BA (Hons) Journalism with Media and Communications Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Lincoln

Introduces students to journalism's most fundamental vocational skills and techniques, and guides them through effective real-world deployment and practical use of these competencies. Includes skills to identify news values and news factors; find original stories and generate exclusive content; interview and research effectively; and produce journalistic writing for different media platforms. Provides personal road map and knowledge of industry codes to navigate ethical dilemmas.

Assessment: Two portfolios which students work towards throughout the module

Introduces students to the legal system, the operation of the courts, and examines the impact of legislation and codes of practice on the work of journalists when covering crime stories and the courts.

Provides foundational knowledge and skills across a range of areas, supporting transition into higher education. Covers essential study skills relating to communication (verbal and written), academic reading, and personal development, as well as topics such as equality, diversity, and inclusion; intercultural communication, ethical scholarship, and academic integrity.

Highlights journalism's vital role in democracy, from holding power to account to shaping public understanding of major events. Examines the economic, political and organisational pressures that influence how news is produced, alongside changing expectations of audiences and evolving relationships between journalists and sources. Explores diversity, representation, ethics, professional responsibility, and the transformative impact of social media and digital technologies on contemporary news pra

Provides a strong foundation for the range of practical multiplatform skills that graduating students need to succeed in the journalism and communications industry. All teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods. Will adapt to new methods of story gathering and delivery as AI develops and more advanced software and hardware is developed.

Journalists need to understand how legislation is drafted and enacted in the UK and how journalism – the Fourth Estate – effects a check on Government and Parliament(s). Covers the political, democratic and administrative structure of the Monarch as head of state, Parliament, the Prime Minister, Central Government, local government, the judiciary and EU institutions. Topics include constitutional government, ministerial roles and cabinet government, political parties and MPs, the civil service,

Shorthand is a key skill for journalists and enables fast, accurate note taking in any situation. Students are taught the theory of the Teeline system and work on building their speed with the aim of achieving the NCTJ 'gold standard' 100 words per minute qualification.

Progresses the student journey through journalism's most fundamental skills while introducing a range of advanced and higher level techniques vital for a successful career in modern media. Includes advancing skills to find original news stories and generate exclusive content; interview and research effectively; and produce journalistic writing for different media platforms. New advancements include techniques such as data journalism, live reporting, and active press conferences.

Assessment: A portfolio which students work towards throughout the module

The range of practical multiplatform skills delivered in this production module ensure that graduating students can hit the ground running when they go to work in the industry. Focuses on delivering the same story across a number of different digital and media platforms as a vital skill for a modern journalist. All teaching and assessments are based on current industry practices and production methods.

Builds on legal and administrative knowledge gleaned in Essential Law at Level One. Examines how criminal and civil legislation affecting print, online and broadcast journalists has developed; identifies areas of conflict and uncertainty; and requires students to apply knowledge of legislation and case law to given scenarios, including responses to actions in the civil courts.

Discover your journalistic voice by diving into the specialist pathway that excites you most. Whether you want to produce compelling TV or radio bulletins, bring sport to life through broadcast storytelling, design bold magazine layouts, capture the world through digital photography, craft engaging podcasts, or write powerful long-form features, this module gives you the freedom to specialise and the advanced tools to excel. Guided by industry-experienced staff, students develop professional-lev

Looks at how journalism connects with human rights and why ethics matter in the work journalists do. Students learn about important issues like freedom of speech, privacy, and fair representation, and think about the challenges journalists face when reporting on difficult or sensitive stories. Through examples, discussion, and practical tasks, students build skills in making ethical decisions and learn how to apply these ideas in real reporting situations.

The University has a strong commitment to providing academic programmes with high vocational relevance, which is maintained through working links with local, national and international organisations and through student work placements. The Placement Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within a journalism, media or communications organisation. The Placement Year constitutes a work placement during an academic year, funded by full-time paid employment taking place

The role of the media as a 'mirror' of society means that journalists encounter cross-cultural issues in their newsgathering and news processing functions. This module aims to prepare students to write stories with cultural sensitivity, care and compassion.

Students who opt to take this module will have the opportunity to study for a term at one of the international institutions with which the School has a partnership arrangement. During the term abroad, students can share classes with local students. Students will have the chance to live and socialise in another culture, providing opportunities to study their respective countries, and also have an opportunity to examine the international journalism industry practice.

Develops students' ability to carry out rigorous, independent academic research on a journalism-related topic of their choice. Students explore the key stages of the research process, including forming effective research questions, undertaking a critical literature review, selecting suitable methodologies and engaging with essential ethical considerations. Working independently, students manage their projects from initial planning through to final submission. Highlights critical engagement with