winning journalist and educator with wide international
experience, Francois earned his BA and MA degrees in the US and is currently completing his
doctoral studies at City University, London. An active researcher and consultant, he has initiated
three ongoing studies into the impacts of technology on the business and practices of the
newspaper industry. Francois has an interest in entrepreneurial journalism.
Direct line: 01772 894758 email FPNel@uclan.ac.uk
Deborah Robinson
Deborah is a senior lecturer in broadcast journalism and also leads the broadcast journalism route.
She spent 10 years as a TV reporter and producer for the BBC. She has also worked in
newspapers, national magazines, radio and public relations.
Direct Line: 01772 894749, email DRobinson3@uclan.ac.uk

Delwyn Swingewood
Delwyn has worked in print, radio and television. He was a member of Channel 4’s award-winning
‘Hard News’ team. Before joining the department, he taught at Surrey Institute of Art and Design.
He is the leader of the Year 3 BA Journalism newspaper and digital route and teaches MA
Journalism.
Direct line 01772 894729 e-mail dswingewood@uclan.ac.uk

Fiona Steggles
Fiona joined the department in 2012 and teaches on the undergraduate and postgraduate
broadcast modules. Fiona is a highly experienced radio and TV producer, reporter and manager.
She previously worked for BBC TV as assistant news editor for North West Tonight.
Direct line 01772 894755 email fsteggles@uclan.ac.uk

1.4 Academic Advisor

Each student has a member of staff designated as their Academic Advisor. In the first and second
years this will be any one of the teaching staff. In the third year it will be your route leader. The
role of the Academic Advisor is not to deal with assignment issues - this is a matter for your module
tutor and should be raised at an appropriate seminar session. The Academic Advisors provide
general academic advice and pastoral care, including dealing with problems that may affect your
work. Think of your Academic Advisor as a ‘wise friend’, someone who knows the university and
its academic regulations, and to whom you can turn for advice. It may not be appropriate for your
Academic Advisor to deal with specific personal problems - counselling is a job best left to Student
Services or the Health Centre - but they should be able to direct you to an appropriate source of
advice. First year students will normally be contacted by their Academic Advisor within the first
few weeks and invited for a meeting. If you do not hear from your Academic Advisor within the first
month, please contact the Administration Hub (see section 1.5 for contact details).

1.5 Administration Hub

Campus Admin Services provides academic administration support for students and staff and are
located at CM235 and is open from 8.45am until 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and until 4.00pm on
Fridays. The hub can provide general assistance and advice regarding specific processes such as
extenuating circumstances, extensions and appeals. Course specific information is also available
via school Blackboard sites.
The hub telephone number for the C&T Hub is 01772 891994 & 01772 891995.
The hub email contact is CandTHub@uclan.ac.uk
1.6 Communication
It is important to keep in touch. Beyond lectures and seminars, your tutors will contact you via the
university’s Outlook e-mail system or via the UCLan eLearn/Blackboard site. E-mail/eLearn are
now the first point of contact about timetable changes, tutorial times, news of guest speakers and
job vacancies. It is vital that you check your e-mail/ eLearn every day during term time and at least
once a week, via webmail or remote access in non-teaching weeks. It is particularly important that
you check your e-mails/eLearn after results day in June and September. If you send us email
messages from other addresses they risk being filtered out as potential spam and discarded
unread.

You will also find information on the journalism notice boards, both electronic and physical. Please
check these regularly, particularly at the beginning of term. The notice boards for all years are
outside the radio studios (near GR078) on the ground floor of the Greenbank Building. Some tutors
will also contact you via Facebook and Twitter on occasion.

Tutors do not operate a drop-in system but you can make appointments to see a tutor by booking
a surgery time on notices posted on your tutor’s office door. Tutors can also be contacted by email.
Tutors will try to answer emails within 24 hours. However, there may be occasions when a tutor is
away from university or engaged in research and in these circumstances, email responses may
take a little longer.

1.7 External Examiners

The University has appointed an External Examiner to your course who helps to ensure that the
standards of your course are comparable to those provided at other higher education institutions
in the UK. The name of this person, their position and home institution can be found below. If you
wish to make contact with your External Examiner, you should do this through your Course Leader
and not directly. External Examiner reports will be made available to you electronically. The
School will also send a sample of student coursework to the external examiner(s) for external
moderation purposes, once it has been marked and internally moderated by the course tutors. The
sample will include work awarded the highest and lowest marks and awarded marks in the middle
range.

The external examiners for this course are:-


Karen Fowler-Watt, Head Of Department - Journalism & Communication, Bournemouth
University
Andrew James, Nottingham Trent University
Their reports will be posted on the Blackboard area for the course.

2. Structure of the course

2.1 Overall structure


You are studying for an honours degree. Putting it at its simplest this means that you are expected to:-
 Engage in critical thought, using conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
 Carry out practical work at a high level, demonstrating an appreciation of contexts and issues.
 Learn independently.

Although this is a vocational degree it is important that you appreciate it is considerably more than a
simple ‘how-to-do-it’ training course. You are expected to learn the practical skills of journalism whilst
reflecting on the organisational, social, cultural, political and economic contexts of journalism. This is
more simply summed up by one of the department’s key aims: to produce reflective practitioners.

The journalism syllabus includes practical elements, such as news judgement, news sources, and
reporting, writing skills, using social media for newsgathering, interviewing, print, radio, TV and online
production techniques. Journalism support subjects include shorthand, media law and public
administration. Consideration of the development of popular music, its impact on cultural and
sociological development underpins the practical elements of the course. This means that you will
undertake a varied pattern of study and learning.

At any one time you may be operating as a student journalist, producing news in realistic newsroom
conditions, while also examining and considering academic approaches to music in a seminar
environment.

How you will study

Your course is divided into Stages One and Two. Stage One covers your first year and comprises six
compulsory modules. Stage Two covers the remaining two years and comprises ten compulsory
modules and two optional modules.

Year one is at an introductory level and lays out the basic concepts, methods and contexts of
journalism practice and journalism study.

Year two extends and develops your journalism skills and seeks evidence of an analytical and
questioning approach to issues raised by the practical elements of the programme.

Year three modules are designed to extend your practical skills to industry-entry level and test your
independent judgment and critical awareness.

Only Stage Two grades usually count towards your degree, although you must pass all six
Stage One modules to progress to Stage Two

The course is made up of 18 modules and you will study six modules in each of the three years. Each
single module has a value of 20 credits. Double modules have a value of 40 credits. To gain an honours
degree you need to achieve 120 credits for each year of study- 360 credits in total over the three year
period of your degree programme. You will be expected to pass all your module assessments before
being allowed to progress to the next year.

All students take five compulsory modules for the first year of the course, learning the basic skills of
multimedia journalism and popular music and the media. You then have a choice of either learning
shorthand or studying the business of the media.

In the second year, students continue to learn multimedia skills at a more sophisticated level, studying
print, TV, radio and online journalism.

In the third year of the degree students can choose to specialise in one of the following: newspapers
and magazines, broadcast, dissertation or an enterprise route. Online teaching remains an element of
your study programme, whichever route you take.
Study abroad

The University runs exchange programmes with institutions in Europe, America and Australia. Many students
have benefited from the experience of studying abroad. Exchanges usually take place in the second year
and can be for one semester or for a whole year. If you are interested in studying at a partner college during
your degree please contact Kate Jenner who will be able to advise you, and direct you to specialist staff in the
school and the university. You will find Kate’s contact details in this booklet

A diagram of the course structure is given on the following pages:

Course structure

Year 1
Semester 1 Semester 2
Popular Music and the Media
FI1400 Single compulsory module

Reporting Skills Creating Content


JN1014 Single compulsory module JN1016 Single compulsory module

Broadcast Skills Multiplatform Journalism


JN1015 Single compulsory module JN1017Single compulsory module

Shorthand for Journalists


JN1005 Single optional module
The Business of Media
JN1033 single optional module.

Year 2
Semester 1 Semester 2

JN2043 Specialist Reporting JN2065 Broadcast Journalism


(single module) (single module)

FI2004 Popular Music and Communication JN2049 Advanced International Journalism:


(Single module) Feature Writing
(single module)

The Digital Landscape


JN2050
(Single module)

Law for Journalists


LA2200
(Single module)

Year 3
Semester 1 Semester 2
Either
JN3110 Newspaper and Magazine Journalism (optional 40 credit module)
OR
JN3112 Broadcast Newsroom(optional 40 credit module)
OR
TL3069 Enterprise and Development (optional 40 credit module)
FI3020 British Popular Music Since 1960 FI3009 The Visual Culture of Popular Music
(compulsory 20 credit module) (compulsory 20 credit module)

JN3025 Ethics and Regulation


(compulsory 20 credit module)

Either choice of one 20 credit optional semester one Or Choice of one 20 credit semester two module.
module.

You can alternatively take a dissertation route through Year three. This will involve:
JN3024 Journalism Research

Plus either JN3992 a double 40 credit module or JN3991 a single 20 credit module plus an optional
20 credit module.
Modules available
The BA Honours Music Journalism programme is built up of single and double modules. The
course structure above explains what you will study in each semester. Single modules
generally run in one semester, however some single modules may run across two semesters
and this is indicated in the structure diagram on the previous page. A double module runs
across two semesters. Below are brief details of what you will study for each module.
Year One
Module JN1014 Reporting skills
Module value: Single module (20 credits).
Duration: Semester one.
Assessment: Presentation and time constrained assessment.
Module leader: Julie Freer
This practical module introduces you to all the basic skills of journalism — recognising, and
writing stories. The emphasis is on learning these skills in the print medium.
You will learn the basic legal framework in which reporters operate. At the end of this module,
you should be able to recognise and value news and construct a news story.

Module JN1015 Introduction to Broadcast Journalism


Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester one.
Assessment: Group practical assessments and individual essay.
Module leader: Delwyn Swingewood
This module introduces students to radio, television and online journalism and the editorial
and technical skills required in a professional environment. At the end of this module you
should understand the basic principles of reporting and writing for the three mediums and you
should be basically proficient in the use of audio and visual recording equipment.

Module JN1016 Creating content.


Module value: Single module (20 credits).
Duration: Semester two.
Assessment: Portfolio
Module leader: Kate Jenner

You will learn how to create your own contact during this module and produce a portfolio of
self-generated material. You will also develop your interviewing skills and carry out a range of
reporting assignments.

