Journalism

Journalism is the practice and discipline of gathering, verifying and communicating information to public audiences, and it sits at the intersection of democratic life and cultural production. Good journalism asks difficult questions, examines evidence critically, gives voice to those who might otherwise go unheard, and holds the powerful to account. It is a craft that requires not just writing skill but also legal and ethical knowledge, news judgement, source cultivation, an understanding of the media industry and, increasingly, facility with digital platforms and multimedia storytelling.

At the University of the West of Scotland, this two-year full-time programme is an accelerated route into the profession, designed to provide intensive practical training in a shorter timeframe. You will develop skills in news writing, feature journalism, broadcast techniques, online and social media journalism, legal and ethical frameworks, and the organisation and culture of newsrooms and media organisations. The condensed structure of the programme means that practical learning takes centre stage, equipping you with the professional skills needed to begin working as a journalist promptly on graduation.

Graduates work in print, broadcast, online and social media journalism, as well as in public relations, communications, content production, documentary making and media management. The skills developed through journalism training, including the ability to research quickly, communicate clearly under pressure and handle complex information for public audiences, are also valued in politics, public affairs, charity communications and corporate communications roles. Many journalists build varied portfolio careers, working across different outlets and formats.

Postgraduate study in journalism, media law, communications or broadcast media is an option for those who wish to specialise or develop particular areas of expertise further.