The aim of this module is to introduce and encourage you to make imaginative and inventive use of skills appropriate to a diverse range of media project work. The module will promote an experimental, risk taking creative outlook. You will be encouraged to develop reflective thinking, understanding personal creativity and how this relates to your intended degree route.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

This module encourages you to experiment with a range of creative approaches to media production. You will learn key techniques relevant to a range of production areas. You will also receive brief introductions to the range of subject areas in the department of Media Arts and Communications in the first few weeks of the module. You will be encouraged in the early weeks of this module to experiment with a range of different media techniques and formats

Sample topics could include:

• Storyboarding
• Sketching
• Scripting
• Mark-making
• Life drawing
• Researching locations
• Use of still and video cameras
• Use of microphones
• Storytelling and narrative techniques
• Colour theory
• Understanding visual language
• Writing for different media contexts
• Layout and design
• Basic editing techniques in sound, video, images and digital design
• Working collaboratively
• Ethics, health and safety, risk assessments and release forms

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the academic study of creative media practice. Students will be supported in developing skills of academic research, learning and communication to further their appreciation of the relationship between their own practice and its wider historical, social, cultural and industry contexts.

Indicative Content:

This module introduces students to thinking and writing about their work in relation to the wider media landscape. Students will learn to write in a critical, academic style, using a range of resources to support their arguments. They will be introduced to the idea of academic texts and how to read, analyse and use these sources in their writing. 

Students will be encouraged to engage in secondary research using a variety of library, gallery and media sources and think about their own production in relation to its social, cultural, historical and industry contexts.

This module will be delivered alongside the media project module and is designed to help students contextualise their practice. Students will be expected to research current and historical examples of the medium/genre they are specialising in and to show how their work relates to other examples of creative media practice. They will be introduced to some basic theoretical concepts and encouraged to think about issues in the wider media industry impacting on their practice such as regulation, copyright and distribution.

Students will cover topics such as:

• How to identify relevant literature (e.g. books and articles) to use in assignments
• How to read and understand academic literature
• Essay writing and structuring techniques
• How to use quotes and examples to illustrate a point
• Correct referencing, quoting and use of sources
• Use of libraries, databases, media archives, galleries and other resources
• Introduction to media regulation, codes and laws
• Histories of different media
• How to situate your own practice in relation to others’ work
• Identifying an audience for your work
• Analysing and critiquing arguments/messages in both academic and media texts

This module supports students in the development and production of self-directed creative media or communication project work, allowing them to demonstrate their skills across one or more media platforms. Students will produce a substantial portfolio of work relevant to their chosen area of creative media and communication, informed and supported through research and developed in consultation with a subject tutor.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

You will build on the skills you acquired in semester one to create a portfolio of media production in your chosen specialism. The nature of the work in this portfolio will be devised by you, in dialogue with your lecturers. You will be responsible for all stages of the project from idea generation and pre-production through to post-production editing and a final evaluation of your work.

Projects will be introduced by your tutors and grounded upon self-directed study and research; these form the basis of your practice work. Technical workshops and group tutorials will help you develop your skills and techniques. You will also spend some time in one-to-one supervision with a member of staff who specialises in your chosen area.

You will take part in small group peer review and critique sessions. During these sessions you will discuss your work and that of others, offering support, ideas and constructive critiques to help one another succeed.

During the module you will be encouraged to document your practical work in a research workbook using skills acquired last semester. The workbook can be presented in a format of your choice.

This module aims to support students in the development of independent learning, key study skills and attributes required for effective engagement with degree level study in the Media Arts and Communication subject areas. This module aims to help you to develop confidence in your ability to discuss and present your work clearly. You will be encouraged to reflect upon and gain an understanding of where your own strengths and weaknesses are with regard to your work, and begin to appreciate how to improve your practice and study skills. Through a range of activities and exercises you will be encouraged to take creative risks and to begin researching your ideas so that their potential can be explored. This module provides you with the necessary foundational skills from which all your future creative work can develop.

Indicative Content:

The module introduces the skills and techniques needed for university study and supports students in their development of a creative and reflective approach to their work.

