2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM3350 Broadcast Journalism Placement

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Kate Watkins
Email: k.watkins@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

This module aims to give students three weeks assessed practical experience within the news media industry. It enables students to be taught, supervised and supported by a team of media professionals . It allows students to put into practice the broadcasting and intellectual skills they have developed in level 2 modules within a professional news environment. Prior to the placement, students are given tuition in the skills required for working effectively in a media environment. After the placement students will critically evaluate this experience of professional practice.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:


1. Apply knowledge of and skills in media production (including knowledge of ethical, legal and editorial processes) during a professional work placement.
2. Demonstrate a range of personal skills – communication, team work, presentation and initiative – relevant to working in the media industries.
3. Reflect critically on their experience of working in media production explaining how it connects to their study of journalism and media.
4. Reflect on what they have learnt about themselves – their interests, ambitions, strengths and weaknesses and suitability for work in the media industries.

Skills outcomes
Students will learn to work under pressure in order to meet the exacting deadlines within the industry. They will be required to prove the intellectual and practical capabilities they have acquired at University within the professional industry environment and under the scrutiny of working professionals. The reflective log and essay develops students’ ability to critically reflect on practice in their chosen field..

Syllabus

During Year 2, Semester 2, prior to the placement, students will undertake two practice newsdays which prepare them for the duties they will be required to undertake in a professional broadcasting environment. The newsdays and lectures will also prepare them for the professional requirements of the placement and revise their knowledge of media law.

The student placement normally takes place between the end of May and September at the end of year 2. Each student's experience will depend on the project(s) in which they are involved, their specific role(s) and the organisation in which they will work. They will, however, be involved in the development, implementation and execution of a news production in a variety of junior capacities.

In Year 3, Semester 1, students will receive lectures and seminars to consider key issues from the study of media and journalism that should be employed in the writing of the reflective essay.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	2	6.00	12.00
Placement	15	8.00	120.00
Lecture	5	1.00	5.00
Seminar	1	1.00	1.00
Private study hours			62.00
Total Contact hours			138.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Most of this module is delivered via teaching and placement attendance but students are required to independently prepare for the placement by providing an industry-specific CV of professional standard to the placement provider; or by applying to the placement online (if necessary). They are advised to keep a placement diary and a record of their work.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

This module is monitored, supervised and assessed by School of Media staff. Tutors are judging a student's ability to reflect and report on their skills, aptitudes and the development of their professional experience in a working context.

The students must undertake the three weeks placement, normally consecutively, at any time from mid May to mid September. This timescale gives the School the opportunity to schedule students throughout the summer.

Prior to the attachment, a senior member of the particular news and current affairs unit concerned receives a letter outlining the key skills a student already possesses, and a suggestion of what kind of level of work the student should undertake. The provider is required to sign a contract with the University and student which confirms our Health and Safety requirements. The placement provider is required to assign a designated mentor to each student.

The tutor is available throughout the 3 weeks by phone or email to discuss any issues raised by either the host or student and if necessary will undertake a visit to the work placement. In the last week of the placement, the host is sent a form which assesses the student’s work. This is a written report in the form of a tabulated list of tasks including satisfactory attendance and performance in the areas of research, scriptwriting, reporting, individual initiative, teamwork, and overall potential. The report should be completed then discussed with the student before they depart.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Reflective log	1 x 2,500 - 3,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The placement is a pass/fail element of the module. If a student fails to complete a total of 3 weeks placement then they will be required to retake the module in the following year. A report (based upon a questionnaire issued by the School ) by the placement provider, outlining the context of the student's work and offering a professional judgement on the student's performance in their specific working environment will be used as evidence of the student's experience and help to inform their critical reflection , but will not form part the student’s assessment.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 26/04/2016

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