Visual Journalism

Creative Visual Storytelling 

This 40-credit module offers an introductory insight into the key principles of the current practices of visual journalism and media communications, as well as the importance of ethics and codes of conduct. The emphasis is on facilitating the exploration of possibilities and developing interests in a range of industry-related areas. 

There is a focus on client-led and live briefs, including multiplatform storytelling, data visualisation, short form video, mobile generated content, augmented realities, 360 video and interactive media, exploring new ways to create content for a variety of online and social platforms and media and communications outlets. 

Persuasive Writing 

Using the fundamentals of journalism practice as a starting point, this module explores writing and storytelling for a range of platforms and outlets, from social media to commercial copywriting to news stories. It will require the  development of unique styles while appreciating the requirements of the professional communicator to convey the specifics of the message with accuracy, an appropriate tone, and the ability to follow an agreed brief that feeds into the written narrative. 

Communications: From concepts to practices

An introductory critique of key concepts and tools of modern journalism and communications practice. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of the subject by exploring how they are utilised to ameliorate or influence issues within society, industry and the environment. Understanding how traditional means of communications are evolving and how the industry is impacted, is central to being able to build effective strategies that work in this fast-paced environment. 

The Media Workplace 

Introduces and helps facilitate the work-based experience and the practical application of producing industry-based content. This is achieved through placement or workplace simulation and through identifying the expectations and practices of working to industry requirements and developing professional competences. 

Media Research Toolkit 

Examines the approaches required for researching within media organisations, to inform critical analysis of the media and in particular, media audiences, while developing the ability to identify sources appropriate to specific research tasks and communicate these to a range of different audiences. 

It seeks to develop professional competence in identifying and realising opportunities for digital story-telling across a range of platforms by originating ideas, gathering component materials and producing appropriate multi-media artifacts.  

Media Power and Justice 

A sound understanding of the law and the ethical issues facing journalists and communicators is vital to enable them to operate effectively and professionally. The aim of this module is to provide knowledge of media-related law, regulation and ethics as applied specifically to multiplatform storytelling in journalism and the wider communications industry. It builds confidence to operate safely by discussing, critiquing and working through the emerging challenges in this area, from who owns the copyright of an image to whether a social media post could result in a court appearance. 

Real World Practice 

The 40-credit final major project is the culmination of a year’s learning and offers a chance to develop expertise and interests. Students are supported to identify, design and produce a significant body of work that exhibits their level of technical, aesthetic and intellectual abilities in relation to their chosen specialism or interest.