The emphasis of the module will be to encourage students to develop several possible Media solutions that creatively address specified problems or fulfil the criteria of a given brief. Students will be encouraged to explore different ways of generating ideas, and to experiment with creative techniques such as: drawing, writing, creating mind maps, curating material from different sources, collages and more. 

There will be introductions to essential skills in writing, drawing, IT and information gathering as well as techniques for project planning, time management and personal development planning. Students will receive training and guidance in using university resources such as the Learning Centre, student support services and careers services.

Students will be encouraged to set-up a blog or other form of online portfolio during this module that can both be used to reflect on their learning and display their production work not only on this module but throughout the course.

Other topics may include:

• Using the Library, your SHU email account and the virtual learning environment (Blackboard)
• How to access the range of student support services offered by the university
• Appropriate software and associated academic procedures
• Techniques for effective communication including the written word
• How to research effectively
• How to appropriately reference your research and acknowledge sources
• Planning and managing your time effectively
• Using the university careers and employability centre
• Getting the most from tutorials, and understanding the value of constructive criticism
• Working in teams and groups
• Evaluating your own and other people’s work
• Understanding assessment criteria
• Preparing for a presentation
• Speaking to a group
• Generating and selecting ideas
• Record-keeping

Module Aim:  

On this module, you will work collaboratively with an organisation to explore real-world challenges and professional roles. The applied project will allow you to apply practical broadcast journalism skills to create content. You’ll reflect on your strengths, recognise your professional behaviours, limitations, and experiences from the applied project to support your future preparation for a recruitment process including having the opportunity to publish material. You’ll also gain an understanding of practical production techniques using audio and video. 

Indicative Content:

• Story gathering and writing for broadcast

• Digital fluency

• Use of video and audio equipment

• Video and sound editing using relevant software

• Working with an organisation to create journalistic content

• Applied project will allow students to present as a professional – understanding how to liaise and co-operate with individuals outside their cohort

Module Aim:  

On this module, you’ll develop your understanding of live event reporting, including key roles in live broadcasting and coverage in both radio and television commentary. You’ll work with external partners to experience live sporting events and press conferences, increasing your skills and confidence in these dynamic spaces.  

Indicative Content:

• Live reporting for radio and television platforms  

• Live commentary for radio and television platforms

• Researching and planning sports coverage for radio and television broadcasts

• Making TV and radio highlights packages

• Visiting sports events

• Attending press conferences

• Live Interviewing skills

• Reflection on professional practice and ethics

Module Aim:  

This module will immerse you in contemporary issues and debates in sporting cultures. Sport carries important cultural, historical, political, and financial significance for a wide range of stakeholders, fans, regulatory bodies, and cultural discourses. On this module, you’ll explore the history of sport and the contemporary role of reporting and journalism and apply your skills in collaborative and individual projects. 

Indicative Content:

• The development of sport from the 18th century and its representation in journalism 

• The development of television and radio sports coverage  

• Women, race and minority sport 

• Sport, semiotics and cultural studies 

• Branding and broadcasting rights 

• Globalisation 

• Nostalgia and commercialisation 

• Sports investigations journalism 

• Changes in reading, listening and viewing habits. 

• The relationship between sports journalists and reader/listener/viewer 

Module Aim:  

On this module, you’ll be introduced to key writing skills for sports news and features on both print and online platforms. In addition, you’ll explore issues of audience, representation, research, and presentation, considering questions of diversity in sport reporting.  

Indicative content:  

• Sources and resources for sports news 

• Ethics and processes for interviews 

• Understanding audiences 

• Ablism, gender, and race in sports reporting 

• Understanding language and reference 

• Critical self-reflection 

Module Aim:  

This module equips you with the skills, contextual knowledge, and confidence to produce multi-media journalistic and PR artefacts. You’ll be working alongside an employer or organisation to create content suitable for public relations and/or journalistic organisations, using written, video, audio, photographic and digital formats. This module will focus on your career aspirations and develop your understanding of a modern workplace, providing a basis for potential work placement and further industry-based modules at level 6. 

Indicative content:  

• Gathering audio, video and photographic material 

• Project planning 

• Applied research 

• Audiences and online behaviour 

• Digital storytelling 

Module Aim: 

This module will introduce you to the key social, legal, governmental, and regulatory frameworks for professional journalism. We’ll focus on relevant local and national structures and processes and on key issues of media law. This is a fascinating area of journalism and one that demands critical awareness around questions of ethics and the role of journalists in exploring, explaining, and exposing legal and political processes. 