Module: JN1017 - Multiplatform Journalism.


Module value: Single module 20 credits.
Duration: Semester Two
Assessment: Digital content portfolio
Module leader: Andy Dickinson
This module will introduce the practical skills of multi-platform production, enabling you to
understand the development of and unique opportunities offered by existing and emerging
digital and online platforms. You will also develop an understanding of the impact multi-
platform has on professional standards and practice.
Module: FI1400 Popular Music and the Media
Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration Semesters one and two
Assessment: Presentation and project.
Module leader Dr Peter Atkinson
Students are introduced to the study of popular music and the key areas of critical studies
through which it is interpreted. Through a series of case studies students also observe the role
that media has in disseminating and mediating popular music product. Students will observe
the effect of changes in the media landscape, and technological development, on popular
music product and its dissemination through examination of particular historical events. They
will consider the role of popular music in processes of globalisation, the institutional contexts
involved, and the role the press and the media has in communicating information about
popular music on a global scale. The module delivery is through a series of lectures,
workshops, screenings and visits and students will consider such aspects of popular music
as: genre, stars, history, gender, promotion, industry structure, narrative, mythology,
translation, space and place.

Module JN1005 Shorthand for Journalists


Module value: Single module (20 credits).
Duration: Semesters one and two.
Assessment: Practical exam.
Module leader: Pat Brand.
Students will learn this essential skill for print journalists. The module involves the theory and
practice of shorthand. Attendance in class and disciplined practice of the skill is essential to
complete this module successfully.

YEAR TWO
Module JN2050 The Digital Landscape
Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester one
Assessment: Presentation and multimedia project.
Module leader: Andrew Dickinson
The digital landscape aims to develop your critical awareness of a multitude of social media
platforms, structures in an era of networked media. You will critically explore the impact of
networked media, networking, how it has developed and, in particular, it's impact on journalism
practice. As part of that you will critically analyse social media and develop innovative
approaches to creating multiplatform content based on a developing understanding of a range
of media tools and practice. You'll explore the emerging technologies, practice and issues in
a changing digital landscape.

Module LA2200 Law for Journalists


Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester One and Two
Assessment: Presentation, essays and exam
Module leader: Kevin Duffy
Journalists work within a tight legal framework. This module explores the restrictions on what
you can, and cannot, report and the workings of legal institutions. The major emphasis is on
laws relating to defamation and contempt of court.
Module JN2049 Advanced International Journalism: Feature Writing
Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester two
Assessment: Portfolio of practical written work and presentation on analysis of three
publications and a feature list for a new issue.
Module leader: TBC
This module develops and extends reporting and writing skills in areas of non-news production
in specialist area and gives students knowledge of the use of features in different media and
national contexts.

Module JN2065 Broadcast Journalism


Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester two
Assessment: Individual radio package, group TV package and programme
analysis assessments.
Module leader: Deborah Robinson
This module develops students’ radio and TV skills and prepares students to work as
researchers, reporters and producers in broadcast news and current affairs programming and
also as multi-skilled journalists producing audio and video content for online audiences.
Students will become proficient in the use of audio and video recording equipment.

Module: JN2043 Specialist Reporting


Module value: Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester one
Assessment: Essay, portfolio and quiz
Module leader: TBC
This module is designed to introduce students to writing and reporting on specialist topics
and/or for specialist media; national and international contexts and variations. This module will
give you the opportunity to write specialist articles about the music industry.

Module: FI2004 Popular Music and Communication


Module value: Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester one
Module leader: Pete Atkinson
This module equips the learner with an understanding of the role played by popular music
in communications, and the processes by which the form is brought to audiences through
the media. The module develops research and analytical skills, provides a socio-cultural
and historical overview of the interrelationship between popular music and communication,
and encourages a critical understanding of the different manifestations of popular music
and its consumption.

Year Three
Compulsory modules

Module FI3009 The Visual Culture of Popular Music (L6)


Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration Semester Two
Module leader Georgina Gregory
The module introduces students to a range of sources, encouraging them to identify the
inherent strengths and limitations, looking at how music and its representations have
conveyed a variety of social meanings through visual, oral and aural codes. Consideration is
given to the role of art, artists, designers and the art school experience in determining the look
of pop and rock music. The module also examines the constructed nature of pop and rock’s
femininities and masculinities and how these articulate contemporary gender and sexual
politics through performance. Heavy metal, psychedelia, rap, pop, punk, glam rock and electro
pop are amongst the genres which are studied.

Module FI3020 British Popular Music and the Media Since 1955
Module value Single module (20 credits)
Duration: Semester one
Assessment: Essay, presentation, analysis.

Module leader: Dr Pete Atkinson.


In this module we look at British popular music since 1955, when the nation was first
introduced to rock ‘n’ roll. We see how: an indigenous form of pop emerged within a context
of a modernizing broadcasting service in Britain; how popular music plays a dynamic role in
culture and is closely related to a number of other forms of media and culture production; how
the rock press has evolved in period under consideration; and we see how a ‘back-to-basics’
approach became evident in fields of record production, gig promotion, print media and fashion
in the late 1970s. We look at Post-punk in Britain, and how this influenced the emergence of
‘Indie’ rock, but also the ‘Synth’ pop of the 1980s. We consider how media supports diverse
genres of music and how media helps interpret these. We observe the emergence of a range
of female artists since the 1990s and how British music in the first decade of the twentieth
century reflects our diverse and multi-cultural society.

Module JN3025 Journalism Ethics and Regulation


Module value: Single module (20 credits).
Duration: Semester two.
Assessment: Coursework and time-constrained essay.
Module leader: Delwyn Swingewood
Journalists are in a powerful position to do both good and bad for society. This module looks
at some of the statutory and voluntary frameworks that restrict and guide the work of journalists
and relates these to the concept of professional ethics.

Optional modules. You will take one 40 credit module.


Module: JN3110 Newspaper and Magazine Production
Module value: Double module (40 credits).
Duration: Semesters one and two.
Assessment: Coursework project, portfolio and practical exam.
Module leader: Cathy Darby/Delwyn Swingewood.

This module allows you to refine and practise your print journalism skills along a specialist
route for newspaper and magazine journalists. You will take part in of workshops and lectures
and, in teams, you will also design and produce magazines for targeted business and
consumer/specialist markets.

Module: JN3112 Broadcast Newsroom


Module value: Double module (40 credits).
Duration: Semesters one and two.
sment: Assessment Assessed news programmes and individual portfolio
Module leader Deborah Robinson
This ‘hands-on’ module gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in reporting and
production for television and radio. You will learn both the editorial and technical aspects of
broadcast journalism, including programme production, presenting, reporting, scripting,
directing, shooting and editing pictures. You will produce ‘live’ television news programmes
and also bulletins, audiovisual material and text for the accompanying website. You will
undertake work placements.

Module TE3069 Enterprise Development and Production


Module value: Double module (40 credits).
Duration: Semesters one and two.
Assessment: Business planning, design and production of a media-related
product
Module leader: Gavin Allanwood
During the course you will have learnt to question and analyse the impacts and influences of
the work of journalists and news organisations. Undertaking a dissertation allows you to study
and research in-depth a journalism issue of your choice in an academically rigorous manner.

Plus one optional 20 credit module from the following list:

JN3029 Community Journalism Project Students will work individually or in groups to


develop a documentary project on a community-based issue/subject.. Students may work in
partnership with a community group or may work in a mentoring role to produce broadcast
content suitable for TV and radio transmission and/or online publication. This module is
designed to give students the freedom to pitch an idea for a documentary project, agree a
framework with the tutor and work with a community group to produce content for a range of
media platforms.

JN3043 Independent Study Module (Data Journalism, Semester 1 or 2)


Journalism is increasingly about data and numbers, and learning how to find, interpret and
present data effectively as a story is becoming a key skill journalists need. In this directed
study module you will work with a team to find and present data-driven stories for a range of
online, print and broadcast media.

JN3046 Work Placement module (Semester 1 or Semester 2)


Students will undertake a work placement with a media organisation to develop their
professional journalism skills.

JN3076 Specialist Writing (Semester 1)


The module introduces students to reader identification, targeting and marketing within
specialist areas, developing contacts and equipping them with a critical understanding of the
different demands of specialist journalism.

JN3111 Data journalism. (Semester 2)


This module will introduce you to how journalists are now able to source stories by scraping
data from online sources.

JN 3062 Introduction to Photojournalism (Semester 2)


This module enables students to complete basic photojournalism, including composing,
shooting, editing and presenting photographs, and to work within legal and ethical
guidelines.

JN3703 Contemporary Issues in Journalism (Semester 1)


This module synthesises a range of contemporary issues in journalism encouraging students
to be cognisant of the media world around them as it evolves in real time. Students will develop
a critique of the role and scope of media in a multidimensional multiplatform society.

Dissertation Route Modules

Module JN3992 Dissertation


Module value: Double module (40 credits).
Duration: Semesters one and two.
Assessment: Dissertation.
Module leader: Dr Peter Anderson
During the course you will have learnt to question and analyse the impacts and influences of
the work of journalists and news organisations. Undertaking a dissertation allows you to study
and research in-depth a journalism issue of your choice in an academically rigorous manner.
You can also take a 20 credit JN3991 Dissertation module with an additional 20 credit
optional module.

Module JN3024 Journalism Research


Module value: Single module (20 credits).
Duration: Semester one.
Assessment: Essay and project.
Module leader: Dr Peter Anderson
In order to complete a dissertation you will need to be able to evaluate and critically analyse
theoretical and conceptual perspectives and research methods. This module allows you to
explore the possibilities and limits of academic thinking and relate them to the study of
concrete examples of journalism.
2.2.1 Progression
Discussions about your progression through the course normally take place in February each
year. It is an opportunity for you to make plans for your study over the next academic year.
The course team will tell you about the various modules / combinations available and you will
both agree on the most appropriate (and legal) course of study for you. Your course leader
will organise Progression talks to explain the options available to you. Once you’ve chosen
your study route, you must fill in a Progression form and make sure that it is signed off by your
course leader. If you miss the deadline for completion of your Progression form, then you may
not secure a place on the study route you want to follow.

