Course overview
Journalism facilities
See the facilities you use when you study journalism at Teesside University
This course explores the changing nature of the communications landscape in the 21st century and develops your professional skills and experience. This course gives graduates the freedom to develop up-to-date skills and specialisations for the global digital communications industry. Working with an academic team, which includes professional journalists, digital content producers and public relation's professionals; you are supported to develop your craft in the latest storytelling techniques to forge a successful career in digital media. You also work with research active staff to develop reflective awareness of contemporary issues in the communications field and develop your academic skills and writing. This course is primarily taught in Teesside's purpose-built digital working-environments, developing skills in creating meaningful content, which attracts an audience. This course attracts graduates from all over the world and students are offered the opportunity to build a portfolio of work that translates globally.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Digital Platforms and Production
You develop your digital communication capabilities by developing a website around a subject of your choice.
You develop digital content and journalism using a range of technologies, social media production and optimisation, user experience and design and creative innovation.
You are assessed by 100% ICA, digital project portfolio and a 1,000 word evaluation report.
Digital Platforms: Develop and Launch
You consider user experience, content design, development and deployment of a digital product for an identified platform. You develop an application to facilitate specific audiences’ engagement with digital content. You explore a range of open source frameworks to develop a prototype product/service and devise a digital launch and enterprise strategy utilising digital communication channels.
You are assessed by 100% ICA, a development portfolio and a launch strategy presentation.
You explore digital media and communications through three central and intertwining themes: representation, audiences and, communication and culture.
Representation considers ideology, mediatised persona and bias.
Audiences considers intercommunication between mainstream and independent media; producers and consumers of content; free expression and civil rights and democracy.
Culture and Communication examines the socio-cultural, political and economic implications of digital communication.
This module supports a strategic career vision related to the media and events industries. You are supported through a series of workshops You produce a range of professional assets designed to support your career aspirations through work and analysis of practice/work related practice.
Your assessment is 100% ICA professional portfolio and exit strategy.
Master's Project: Digital Media and Communications
You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your course. Normally your project is drawn from commercial, industrial or research-based problem areas. Your project involves researching and investigating aspects of your area of study and then producing a major deliverable, which can be purely research-led dissertation or a project, which involves the development and production of a media campaign and associated report.
Your assessment is 100% ICA.
You explore contemporary developments and research methods within the media industries and the impact developments might be expected to have on institutions, artefacts and audiences. You research a specific area or development within digital communication or journalism - this may be technical, economic, cultural, sociological, or based on a combination of factors - and predict future trends and directions. You develop research methods, skills and knowledge and expertise together to formulate an independent research problematic.
You are assessed through 100% ICA consisting of either a 5,000 portfolio/presentation or an essay of negotiated equivalence.
User Experience for Digital Communications
You build expertise in the design and development of user centred digital environments. You examine audiences and adaptability of digital media with a particular emphasis on mobile or web-based systems, applications and services. You examine current research initiatives; gain a thorough understanding of legislation, guidelines, standards and programming techniques related to user centred design. Through analysis of current research and industry techniques, you explore design and development methods for the creation of adaptable environments for digital media. The module facilitates techniques for evaluating websites with audiences. You explore mobile applications for audience usability, adaptability and accessibility.
You are assessed by 100% ICA consisting of a portfolio
Advanced practice (2 year full-time MA only)
The internship options are:
Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Traditional lectures and seminars are employed, particularly around those subjects requiring a detailed, factual knowledge base. We see it as an essential component of the programme that you engage in reflective practice which informs your future personal development.
How you are assessed
Our assessment methods range from practical production tasks to traditional essay assignments. You produce a professional-level multimedia public relations campaign addressing a range of styles, genres, platforms and audiences. You produce an essay on a topic related to public relations theory and a formal business report on a new media application in an organisational context.
You write an academic essay which helps provide a broader context for the practical work undertaken for your Final Project.
For your Final Project, you research, analyse and implement a promotional multimedia campaign for a real-life business client.
Entry requirements
You are evaluated on an individual basis and the level of your achievement, experience and suitability for the degree is properly assessed. Normally a first degree (2.2 minimum), relevant experience or equivalent qualifications.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
A qualification and experience in public relations opens up a vast range of opportunities in all areas of the media and communications industries.
Graduates have forged successful careers internationally, including China, Malaysia, Nigeria and the Middle East. This course has also attracted those currently working in the media industry or looking to translate their experiences working in other countries to the UK jobs market.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