Indicative Content:

• The essential structures and processes of local and central government in England and Wales

• Knowledge of the ECHR (Human Rights Act 1998) legislation in the context of journalistic practice

• Essential media law for journalists: defamation, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, copyright and sources of UK law

• The regulatory system and ethical codes of conduct within which UK journalists operate

Module Aim:  

This module will further develop your skills in research and journalistic investigation. You’ll reflect on your current understanding and explore different research methods relevant to journalism and public relations. In addition, you’ll enhance your ability to manage projects, work independently, and critically evaluate sources as well as your own work. This module will also prepare you for the ‘Research Project’ in your final year of study. 

Indicative Content:

• Quantitative research and analysis methods 

• Qualitative research and analysis methods 

• PR specific research and analysis methods 

• Ethics 

• Journalistic investigative skills 

• Time management 

• Working independently 

• Action planning 

• Evaluating critical sources  

Module Aim:  

This module builds on your previous modules and further develops writing and broadcast skills. You’ll gain experience of newsday processes and cycles in realistic professional newsroom settings, and you’ll research, develop, and prepare same-day multi-platform programmes. Through collaboration on the module and with external partners, you’ll develop your digital fluency, technical competencies, and professional awareness.  

Indicative Content:

• Developing, preparing, and presenting news stories 

• Multiple and multi-platform broadcasting 

• Digital fluency and technology skills 

• Professional contexts, expectations, and collaborations 

• Project management and team building 

• Responding to feedback 

• Audience and presentation 

Module Aim:  

On this module, you will develop a deeper understanding and improved practical application of language, content, style and structure in long-form journalism. Working through contemporary examples and relevant professional models, you’ll consider your own interests and identify strengths and skills to support your practice. 

Indicative content:  

• Advanced feature writing styles 

• Advanced interviewing skills 

• Understanding long form platforms 

• Establishing a multiplatform brand 

• Writing a business plan 

Module Aim:  

On this module, you’ll undertake a project in an area of your choosing, focusing on your interests and ambitions. With dedicated support from a supervisor, you’ll develop, plan, and carry out a project that showcases research, writing and/or other production skills to create a dissertation or practical project on your chosen topic.  You’ll work closely with your colleagues as part of a learning community, providing and receiving feedback on your ideas and work in progress. As the ‘capstone’ for your course, this module will develop your confidence in your knowledge and skills as well as your awareness of the professional world of Sports Journalism. 

 Indicative Content: 

• Advanced research skills 

• Industry expectations 

• Ethics processes for research and writing 

• Understanding audiences 

• Project management 

• Planning, revising, and editing work 

• Providing and actioning feedback 

• Self-evaluation and reflection 

• Choosing appropriate formats   

Module Aim:  

Building on your previous study, this module further develops your writing and broadcasting skills. You’ll gain experience in realistic newsroom settings and through preparing and broadcasting TV, radio, and online content. You’ll also increase your confidence by responding and adapting to developing news stories, collaborating on the module to generate content for multi-platform broadcast that demonstrates professional and industry standards.  

Indicative Content:

• Professional behaviours, expectations, and processes 

• Advanced digital and technological skills for broadcasting 

• Use of video and audio equipment 

• Video and sound editing using relevant software.  

• Collaboration and team working 

• Project and team management 

Module Aim:  

You’ll develop your understanding of public relations and media management in sport. You’ll gain practical experience of both in a professional context. A key focus will be your understanding of professional expectations and behaviours in relation to inclusivity and sector values. Working collaboratively, you’ll encounter real-world challenges and roles and you’ll be supported in critical self-reflection on your strengths, professional attributes, and ambitions.  

Indicative Content:

• Sport in the modern world and its relationship with the media

• How sport manages its publicity, the tools of sports publicity and Public Relations in Sport 

• The skills of good communication in sport through online and conventional PR 

• Crisis management, the public face of sport, how sports organisations deal with their 'publics'

• The staging of a big event, the structure and business of sport

• The importance of media management in merchandising, transfer, fees global commercial investment and PR