If you feel you are on the wrong course altogether, then please see your course leader as
soon as possible. It is easier to change course in semester one of Y1, so please do not leave
it too late. Please be aware that to progress to each year of the course, you must pass all the
required modules.

2.3 Study Time


2.3.1 Weekly timetable
When you enrol at UCLan, a personal timetable will be created for you and you will be able
to access this via the Student Portal http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/timetabling.php
At the beginning of the semester there may be some timetable changes and your personal
timetable may be updated, so please check it daily. Please note that UCLan operates a
centralised, computerised timetable and it is difficult to amend this for individual students.
Please make sure that you check your timetable first before taking on part-time paid work.
Your timetable will not be changed unless you provide compelling reasons to move to
a different seminar or workshop time/day. You are here to study for a degree and your
university commitments should be prioritised before anything else. Any requests for changes
to your timetable must be sent to your course leader Deborah Robinson. These will be
forwarded on to the Central Timetabling Unit for consideration.

2.3.2 Expected hours of study


The normal amount of work involved in achieving a successful outcome to your studies is to
study for 10 hours per each credit you need to achieve – this includes attendance at UCLan
and time spent in private study.

News can break at any time and like any professional journalist, you will be expected to cover
it when it happens if you are taking part in news days or practical seminars. On this course
there will be many occasions when you will need to work at weekends and evenings in order
to assemble reports and interviews. Research and project based modules (for instance
JN3024 and JN3992) will demand more private study and formal contact time with staff may
be limited to tutorials and supervision sessions.

2.3.3 Attendance requirements


You are required to attend all timetabled learning activities for each module. Participation in
seminars and workshops is important for both your learning experience and that of your
classmates. Notification of illness or exceptional requests for leave of absence must be made
to your module leader in the first instance and copied to your course leader.
Student attendance is monitored through a university data system called SAM (Student
Attendance Monitoring). You can check your attendance record online through myUCLan.
Each time you are asked to enter your details on SAM you must remember that the University
has a responsibility to keep information up to date and that you must only enter your own
details on the system. To enter any other names would result in inaccurate records and be
dishonest. Any student who is found to make false entries can be disciplined in accordance
with the university regulations. Any student in receipt of a bursary payment whose attendance
is consistently poor, may have the bursary payment suspended. Module leaders may also
withdraw a student from the module if the student does not attend regularly.

Please do not book holidays during term time. Term time breaks disrupt your studies and
will be counted as unauthorised absences. Please check the re-assessment week date before
booking summer holidays

If you are not an EU student under the UK Border Agency (UKBA), Points Based System
(PBS) - you MUST attend your course of study regularly; under PBS, UCLan is obliged to tell
UKBA if you withdraw from a course, defer or suspend your studies, or if you fail to attend the
course regularly.

If you have not gained the required authorisation for leave of absence, do not respond to
communications from the University and if you are absent for four weeks or more, you may be
deemed to have withdrawn from the course. If this is the case, then the date of withdrawal will
be recorded as the last day of attendance.

2.4 Data Protection


All of the personal information obtained from you and other sources in connection with your
studies at the University will be held securely and will be used by the University both during
your course and after you leave the University for a variety of purposes. These are all
explained during the enrolment process at the commencement of your studies. If you would
like a more detailed explanation of the University’s policy on the use and disclosure of personal
information, please contact the Data Protection Liaison Officer, Strategic Development
Service, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE.

3. Approaches to teaching and learning


3.1 Expertise of staff
Teaching is delivered by experienced and highly qualified staff, who have worked as
professional journalists across a range of media. The Journalism Division also has an
established and respected research profile and many members of staff are involved in
individual research projects. In addition, staff hold teaching qualifications relevant to the
delivery of higher education. Enhancing student employability is an important aim for teaching
staff and tutors maintain strong links with industry to develop work placement and employment
opportunities.

3.2 Learning and teaching methods


It is particularly important that on this course you develop as an independent learner. This
means that your tutors cannot and will not teach you everything you are expected to know.
Instead, they will introduce you to new topics and ideas and then give you the structure and
opportunities for you to learn more. This is a process that gives you the main responsibility for
your learning. To do this you will have to:
 Know what is expected of you.
 Reflect on what you are learning and how you are learning, identify what else you need
to know and make plans to gain this extra knowledge.
 Develop skills to find more information (from texts, through research, at seminars).
 Manage your time to study effectively and complete assignments by the deadline.
You will learn more about independent study in a special session during the induction period
before the course starts. Also, your work in the early part of semester one has been designed
to support the development of independent learning and other study skills. Additionally,
Personal Development Planning (see later section) will help you to further enhance your
learning skills.
A vital first step as an independent learner is to read this handbook and understand the course
aims and outcomes and how the different modules contribute to your overall learning. Before
each module starts you will receive a Module Information Pack (MIP). This is an important
and very useful document that gives full details of:
 What you will learn and how you will learn.
 An outline of what you will be taught in each semester.
 When assessments will take place, what they are, additional advice and guidance and
any specific marking criteria
 Contact details for the module team.
 Extra learning material (i.e.; online resources) that may be available.
 The books and other material you need to buy

 A reading list that points you towards the main texts that may help in your studies.

Most modules follow a similar pattern. Generally, in each week in each module you will be
expected to:
Attend a lecture. These are usually one hour long and are used to introduce new topics and
learning. You should make notes of what is being said but, more importantly, you should think
about the material and identify significant themes and extra information you need.
Undertake private study. This enables you to reflect on the lecture and to start learning more
about the topic, through reading, research or practice. You will often be directed towards
activities you should carry out but you must also work independently to find answers to
problems.
Contribute to seminars and/or workshops. This is your opportunity to further extend your
learning by discussing and testing out ideas, new knowledge and practical exercises with your
tutor and other students. Many of these sessions will be structured, with your tutor asking you
to prepare specific practical work to enable you to receive further feedback, or to prepare an
individual or group presentation on an aspect of your learning. Seminars and workshops are
also used to prepare you for assignments by giving you opportunities to do similar work and
receive feedback.

This course is both practical and theoretical. Although some modules emphasise one of these
elements more than the other you should constantly strive to establish linkages between them.

Industry placements
You may choose the optional JN3046 Work Placement module in your third year. The timing
of the placement is determined by the individual module leader. For the academic year
2014/2015 most placements will be in specific weeks in December and January, though
students may also undertake placement at Easter and during the summer recess. Placement
dates will be given at the start of the module.
Occasionally, employers may require placement attendance at other times. This can only be
arranged in exceptional circumstances and you must ask permission from your module leader
and course leader before contacting employers. You must not make your own arrangements
for placements outside the official placement weeks unless your course leader has agreed.
Permission will only be given in exceptional circumstances. While the placement is an
important part of the third year programme, it is also vital that you do not miss classes for other
modules.
Tutors may be able to assist in arranging placements through their industry contacts and they
may prefer to make the initial contact with some employers for you. If this is the case, you will
be told at the start of the module. However, it is your responsibility to make sure you have the
required placements arranged. It is also your responsibility to inform the Administration Hub
(see section 1.5 for contact details) of all your placement details so that the necessary health
and safety checks can be carried out. Your employer must satisfy the university’s health
and safety requirements in order for you to take up your placement. In addition, you
must complete the university’s online Health and Safety course, which can be found on
eLearn/Blackboard. Any student who does not complete the H&S course and provide
details of the placement provider will not be allowed to take up the placement offer.

Use of the Internet and mobile phones

The Internet is an essential tool for the modern journalist. It provides information and a huge
range of news contacts. It gives you the opportunity to contribute your views and show off your
professional skills. We expect you always to act responsibly and to adopt professional
standards when contributing to the web. Sometimes, in the process of free and frank debate,
contentious or controversial issues and events may be discussed in lectures and seminars. It
may be misleading, inappropriate or legally dangerous to take statements from such debates
out of context and post them on the Internet. For this reason your tutor may occasionally ask
you to respect the educational environment and the confidentiality of the speaker by invoking
‘Chatham House’ rules at the beginning of the lecture. When the rules are in force you must
not use Twitter, Facebook or any other electronic social media to disseminate the lecturer’s
comments or the content of the lecture and any discussion around it.
You must always adhere to the university’s Student Guide on personal internet presence.
These rules are designed to protect you from electronic abuse or harassment by a fellow
student, to protect the reputation of the university and to inform you of the local rules governing
internet use. The full guide can be found on the UCLan website. However, we would draw your
attention to the following paragraph:
‘You should not use your site to attack or abuse university staff or students. You
should respect the privacy and the feelings of others. You should not include contact
details or pictures etc of other students without their prior permission. Remember
that if you break the law on your site (for example by posting something defamatory),
you will be personally responsible’.

Mobile phones must be turned off during lectures, seminars and workshops unless permission
has been given to use them as part of the teaching session. It is not permitted for students to
use mobile phones to record or video staff or fellow students during teaching sessions.
Students who circulate or post online mobile phone recordings or videos featuring staff or
students without their permission may be referred to the university’s disciplinary officer.

Copies of assignment work


It is your responsibility to keep an electronic copy of all assignment work you hand in. You
may be required to produce a copy of your assignment for a final portfolio. Please do not rely
on your tutor to save such material for you. Broadcast students should also make sure
they dub any recorded material onto DVD or into a data file. The university server has limited
space and is regularly cleared. You will be warned when clearing is taking place and given a
deadline to remove any old audio or visual material from your work area. Any work left on the
system after the deadline will be removed.

Professional conduct

We encourage all students to develop their multimedia skills and to publish good examples of
their work on internet sites such as the UCLan ‘Hotpot’ http://ukjournalism.co.uk/thehotpot/
and the ‘Blog Preston’ site, http://blogpreston.co.uk/. Having an Internet presence will enhance
your professional CV as you can include links to show off your journalism work and skills to
prospective employers. However, some of the work you do at university may not be suitable
for posting online. You are still learning and you will inevitably make mistakes as you go along.
If you wish to publish a piece of work online, for example uploading a video to YouTube, you
must discuss this first with your module or course leader. Depending on the nature of the story,
you may have to seek written permission from your news contact and/or interviewees to
publish the story/audio/video. Please remember that if you publish a story which is inaccurate
or libellous, you will be responsible and you could face legal action. It is a good idea to carry
with you a contributor’s permission slip when you go out filming and recording, allowing you
to post material online. A standard permission slip will be posted on the eLearn ‘Blackboard’
for you to print off should you need it.

Interviewing children

Do not approach anyone under the age of 16, unless you have checked with your tutor and
have then obtained permission from a parent/ guardian/teacher of the child.

Harassment

Harassment of an individual/s in pursuit of a story is not acceptable. Often you may have to
contact a person several times to obtain information or request an interview but do not pester
or harass people who are unwilling to talk to you. The long-suffering people of Preston are
generally very willing to give up their time to talk to students from the Journalism Division. We
don’t want to lose their goodwill. Some people in key positions get a lot of calls from students.
If they won’t talk to you, be prepared to back down with good grace. You are, after all, doing a
student exercise that may be important to you but is not so important to them.

Personal approach and presentation.

Always give your name and introduce yourself as a student journalist at the University of
Central Lancashire. Always be courteous in your dealings with the general public. Consider
your personal presentation. How you dress in everyday student life is entirely your concern.
How you dress and present yourself when operating as a student journalist and representative
of the Journalism Division deserves more consideration. You should always strive to be clean
and appropriately dressed. This is a matter for your common sense and the particular
circumstances. You should certainly wear fairly formal clothing for formal situations – courts,
public authority meetings etc. and during any industry placements. The same sort of clothing
will also be appropriate for most other occasions when you are off-campus operating as a
journalist. This is because:
a) we expect you to operate like a professional journalist and news organisations demand
that their staff dress conservatively;
b) you are far more likely to be taken seriously, and given the information you require, if you
look professional;
c) you won’t frighten members of the public. Who do you think is more likely to get a
response when canvassing public opinion in the street – someone smartly dressed, or
someone in scruffy army fatigues with multiple piercings?

At all times consider the reputation of the Journalism Division. For the sake of students who
will follow you, never prejudice the good name we have. In all circumstances other than
those described above, follow the Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice (see
appendices to this booklet) and seek advice from staff whenever you are in doubt.

3.3 Study Skills

Learning to study at university can be a challenge as you are expected to do far more
independent study for your degree than you did for your A Levels. You need to acquire specific
study skills, for example the ability to research a topic thoroughly, to evaluate the literature on
the topic, to develop an argument and to write a well-structured essay. If you are concerned
about your ability to do any of these tasks or if you just want to improve your performance in
assessments, you should arrange to see your module leader or course leader. You can also
use the study skills resources and access advice from the university’s WISER team. Details
can be found at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/wiser/index.php

3.4 Learning resources

3.4.1 Learning Information Services (LIS)


Extensive Resources (http://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/it_library.php) are available to
support your studies provided by LIS – Library and IT staff. Take advantage of the free training
sessions designed to enable you to gain all the skills you need for your research and study.

3.4.2 Electronic Resources


LIS provide access to a huge range of electronic resources – e-journals and databases, e-
books, images and texts. You will be expected to use ‘Blackboard’ to keep up to speed with
many of your modules. You will also find useful links on this site to other resources, such as
book lists.
3.5 Personal development planning
To help you with your learning you will carry out a process of Personal Development Planning
(PDP).
Personal Development Planning is a supported and structured process to help you understand
more about how you learn and what you learn. It encourages you to review, plan and take
responsibility for your own learning to improve your personal, educational and career
development.
Personal Development Planning provides you with opportunities to reflect on what you are
learning on the course and during your time at university, identify your strengths and
weaknesses and to develop your own strategies to further improve your performance. It gives
you a framework to record your activities and actions and forms the basis for your career
development by providing evidence of the development of a wide range of skills and
experiences that are sought by employers and which will aid your advancement in the
workplace.
Personal Development Planning is a process that only you can fully undertake as it calls upon
you to constantly reflect on what you do and how you do it. It is a process that is similar to,
and often linked with, your subject specific learning. On this course you are required to carry
out practical journalism tasks and to reflect on how and why these are done, what the
consequences are and ways they could be better done. Personal Development Planning is
the same process, but in relation to yourself – you are required to carry out learning tasks and
to reflect on what you learned and how, what the consequences are and ways they could be
better done.
At the start of the course there will be an explanation of Personal Development Planning and
the UCLan ‘Pebblepad’. You will be expected to start and maintain your electronic progress
file which will contain transcripts and assignment and other feedback. It is important that you
should record you activities as a learner and make notes that reflect on your experiences and
the actions you took to resolve problems and achieve success.
You should bring this file to meetings with your Academic Advisor, who will ask you to talk
about your learning and how you are developing plans to improve it.
In individual modules seminars will be included that will ask you to reflect on your approaches
to subject learning (for instance, how you have related practical journalism experiences to
communication theory) and how you reacted to different learning techniques (for instance,
working in groups, making presentations, compiling portfolios).

3.6 Preparing for your career

Your future is important to us, so to make sure that you achieve your full potential whilst at
university and beyond, your course has been designed with employability learning integrated
into it at every level. This is not extra to your degree, but an important part of it which will help
you to show future employers just how valuable your degree is. These “Employability
Essentials” take you on a journey of development that will help you to write your own personal
story of your time at university:
 To begin with, you will explore your identity, your likes and dislikes, the things that are
important to you and what you want to get out of life.
 Later, you will investigate a range of options including jobs and work experience,
postgraduate study and self- employment,
 You will then be ready to learn how to successfully tackle the recruitment process.
You will be able to record your journey using Pebblepad, the university’s e-portfolio system,
which will leave you with a permanent record of all the fantastic things you have achieved
during your time at UCLan.
It’s your future: take charge of it!
Careers offers a range of support for you including:-
 career and employability advice and guidance
 access to work placements, internships, voluntary opportunities, part-time employment
and live projects
 workshops, seminars, modules, certificates and events to develop your skills
 business start-up, freelance and self-employment advice
For more information come along and visit the team in Foster Building.

Careers staff are expert at providing careers advice, so if you need help with a CV or a job
application, please contact them. Employability within Journalism is very good, with, on
average, 60-70% of our students gaining jobs within the media industries within the first two
years after graduation. Many of our students go into associated professions, such as
marketing and PR, teaching and retail management

4. Student support, guidance and conduct


4.1 Academic Advisors
The role of the Academic Advisor is explained in paragraph 1.4 of this handbook. You will be
asked to attend scheduled tutorials in your first year. You will usually gain more from these
sessions if you take some time to prepare in advance, thinking about any issues which you
may want to raise. You can request a meeting with your Academic Advisor at any time – you
do not have to wait for an invitation. It is mandatory for Year One students to see their
designated Academic Advisor three times - at the beginning of semester one, at the
end of semester one and once in semester two. At each Academic Advisorial your tutor
will fill in a form recording the subjects you discussed and what advice was offered. You should
read this form through at the end of the tutorial and then sign it. If you wish to change your
Academic Advisor, you should let your course leader know and she will assign you to another
member of staff.

4.2 Student Support


The 'i' is a central Student Information Centre and your first point of contact. You can obtain
information on a wide range of topics including Council Tax Exemption Certificates, Bank
and Confirmation of Study Letters, Portable Financial Credits, (continuing students only,
Printing and Printer Credit, UCLan Cards, the ‘i’ shop and UCLan Financial Support Bursary
(first year students only).

4.3 Students with disabilities


If you have a disability that may affect your studies, please either contact the Disability
Advisory Service - disability@uclan.ac.uk - or let one of the course team know as soon as
possible. With your agreement information will be passed on to the Disability Advisory Service.
The University will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs and to provide
appropriate support for you to complete your study successfully. Where necessary, you will
be asked for evidence to help identify appropriate adjustments.

Assessment arrangements for students with a disability


Arrangements are made for students who have a disability/learning difficulty for which valid
supporting evidence can be made available. Contact the Disability Adviser for advice and
information, disability@uclan.ac.uk. The School administration team will advise you on your
disability lead, and their contact details.

4.4 Health and Safety


As a student of the University you are responsible for the safety of yourself and for that of
others around you. You must understand and follow all the regulations and safety codes
necessary for a safe campus environment. Please help to keep it safe by reporting any
incidents, accidents or potentially unsafe situations to a member of staff as soon as possible.

Safety assessments have been undertaken for each module of your course and you will be
advised of all applicable safety codes and any specific safety issues during the induction to
your course and modules. You must ensure that you understand and apply all necessary
safety codes. These form an essential element of your personal development and contribute
to the safety of others.
A specific Health and Safety handbook for student journalists has been developed and will be
posted on the eLearn ‘Blackboard’. Please ensure that you read it and use it to guide you
when reporting and producing stories.

4.5 Conduct
You will be expected to abide by the Regulations for the Conduct of Students in the University
Student Guide to Regulations. UCLan expects you to behave in a respectful manner
demonstrated by using appropriate language in class, and switching mobile phones / other
devices off prior to attending classes.

If your behaviour is considered to be unacceptable, any member of academic staff is able to


issue an informal oral warning and the University will support staff by invoking formal
procedures where necessary. You can read more about UCLan expectations in the regulations
for the Conduct of Students.

4.6 Students’ Union


The Students’ Union is the representative body for all UCLan students. The organisation
exists separately from the University and is led by the elected officers of the Student Affairs
Committee (SAC) as well as representatives on the Students’ Council. The Students’ Union
building is located at the heart of the Preston campus, and is the hub for all student
activities.

Representation and campaigning for students’ rights is at the core of what we do and is
encompassed by our tag line of, Making Life Better for Students. Should you wish to make a
change to any aspect of your student experience, whether it be academically related or not,
then the Union is where your voice can be heard, actions taken, or campaigns launched.

Your Union is also the home to a fantastic range of student-led societies, sports teams and
multitudes of volunteering opportunities. You can also receive help in finding part-time work,
whilst you study. Not sure where to go pop into the Opportunities Centre on the ground floor
of the Students’ Union building and someone will point you in the right direction.

We hope your time at University is trouble free, but should you come into difficulties around
anything from academic appeals, to issues with housing, benefits or debt, then our dedicated
staff team in the Advice and Representation Centre are on hand to help. As we are
independently run from the university, we can offer truly impartial advice.

More information on all these things, as well as details about all our (not-for-profit) commercial
services, including our student supermarket (Essentials) and student-bar (Source) can be
found at http://www.uclansu.co.uk/.

The Opportunities Centre is the Union’s One Stop Shop to find employment or volunteering
whilst you study. With thousands of jobs and voluntary positions advertised, agency work
through the Bridge and information on over 2000 volunteer positions within the Union.

5. Assessment
Please note that all modules will be assessed. You are expected to attempt all required
assessments for each module for which you are registered, and to do so at the times
scheduled unless authorised extensions, special arrangements for disability, or extenuating
circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.

5.1 Assessment Strategy


This handbook provides an overview of assessments, grades and results. It is important that
you read and understand this information. The Module Information Packs give you more
details about the specific assignments in a particular module. All assessed work is returned to
you with feedback from the tutor. It is important that you take on board this feedback in order
to improve your performance as the course develops. If you do not understand the tutor’s
feedback or wish to discuss the comments, please ask the tutor for an appointment.
The pass mark for assessments is 40%. A mark such as this indicates that you have only just
reached the level of performance described in the learning outcomes for each module and
there are weaknesses you will need to address. The steps from 40% to 70% and more are
outlined in the marking criteria on the following pages.

If you fail to achieve 40% you will normally be ‘referred’. This means you will be offered another
chance to do assignments. If you then pass you can only get a mark of 40%, no matter how
good your second piece of work was.

In many modules you must pass each assignment. This means that even if all your marks in
the module add up to an overall mark of more than 40% you will still be required to retake and
pass any assignment in which you got less than 40%.

Students new to university are sometimes surprised by what appears to be the low level of
marks. This is a result of the marking scale we use and does not necessarily mean you are
doing badly. You should note that the middle of the scale (i.e. the mark for generally adequate
or average work) is 55%. Marks above this indicate quite good to excellent progress. Marks
below this show that there are some weaknesses you need to address and correct.

A guide to marking is included with Appendix 1 at the end of this handbook.

5.2 Notification of assignments and examination arrangements


Requirements for individual assessments and their respective deadlines for submission are
usually outlined in Module Information Packs or contained in assessment briefings distributed
by the respective tutor. You will also find this information on Blackboard. Your module leader
will also explain how and where you should submit your work for marking.

5.3 Referencing
The referencing style is the Harvard style and a brochure on its use is available in the library
and also for sale from most academic bookshops and online stores.

5.4 Confidential material


From time to time you may have reason to access confidential information during the course.
Remember that you have ethical and legal responsibilities to respect confidentiality and
maintain the anonymity of individuals and organisations within your assignments.

5.5 Dealing with difficulties in meeting assessment deadlines


Assignments must be submitted no later than the date on your assignment instructions/ brief.
If you anticipate that you will have difficulty in meeting assessment deadlines or you have
missed or are likely to miss in-semester tests you must report this at the earliest possible
opportunity to the relevant module leader.

Authorisation of the late submission of work requires written permission. Your School is
authorised to give permission for one extension period of between 1 and 10 working
days where appropriate evidence of good reason has been accepted and where submission
within this timescale would be reasonable taking into account your circumstances (Academic
Regulations).
You should complete and submit an extension request form, with any supporting evidence,
to your Administration Hub (see section 1.5 for contact details). Further information is
available on the Student Portal at:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstanc
es.php

We aim to let you know if the extension has been granted within 1 working day of the receipt
of the request.

If you are unable to submit work within 10 working days after the submission date due to
verifiable extenuating circumstances, you may submit a case for consideration in
accordance with the University’s Policies and Procedures on Extenuating Circumstances
(Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).

5.5.1 Extenuating circumstances


Some students face significant events in their personal life that occur after their course has
started, which have a greater impact on their students than can be solved by the use of an
extension. If this applies to you, the University is ready to support you both with regard to
your course and your personal wellbeing through a process called Extenuating
Circumstances (see Academic Regulations and Assessment Handbook).

Normally extenuating circumstances will relate to a change in your circumstances since you
commenced your course, which have had a significant, adverse effect on your studies.
Everyday occurrences such as colds or known conditions such as hay-fever will not qualify
unless the effects are unusually severe and this is corroborated by a medical note. The
University does not look sympathetically on absences or delays caused by holiday
commitments or by work commitments in the case of full-time students. The normal work
commitments of part-time students would not constitute an extenuating circumstance. A
disability or learning difficulty does not constitute an extenuating circumstance (see
Academic Regulations).

Further information is available on the Student Portal at:


https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstanc
es.php

You can apply for extenuating circumstances online via myUCLan. You must apply no later
than 3 days after any examination or assessment submission date. Do not wait until you
receive your assessment results to submit a claim. It is in your own interests to submit the
claim as soon as possible.

You will be expected to re-submit claims for extenuating circumstances for each semester.
All evidence that is provided relating to extenuating circumstances will be treated in a
sensitive and confidential manner. Supporting evidence will not be kept for longer than is
necessary and will be destroyed shortly after the end of the current academic year.
Further information about the submission process is available at:
https://www.uclan.ac.uk/students/study/examinations_and_awards/extenuating_circumstanc
e_submission.php

In determining assessment recommendations, Assessment Boards will consider properly


submitted claims from students who believe their performance has been adversely affected
by extenuating circumstances. N.B. Assessment Boards are not permitted to alter individual
assessment marks to take account of extenuating circumstances (Academic Regulations
and Assessment Handbook).
5.5.2 Late submissions
If you submit work late and unauthorised, a universal penalty will be applied in relation to
your work:
 If you submit work within 5 working days following the published submission date you
will obtain the minimum pass mark for that element of assessment.
 Work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date will be
awarded a mark of 0% for that element of assessment.
 Unauthorised late submission at resubmission will automatically be awarded a mark
of 0% for that element of assessment.

5.6 Feedback Following Assessments


UCLan is committed to giving you clear, legible and informative feedback for all your
assessments (Academic Regulations: G2.4). You are expected to review and reflect on your
feedback and learn from each experience to improve your performance as you progress
though the course.

You will be provided with generic feedback for in-module formative and summative elements
of assessment which contribute to a module within 15 working days of the scheduled
submission or examination date. Generic feedback on end of module assessment and
dissertations will be made available within 15 days of publication of results. Feedback may be
oral, written, posted on a website or other.

5.7 Cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation


You are required to sign a declaration indicating that individual work submitted for an
assessment is your own.

If you attempt to influence the standard of the award you obtain through cheating, plagiarism
or collusion, it will be considered as a serious academic and disciplinary offence as
described within the Academic Regulations and the Assessment Handbook .

 Cheating is any deliberate attempt to deceive and covers a range of offences


described in the Assessment Handbook.
 Plagiarism describes copying from the works of another person without suitably
attributing the published or unpublished works of others. This means that all quotes,
ideas, opinions, music and images should be acknowledged and referenced within
your assignments.
 Collusion is an attempt to deceive the examiners by disguising the true authorship of
an assignment by copying, or imitating in close detail another student’s work - this
includes with the other student’s consent and also when 2 or more students divide
the elements of an assignment amongst themselves and copy one another’s
answers. It does not include the normal situation in which you learn from your peers
and share ideas, as this generates the knowledge and understanding necessary for
each individual to independently undertake an assignment; nor should it be confused
with group work on an assignment which is specifically authorised in the assignment
brief.
 Re-presentation is an attempt to gain credit twice for the same piece of work.
The process of investigation and penalties which will be applied can be reviewed in the
Assessment Handbook. If an allegation is found to be proven then the appropriate penalty
will be implemented:

In the case of a single offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation:


 the penalty will be 0% for the element of assessment, and an overall fail for the
module.
 the plagiarised element of assessment must be resubmitted to the required standard
and the mark for the module following resubmission will be restricted to the minimum
pass mark.
 when it is detected for the first time on a resubmission for an already failed module,
no further resubmission for the module will be permitted, and the appropriate fail
grade will be awarded.

In the event of a repeat offence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion or re-presentation


(irrespective of whether the repeat offence involves the same form of unfair means) on the
same or any other module within the course:
 the appropriate penalty will be 0% for the module with no opportunity for re-
assessment. This penalty does not preclude you being able to retake the module in a
subsequent year.

The penalties will apply if you transfer from one UCLan course to another during your period
of study and module credits gained on the former course are transferred to the current
course.

Contact the Students’ Union Advice and Representation Centre by emailing:


suadvice@uclan.ac.uk for support and guidance.

5.8 Appeals against assessment board decisions


If you consider that you have a reason to appeal against an assessment board decision,
please bear in mind that your reasons must fall within the grounds specified in the University
Academic Regulations: Section I. You cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the
mark given. The specified grounds for appeal are:
1. that an Assessment Board has given insufficient weight to extenuating
circumstances;
2. that the student’s academic performance has been adversely affected by extenuating
circumstances which the student has, for good reason, been unable to make known
to the Assessment Board;
3. that there has been a material administrative error at a stage of the examining
process, or that some material irregularities have occurred;
4. that the assessment procedure and/or examinations have not been conducted in
accordance with the approved regulations.

If you want to appeal, then you must do so within 14 days of your results being published.
The dates for publication of results can be found in the Academic Calendar. (The onus is on
you to find out your results and submit your appeal on time. Contact the Students' Union
Advice Centre suadvice@uclan.ac.uk for support and advice.
6. Course regulations

6.1 Course requirements


Students are required to pass ALL modules in Years Two and Three in order to qualify for a
degree. Students are required to pass ALL modules in one year in order to progress to the
next. A single module which has been failed may be re-taken the following year but must then
be passed. If more than one module has been failed, the student may be allowed to re-retake
the modules as a part-time student. Once the modules have been passed, the student can
then return to the course as a full-time student.

It is a requirement of the course that students on certain study routes go on a placement of


three weeks’ duration, usually during the summer break before the start of Year Three, during
the Christmas and Easter breaks in Year Three or in the summer period before graduation.

6.2 Classification of Awards


The University publishes the principles underpinning the way in which awards and results
are decided in Academic Regulations .Decisions about the overall classification of awards
are made by Assessment Boards through the application of the academic and relevant
course regulations. In simple terms an undergraduate honours degree classification is based
on the highest classification:

 The Average Percentage Mark (APM) of your level 5 and 6 modules (generally taken
in years 2 and 3 of a full time course) weighted 30:70.
Or
 Your Average Percentage Mark in year 3 only (i.e. your level 6 modules)

If the APM is near a borderline, at the discretion of the Assessment Board, students may be
classified according to the academic judgement of the Assessment Board taking into
account their overall profile and performance with the minimum requirement that:

1. A minimum of 3 modules (60 credits) at level 6 are in the higher classification band
and
2. The APM is no lower than 2 percentage points below that required for the higher
classification.
In operating discretion for profiling Course Assessment Boards will use academic judgement
and may refer to performance in core modules; the placement component, the
dissertation/project or other factors which have been published to students.

7. Student Voice
You can play an important part in the process of improving the quality of this course through
the feedback you give. In addition to the on-going discussion with the course team
throughout the year, there are a range of mechanisms for you to feedback about your
experience of teaching and learning. We aim to respond to your feedback and let you know
of our plans for improvement.

This course is relatively new; over this academic year we will review it and together with your
feedback, revise it.

The Students Union can support you in voicing your opinion, provide on-going advice and
support, and encourage your involvement in all feedback opportunities. They will be
requesting that you complete the National Student Survey (during semester 2 for students in
their final year of study) or the UCLan Student Survey (all other students).

The Students’ Union and University work closely together to ensure that the student voice is
heard in all matters of student-life. We encourage students to provide constructive feedback
throughout their time at university, through course reps, surveys and any other appropriate
means,

The Union’s Student Affairs Committee (SAC), members of Students’ Council and School
Presidents each have particular representative responsibilities, and are involved with
decision making committees as high as the University Board. Therefore it is very important
students engage with the democratic processes of the Students’ Union and elect the
students they see as most able to represent them.

Inform students of other opportunities available for students to voice their opinion within your
course (SSLCs as noted below). Examples could include course management committees,
timetabled sessions with whole cohort of students, on-line discussion with distance learners
and Module Evaluation Questionnaires (MEQs).

7.1 Course representatives and School Presidents


A course representative is a student who represents their fellow students’ views and
opinions to the course team, school, university and students’ union. Course representatives
work proactively and diplomatically to improve the academic and non-academic experiences
of students.

The role of a course representative is extremely beneficial to both students on your course
and the university. It enables students to have ownership of their student experience and
voice their opinions and share positive practice with the course team, primarily the Student
Staff Liaison Committee Meetings (see below).
Course representatives will be elected every year either in April or September. Alongside
receiving recognition, support and respect being a course representative is a great
opportunity to enhance your employability skills. If you are interested in becoming a course
representative and wish to find out more about the role visit the Students’ Union website or
by emailing: coursereps@uclan.ac.uk.

School Presidents meanwhile are annually elected representatives who voice the opinions of
students within each school. They communicate and engage with students in their school to
gain feedback and work in partnership with senior management to create positive change.
They are also trained to support and signpost course representatives where needed. If you
wish to find out who is your School President or more about the role visit the Students’ Union
website or email: coursereps@uclan.ac.uk

7.2 Student Staff Liaison Committee Meetings (SSLC)


The purpose of a SSLC meeting is to provide the opportunity for course representatives to
feedback to staff about the course, the overall student experience and to inform developments
which will improve future courses. These meetings are normally scheduled once per semester.
Your course leader will facilitate the meetings using Guidelines and provide a record of the
meeting with any decisions and / or responses made and / or actions taken as a result of the
discussions held. The meetings include discussion of items forwarded by course
representatives, normally related to the following agenda items (dependent on time of year).
Your Student Liaison Officer will be invited to attend and support the resolution of any issues.
The course team encourage student feedback in all areas and recognise that additional items
for discussion may also be raised at the meeting
 Update on actions completed since the last meeting
 Feedback about the previous year – discussion of external examiner’s report; outcomes
of National /UCLan student surveys.
 Review of enrolment / induction experience;
 Course organisation and management (from each individual year group, and the course
overall);
 Experience of modules - teaching, assessment, feedback;
 Experience of academic support which may include e.g. Personal Development Planning,
Academic Advisor arrangements and The Card;
 Other aspects of University life relevant to student experience e.g. resources, IT, library;
 Any other issues raised by students or staff.

Students will be invited to put their names forward to become course representatives by email
early in the academic year. Course representatives will be notified of staff and student liaison
committee meetings via email by the School administration team. Meetings occur once in
semester one and semester two and agendas and minutes of the meetings will be circulated
by the administration team.

7.3 Complaints
The University recognises that there may be occasions when you have cause for complaint
about the service you have received, when this happens, the complaints procedure is intended
to provide an accessible, fair and straightforward system which ensures as effective, prompt
and appropriate response. Click on this link for more information Complaints Procedure.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

Programme Specification

This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be
expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning
opportunities that are provided.

Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17

1. Awarding Institution / Body University of Central Lancashire.

2. Teaching Institution and Location of University of Central Lancashire,


Delivery Preston

3. University School/Centre Journalism, Language and


Communication

4. External Accreditation None

5. Title of Final Award BA (Hons) Music Journalism

6. Modes of Attendance offered Full-time

7. UCAS Code P44-P55/2N18

8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking N/A


Group(s)
9. Other external influences N/A

10. Date of production/revision of this form July 2015

11. Aims of the Programme


To produce fully-trained multi-media journalists equipped with the skills needed for entry-
level employment in journalism, the creative industries and other allied careers.

To equip students with specialist knowledge and a critical understanding of popular music
in order to enable them to operate as journalists in this area.

To develop journalism practitioners who are independent thinkers and doers and to
encourage the development of critical thinking, reasoning and research skills through
media theory.
To develop students’ understanding of the legal constraints and the ethics of journalism
practice and to encourage students to reflect critically on their own decisions as
journalists.

To provide a learning environment for personal development and growth both as an


individual and as a contributor to a team.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

A. Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme the student will have:-


A1. Knowledge of the development, structures and operation of the media and
knowledge of legal, ethical and regulatory constraints on content production
A2 Knowledge of the development and understanding of the cultural and
sociological impact of popular music.
A3. Understanding of how a journalist works and how content is obtained, written,
edited and presented across multi-media platforms.
A4. Understanding of theoretical and conceptual issues that relate to the study of
media

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, practical workshops, news days, seminars, case studies, placements

Assessment methods

Practical coursework
Reflective analysis
Presentations
Examinations
Projects
Analytical essays

B. Subject-specific skills

On successful completion of this programme the student will be able to:-


B1. Select, gather and process content for a range of media.
B2. Demonstrate technical and production skills, social media skills.
B3. Demonstrate interviewing and presentational skills and other course specific
skills

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, practical workshops, news days, seminars, case studies, placements

Assessment methods
Practical coursework
Presentations
Examinations
Projects
Essays

C. Thinking Skills

On successful completion of this programme the student will be able to:-


C1. Select, research, analyse and critically appraise information from a range of
primary and secondary sources.

C2. Relate the practice and products of news work to theoretical perspectives and
concepts.

C3 Plan and conduct research and communicate results.

C4 Reflect on learning and personal performance.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, seminars, reflection on learning.

Assessment methods

Reflective analyses
Coursework
Essays
Peer assessment.

D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development

On successful completion of this programme the student will be:-


D1. Self-confident, curious, persistent team player and flexible in approach.
D2 Able to communicate both verbally and in written form with clarity and brevity
D3. Able to use new technology and social media in content gathering and sharing.
D4. An independent thinker, creative, innovative and reflective

Teaching and Learning Methods

Seminars, workshops, group projects, presentations,


Assessment methods

Presentations.
Group projects.
Live newsrooms. Reflective analysis.

13. Programme Structures* 14. Awards and Credits*

Level Module Module Title Credit


Code rating

Level 6 Compulsory modules


JN3025 Ethics and Regulation 20 Bachelor Honours Degree
FI3020 British Popular Music Since 20
Requires 360 credits including
1955.
a minimum of 220 at Level 5
FI3009 The Visual Culture of 20
and above and 100 at Level 6
Popular Music and above

Optional modules
Bachelor Degree
One module from the
following: Requires 320 credits including
JN3112 The Broadcast Newsroom 40 a minimum of 200 at Level 5
JN3110 Newspaper and Magazine 40 and above
Production
TE3069 Enterprise development 40
and production.

PLUS one module from


the following:
JN3046 Work placement 20
JN3062 Photojournalism 20
JN3043 Independent Project 20
JN3703 Social Media 20
JN3076 Specialist writing 20
JN3111 Data journalism 20
JN3029 Community Journalism 20
JN3200 Law for Journalists. * This 20
module is compulsory for
any student who did not
take JN2200 in Y2.

Alternatively students
can choose a dissertation
route as follows:
JN3024 Journalism Research 20
Plus either
JN3992 Dissertation 40
Or
JN3991 Dissertation plus a 20 credit 20
option.

Level 5
Compulsory modules
JN2065 Broadcast Journalism 20 HE Diploma
JN2050 The Digital Landscape 20 Requires 240 credits including
JN2043 Specialist Reporting 20 a minimum of 100 at Level 5
JN2049 Advanced International and above
Journalism: Feature Writing
FI2004 Popular Music and 20
Communication.
JN2200 Law for Journalists 20

Level 4

Compulsory modules
JN1014 Reporting skills 20
JN1015 Broadcast Journalism skills 20
HE Certificate
JN1016 Creating content 20
JN1017 Multiplatform Journalism 20 Requires 120 credits at level 4
FI1400 Popular Music and the 20 and above
Media

Optional modules
Either
JN1005 Shorthand 20
Or
JN1033 The Business of Media 20

15. Personal Development Planning

PDP is a part of all modules within the course and helps define a student’s progress,
professional direction and goals. The concept in part is to focus the student’s opportunities to
maximize engagement with the learning opportunities especially as they relate to career goals.
It gives them a framework to record their activities and actions which form the basis for
professional development of skills and experiences that are sought by employers and will lead
to advancement in the workplace. It is also tracking learning tasks and to reflect on what you
learned and how, what the consequences are and ways they could be better accomplished.

16. Admissions criteria


The University’s minimum standard entry requirements for degree level study is a 12 unit
profile, made up from one of the following:

At least two A2 level subjects including


 One A2 level subject plus one single award Advanced VCE
 One double or two single award(s) Advanced VCE

Specific entry requirements for this course are:


 BCC/CCC at A2 level/ DMM/MMM – BTEC. English GCSE at grade C or above.
 Overseas Admission Criteria: Applicants should demonstrate academic levels,
interests or journalism experience equivalent to the UK. Additionally, they must have
an English standard at IELTS 7.
Other acceptable qualifications include:
 Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
 Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
 International Baccalaureate
 BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
 Kite marked Access Course

17. Key sources of information about the programme

 www.uclan.ac.uk
 BA Music Journalism factsheet.
 UCLan prospectus
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C), Other skills relevant
Compulsory to employability and
Module (COMP) or Knowledge and Subject-specific personal
Level Code Module Title Option (O) understanding Skills Thinking Skills development

A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4

JN 3025 Ethics and Regulation. Comp x x x x x x x

British Popular Music


FI3020 Since 1955 Comp x x x x x x x

The Visual Culture of


LEVEL 6

FI3009 Popular Music Comp x x x x x x x

JN3112 Broadcast Newsroom O x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Newspaper and Magazine x X

JN3110 Production O x x x x x x x x x x x x

Enterprise and
TE3069 Development O x x x x x x x x x x

JN3029 Community Journalism O x x x x x X x x x x x x x x

JN3703 Social Media O x x x x x x


JN3076 Specialist Writing O x x x X x x x x

JN3062 Photojournalism O x x X x x x x

JN3111 Data journalism O x x x X x x x x

JN3024 Journalism Research O x x x x x x

JN3991 Dissertation O x x x x x x x x x

JN3992 Dissertation O x x x x x x x x x

JN3046 Work Placement O x x x x X x x x x x x

JN2043 Specialist Reporting Comp x x x x x x x x

Advanced International x

Journalism: Feature
JN2049 Writing Comp x x x x x x x x

x X
LEVEL 5

JN2065 Broadcast Journalism Comp x x x x x x x x x x x x

JN2050 The Digital Landscape Comp x x x x x X x x x x x x x x

JN2200 Law for Journalists Comp x x x x x x x x

JN2043 Specialist Reporting Comp x x x x x x X x x x x x x

Popular Music and


FI2004 Communication Comp x x x x x x x
LEVEL 4

JN1014 Reporting skills Comp x x x x x x x x x x x x

JN1016 Creating Content Comp x x x x x x X x x x x x

x X

JN1015 Broadcast Skills Comp x x x x x x x x x x

Popular Music and the


FI1400 Media Comp x x x x x x x

JN1005 Shorthand. Opt x X

JN1017 Multiplatform Journalism Comp x x x x x x x x x x x x x

JN1033 The Business of Media Opt x x x x x

Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
Grade Percentage Description Honours Degree
Mark Equivalent
85 - 100 Outstanding

75 - 84 Excellent First

70 - 74 Very Good

67 - 69 Good +

64 - 66 Good Upper Second

60 - 63 Good -

57 -59 Average +

54 - 56 Average Lower Second

50 - 53 Average -

45 - 49 Satisfactory +

41 -44 Satisfactory - Third

40 Bare Minimal Pass

0 -39* Fail Fail

The above table is provided as a general guide to performance. In arriving at a final degree
classification decision, Assessment Boards will consider a student’s overall profile and
performance in core elements of the course of study.

8.2

Equipment Loans and Technical Support


The Technical Services Support Office is based in Harrington Building, room 201. You will find
the technical support staff based there very helpful. If you need advice about a particular piece
of equipment or if equipment is not working properly, you should contact them. The office
provides equipment for all students within the school. Specific to Journalism students and
staff, the office provide specialist support services for the department’s radio, television, print
and online facilities. These include the radio and television studios, the digital audio and play-
out network, digital video workstations and the online IT network.
Equipment Loan service
The office also provides an equipment loan service to support your course requirement. If
you wish to loan equipment, you must first complete a risk/hazard assessment form, which
can be obtained from the Administration Hub (see section 1.5 for contact details) or from the
plastic holder on the wall to the right of Deborah Robinson’s office door GR234. A copy will
also be posted on eLearn ‘Blackboard’. Once you have carefully assessed the risks of
filming/recording/photographing your story, you must write on the form how you can minimise
these risks to stay safe. The form must then be signed off by a tutor. Forms for broadcast
equipment must be signed off by a broadcast tutor. An example of a risky job is filming on a
building site. There are many hazards you must avoid and actions you must take to keep safe,
for example wearing a hard hat and high visibility clothing. Please note that tutors will not
sign off any forms which are incorrectly filled in and will inform Technical Services staff
not to release equipment to you. The university has a duty of care towards all students
undertaking journalism projects both on and off campus and for this reason health and safety
requirements are taken very seriously.
Once you have had your risk/hazard assessment form signed off, you can go to Harrington
201, produce your Student ID card and request your equipment. Equipment will not be
released to you without production of your student ID card.
The loans service gets very busy, especially during peak periods, so whenever possible you
should plan ahead your equipment requirement. Equipment currently available to Journalism
students include:
 Sony PD175 and Panasonic DVX100 mini DV camcorders, including tripods etc-
suitable for recording TV interviews and pictures.
 Olympus LS11 recorder- suitable for radio interviews.
 Olympus Dictaphones – suitable for print students gathering online audio material
 ‘Flip’ cameras- suitable for basic video footage and for online video content.
 Canon 550D and Fugi digital cameras- suitable for still photography for print and
online.
 A range of microphones for TV and radio
 Lighting kits for TV (note that you will be required to attend an induction course before
using the mains powered kit)
 Comrex radio outside broadcast kit- suitable for live location radio interviews and
reports.

Please note that the office does not provide consumables with loan equipment e.g. DV tapes.
These can be purchased at the Students’ Union.
 You are responsible for equipment loaned to you, and for its safe return. It should not be
passed on to anyone else.
 If you lose equipment you will be liable for the cost of replacing it.
 Equipment must be returned by 4.45pm (3.30pm Friday) on the day it is due to be returned
 If you do not return equipment by the required date, you will be subject to the penalty
payments shown below. ( Please note these penalties are currently under review and
may be amended. If they are you will be notified via email and the new penalties will
be posted on eLearn ‘Blackboard’);

Loan Type Up to 1 hour After 1st Hour Day 2 -7


Equipment £5 £5 per hour to a £5 per day after
maximum of £20 first 24 hours
Key £5 £5 per hour to a £10 per day after
maximum of £40 first 24 hours

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

If you do not return your overdue items within 7 days your network and library account will be
locked. You will also incur replacement items costs and administrative charges in addition to
any fines.

How to Pay Fines

 at the Ground Floor Service point in the UCLan library


 at any of the issue machines in the Library (using coins)
 If the fine is over £5, then via the payment hotline on 01772 892485

Opening Hours for equipment collection and returns are 9am to 4.45pm (3.30pm Friday)
Useful Contacts:
Brian Moss (Broadcast Supervisor) ext: (89)4340
Equipment loans and Reception counter ext: (89)4342
8.3

Press Complaints Commission Code of Practice


All members of the press have a duty to maintain the highest professional standards. The
Code, which includes this pre-amble and the public interest exceptions below, sets the
benchmark for those ethical standards, protecting both the rights of the individual and the
public’s right to know. It is the cornerstone of the system of self-regulation to which the industry
has made a binding commitment.

It is essential that an agreed code be honoured not only to the letter, but in the full spirit. It
should not be interpreted so narrowly as to compromise its commitment to respect the rights
of the individual, nor so broadly that it constitutes an unnecessary interference with freedom
of expression or prevents publication in the public interest.

It is the responsibility of editors and publishers to apply the Code to the editorial material in
both printed and online versions of publications. They should take care to ensure it is observed
rigorously by all editorial staff and external contributors, including non-journalists.

Editors should co-operate swiftly with the PCC in the resolution of complaints. Any publication
judged to have breached the Code must print the adjudication in full and with due prominence,
including headline reference to the PCC.
Accuracy
i)The press should take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted material including
pictures.

ii) Whenever it is recognised that a significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distorted report
has been published, it should be corrected promptly and with due prominence and where
appropriate – an apology published.

iii) The press, while free to be partisan, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and
fact

v) A publication must report fairly and accurately the outcome of an action for defamation to which
it has been a party, unless an agreed settlement states otherwise, or an agreed statement is
published.

Opportunity to reply
A fair opportunity for reply to inaccuracies must be given to individuals or organisations when
reasonably called for.
Privacy
i) Everyone is entitled to respect for his or her private and family life, home, health and
correspondence, including digital communications. A publication will be expected to justify
intrusions into any individual's private life without consent.

ii) It is unacceptable to photograph individuals in private places without their consent.


Note - Private places are public or private property where there is a reasonable expectation of
privacy.
Harassment
i) Journalists and photographers must not engage in intimidation, harassment or persistent
pursuit

ii) They must not persist in telephoning, questioning, pursuing or photographing individuals after
having been asked to desist; must not remain on their property after having been asked to leave
and must not follow them.

iii) Editors must ensure that those working for them comply with these requirements and must not
publish material from other sources which does not meet these requirements.
Intrusion into grief or shock
i) In cases involving personal grief or shock, enquiries should be carried out and approaches made
with sympathy and discretion. Publication must be handled sensitively at such times but this should
not be interpreted as restricting the right to report legal proceedings such as inquests.
ii) When reporting details of suicide, care must be taken to avoid excessive detail about the method
used
Children
i) Young people should be free to complete their time at school without unnecessary intrusion.

ii) Journalists must not interview or photograph a child under the age of 16 on subjects involving
the welfare of the child or any other child in the absence of or without the consent of a parent or
other adult who is responsible for the children.

iii) Pupils must not be approached or photographed while at school without the permission of the
school authorities.

iv) There must be no payment to minors for material involving the welfare of children nor
payments to parents or guardians for material about their children or wards unless it is
demonstrably in the child's interest.

v) Editors must not use the fame, notoriety or position of his or her parents or guardian as sole
justification of publishing details of a child’s private life.
Children in sex cases
1. The press must not, even where the law does not prohibit it, identify children under the age of
16 who are involved in cases concerning sexual offences, whether as victims or as witnesses.

2. In any press report of a case involving a sexual offence against a child -

i) The child must not be identified.

ii) The adult may be identified.

iii) The word "incest" must not be used where a child victim might be identified.

iv) Care must be taken that nothing in the report implies the relationship between the accused
and the child.
Hospitals
i) Journalists or photographers making enquiries at hospitals or similar institutions should identify
themselves to a responsible executive and obtain permission before entering non-public areas.

ii) The restrictions on intruding into privacy are particularly relevant to enquiries about individuals
in hospitals or similar institutions.
Reporting of crime.
(i) Relatives or friends of persons convicted or accused of crime should not generally be identified
without their consent, unless they are genuinely relevant to the story.
(ii) Particular regard should be paid to the potentially vulnerable position of children who are
witnesses to, or victims of, crime. This should not be interpreted as restricting the right to report
judicial proceedings.
Clandestine devices and subterfuge.
i) The press must not seek to obtain or publish material acquired by using hidden
cameras or clandestine listening devices; or by intercepting private or mobile
telephone calls, messages or e-mails; or by unauthorised removal of documents or
photographs or by accessing digitally held private information without consent.
ii) Engaging in misrepresentation or subterfuge, including by agents or intermediaries,
can generally be justified only in the public interest and then only when the material
cannot be obtained by other means.

Victims of sexual assault


The press must not identify victims of sexual assault or publish material likely to contribute to
such identification unless there is adequate justification and, by law, they are free to do so.
Discrimination
i) The press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to a person's race, colour, religion, sex
or sexual orientation or to any physical or mental illness or disability.

ii) It must avoid publishing details of a person's race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, physical
or mental illness or disability unless these are genuinely relevant to the story.
Financial journalism
i) Even where the law does not prohibit it, journalists must not use for their own profit financial
information they receive in advance of its general publication, nor should they pass such
information to others.

ii) They must not write about shares or securities in whose performance they know that they or
their close families have a significant financial interest without disclosing the interest to the editor
or financial editor.

iii) They must not buy or sell, either directly or through nominees or agents, shares or securities
about which they have written recently or about which they intend to write in the near future.
Confidential sources
Journalists have a moral obligation to protect confidential sources of information.
Witness payment in criminal trials
i)No payment or offer of payment to a witness - or any person who may reasonably be expected
to be called as a witness - should be made in any case once proceedings are active as defined
by the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

This prohibition lasts until the suspect has been freed unconditionally by police without charge or
bail or the proceedings are otherwise discontinued; or has entered a guilty plea to the court; or,
in the event of a not guilty plea, the court has announced its verdict.

*ii) Where proceedings are not yet active but are likely and foreseeable, editors must not make or
offer payment to any person who may reasonably be expected to be called as a witness, unless
the information concerned ought demonstrably to be published in the public interest and there is
an over-riding need to make or promise payment for this to be done; and all reasonable steps
have been taken to ensure no financial dealings influence the evidence those witnesses give. In
no circumstances should such payment be conditional on the outcome of a trial.

*iii) Any payment or offer of payment made to a person later cited to give evidence in
proceedings must be disclosed to the prosecution and defence. The witness must be advised of
this requirement.
Payment to criminals

i) Payment or offers of payment for stories, pictures or information, which seek to exploit
a particular crime or to glorify or glamorise crime in general, must not be made directly
or via agents to convicted or confessed criminals or to their associates – who may
include family, friends and colleagues.
ii) Editors invoking the public interest to justify payment or offers would need to
demonstrate that there was good reason to believe the public interest would be
served. If despite payment, no public interest emerged, then the material should not
be published.

The Public Interest.


There may be exceptions to the clauses marked* where they can be demonstrated to be in
the public interest.
1. The public interest includes, but is not confined to:
i) Detecting or exposing crime or serious impropriety.
ii) Protecting health and safety.
iii) Preventing the public from being misled by an action or statement of an individual or
organisation.
2. There is a public interest in the freedom of expression itself.
3. Whenever the public interest is invoked, the PCC will require editors to demonstrate fully
how the public interest was served.
4. The PCC will consider the extent to which material is already in the public domain, or will
become so.
5. In cases involving children under 16, editors must demonstrate an exceptional public
interest to over-ride the normally paramount interests of the child.
9. Fee Information
Tuition fees:
Your tuition fees include:
 Scheduled course tuition, academic, technical and administrative support, use of
course equipment and facilities.
 Course related induction activities.
 Placement year academic support (where the course includes a placement year).
 Course assessment and awards.
 Access to the university’s library and online resources, including on-campus wifi,
networked and remote access to the university’s virtual learning environment,
 Use of the university’s estate and resources for scheduled activities and learning
support
 Dissertation, project and/or thesis printing and binding where the submission of
printed and bound documents is a requirement for assessment of the module.
 Use of the university’s technical equipment and materials identified by the course
teaching team as essential for the completion of the course.
 The extra items listed against your course in Table One below.

Table One Additional items included in the tuition fees


Course for your course
BA (Hons) Screenwriting Printing and binding costs for final year
BA (Hons) Film and Media dissertation/project

BA (Hons) Journalism Foundation entry/ Headphones for editing/studio work.


BA (Hons) Journalism NCTJ diploma examinations years 1, 2 & 3.
Shorthand workbook final year
Placement costs final year
Printing costs for newspaper/magazine projects
final year.
SD camera card final two years
Dissertation printing/binding costs final year
BSc (Hons) Media Production Printing and material costs for assessed Portfolios
BSc (Hons) Web Design and Development Virtual Servers year 2
Printing and binding costs Final Year Projects
Share in student companies year 3
Headphones for editing/studio work year 2
BA (Hons) TV Production Printing and material costs for Portfolios
Printing and binding costs Final Year Projects
Share in Student companies
Storage media for high end production, equivalent
to Tapes.
Headphones for editing/studio work.
BA (Hons) Film Production Feature Film
Storage media for high end production, equivalent
to Tapes.
Printing and binding costs for assessed final year
Dissertation/projects
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism Shorthand workbook first year
Placement costs final year
Printing costs for newspaper/magazine projects
final year.
SD camera card years 2 and 3
Headphones for editing/studio work. Year 2
BA (Hons) Photography PH3011 Professional Portfolio - Printing of images
year 3
Ph3991/2 Dissertation 2 Printed copies year 3
Ph2010/ Visit to galleries Northwest based. Year 2
PH1020 / Visits and trips for Experimental
Practice year 1
Photography and Narrative Photobooks year 1
Ph1003 Everyday Ass 2 Photographic prints x 3
year 1
BA (Hons) International Journalism Shorthand workbook year 1
Placement costs - module JN3048 Work
Experience
Photo portfolio printing costs year 3
SD camera card year 2 and 3
Headphones for editing/studio work year 2
Dissertation printing/binding costs year 3

The items listed in Table Two are optional and the costs are not included in your
tuition fees.
Table Two Optional items which may be Estimated costs
Course offered and which are NOT
included in the tuition fees for
your course. Places may be
limited
BA (Hons) Screenwriting Attendance at events - for £50 per year
example, film / screenwriting
festivals
Entry Fee for RTS award £30
Total £180
BA (Hons) Journalism Travel expenses to industry study £20
Foundation entry visits foundation year
BA (Hons) Journalism Placement costs second year £100
Total £120
BA (Hons) Film Production Entry Fee for RTS award £30
Group Film entries/attendance at £150 year 2 and 3
Berlin Film Festival
Total £330
BA (Hons) Sports Journalism Attendance at sporting events for £50 per year
match reporting.
NCTJ shorthand and law exams £68
Total £218
BA (Hons) Photography Photography Trip £200
BA (Hons) International Placement costs £100
Journalism Visit to Media City, Salford £30
Total £130
Living costs:
Living costs are not included in your tuition fees. You will need to budget for these
separately. Below is an indication of some typical living costs, but everyone is
different and you are strongly advised to plan your own budget.
Typical items Estimated Estimated
weekly costs weekly costs
lower range higher range
Accommodation: £79.03 £107.83
University Halls of Residence based on a 42 week contract.
Private Halls of Residence £70 £110
(Living at home may reduce your accommodation costs) (£0)
Food £20 £30
Internet connection £0 £12
(free wifi on campus, in university halls of residence and in
some private accommodation)
Toiletries/Laundry £5 £15
Gas/electricity/water £0 £20
(included within university halls of residence costs and some
private accommodation – check your contract)
Printing, copying, stationery. £2.50 £10
Travel expenses £0 £40
(varies by method & distance travelled e.g. on foot, bicycle,
bus, train or car. If using bus or train check travel card /
season ticket rates for savings).
University halls of residence and a good selection of private
accommodation are situated on campus or a short walk from
campus.
Mobile phone or landline £2.50 £10
Books £5 £10
Leisure £5 £25
Total per week £110 £282
Total for 42 weeks £4,620 £11,844
(typical halls of residence contract)
Total for 52 weeks £5,720 £14,664

You will also need to budget for ‘one off’ or irregular costs
Typical items Notes
Bedding From £20
Clothes Costs vary depending on your needs
TV licence £145.50 per year
Insurances Costs vary depending on your needs.
Computer/laptop/telephone You will have access to University computers or laptops for your
studies or you may have your own you wish to bring. If you are
acquiring one to come to university the cost varies depending on
model and whether it is new or refurbished.
Furniture, crockery etc. Furnished accommodation may include all your needs. Check
your accommodation to see what is included.

Additional costs.
The costs below are incurred by some but not all students and are not included within
the Tuition Fees.
Optional items – all courses Estimated costs
Travel to course related work placements, work Variable depending on the distance travelled
experience, voluntary work, or site visits (for and the method of transport chosen.
example costs of petrol, business level motor
insurance cover, taxis, train fares, bus fares
etc.).
Library fines & charges On time £0.00
0-8 days overdue £0.10-0.50 per day
Avoid these by returning on time or renewing 9+ days overdue £0.50-£1.00 per day
books! 40+ days replacement cost and administrative
charges/account suspension
Costs of obtaining medical or other evidence to For example a medical certificate may cost
support applications for extenuating from £10.
circumstance applications relating to
assessments.
Fees for arranging and invigilating course £300
examination(s) off campus are payable by the
student (Note this only applies where permitted
by course regulations and approved by course
leaders)
Printing of electronic books, journals etc. You Estimated £0.10 per copy sheet
are strongly recommended to access these
electronically.
Printing of reports, course materials and other Estimated £0.10 per copy sheet
course documents, which have been supplied or
are available electronically or in hard copy in the
library.

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