Journalism with History - BA (Hons)

About this course

About

In Year 1, you will take modules that give you a good basic grounding in the academic study of the media and in practical journalism skills that you will need to underpin your more advanced modules in Years Two and Three. At this level, you will take modules that introduce you to critical issues in journalism (history, sociology, economics and technology), journalism law and regulation, and journalism practice (newsgathering, report writing, sub-editing, newspaper design and production and broadcast journalism techniques).

Your commitment in time and effort will be intensive and demanding, much more so than those subjects that have no practice component. As well as on-campus activities, you will also learn about reporting from the local court and council offices. During your second year, you will be helped to obtain a placement with a local newspaper or other news based outlet.

The programme uses a range of teaching methods including lectures, small group seminars and practical workshops. These are delivered and supervised by experienced teaching staff, including former journalists and conducted in state-of-the art newsrooms and high definition TV and radio studios.

You will have access to a wide range of learning resources, including professional standard production and design software such as Adobe InDesign, and digital sound and video software.

Our History course gives you the freedom to choose the topics that interest you most. We teach early modern, modern and contemporary histories and provide a broad range of optional modules. You can study the histories of Britain and Ireland, the United States, Russia and the Soviet Union, the Middle East, and many more. In your final year, you can design your own research project We have expertise in medical history, gender history and social and political history.

Associate awards

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Attendance

Attendance

200 hours per module per semester as follows:
36 contact hours per module per semester.
164 independent study hours per module per semester.

FAQ:

How many hours per week will I attend as journalism student at Ulster?

All full-time degree programmes in the Faculty of Arts require a minimum three hours contact time (e.g. lectures and seminars) per module. However, programmes with a practice component, such as Journalism, will demand, by their very nature, additional contact hours for attendance on practical workshops and may require occasional assignments off campus, e.g. to local court or council. In addition to attendance at teaching sessions, the programme will require up to 20 hours per module per semester of independent learning and study (e.g. library research and coursework preparation). In that light, the attendance requirement in part-time mode depends on how many modules taken per semester (one or two).

Start dates

• September 2023

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment will be by way of a mixture of formal examination, essay, class test, coursework, individual/group projects and assessment of practice projects, dependent on the nature and rationale of the module concerned.

We present History in unique and exciting ways. You will learn mainly in interactive workshops rather than in lectures and seminars. You will create podcasts and digital presentations, design websites, organise conferences and produce research portfolios.

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until near the start date and may be subject to change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days of attendance will often be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Masters courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have four learning outcomes, and no more than two items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6 (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Masters degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Academic profile

Dr Colm Murphy has extensive research experience in Journalism and the Digital Economy and his teaching centres on legal and digital issues in journalism. Colm is a former journalist and editor working at a variety of publications including the Irish Times. He is also a Director of the industry recognised accreditation body, the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Ms Maggie Swarbrick is Course Director of Ulster's prestigious MA Journalism programme and also teaches at undergraduate level, specialising in radio and television reporting. Maggie is a former trainer and journalist at BBC and is an examiner with the NCTJ.

In History, we publish books and articles, create digital content, and provide expert analysis for national and international media outlets. Some recent examples include:

• Dr Ian Miller was lead creator of the medical history digital learning resource, ‘Epidemic Belfast’: https://epidemic-belfast.com
• Dr Andrew Sneddon was the historical consultant for and contributor to the BBCNI and TG4 television series, An Diabhal Inti (The Devil’s in Her): http://paulamkehoe.com/#/witches-ireland/
• Dr Leanne McCormick leads the ‘Bad Bridget’ project exploring the lives of criminal and deviant Irish women in North America which has featured on the BBC, RTE, The Guardian, The Irish Times and many more: https://badbridget.wordpress.com

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.  The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.  This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Media, Culture, Politics

Year: 1

Status: C

Media, Culture, Politics is an introduction to media studies that aims to demonstrate the importance and seriousness of the discipline, and to show how it can speak to the most pressing political issues of our time, namely disparities of wealth and power, as well as the question of environmental sustainability. To do this the module draws attention to the role of media and popular culture in reproducing social inequality, and it considers the ecological consequences of a contemporary culture that is dependent upon fossil fuels and driven by capital accumulation.

The objective of the module then is to encourage students to think critically about media production and consumption, and to other ways and forms of making and exchanging culture. To achieve this Media, Culture, Politics introduces students to a selection of thinkers who have contributed to the field. It then invites them to consider the ideas and concepts encountered on the module, and apply or adapt them to their own media practice, cultural experience and democratic participation.

Public Affairs for Journalists

Year: 1

Status: C

The module introduces students to the structures of central and local government, including local government finance, and to the economy and economic development in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. It will help to develop student skills and an understanding of the world on which they report. They will be encouraged to look critically and analytically at a wide range of related journalistic material.

Introduction to Journalism

Year: 1

Status: C

The module is an introduction to the essential skills of newsgathering and news writing.

Students will learn how to spot a news story and to develop it for publication. The module will introduce students to the working life of journalists through guest lectures.

Introduction to Multi-platform Journalism

Year: 1

Status: C

This module develops students' skills in newsgathering and reporting and introduces desktop publishing software for multi-platform production. Students will produce a portfolio of journalistic work. They will be encouraged to look critically and analytically at a wide range of journalism and to critically evaluate those items.

Irish Government and Politics since 1922

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module investigates the primary forces shaping Irish politics, political institutions and structures, political behaviour, the mass media and policy making.

Making History: Skills for Historians

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module is designed to introduce students to the practical skills required for studying history at degree level and the methods and approaches that inform historical practice.

Defining America: Themes in American History, C17th -C20th

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The module will illustrate and analyse the key themes and issues in American history from colonial times to the present day. Patterns and problems in the development of America will be discussed, and consideration of differing interpretations and source evaluations are implicit throughout the course. By the end of the module students should understand how the history of America has been shaped by the key events and debates that have taken place over the last four hundred years.

The Making of Modern Britain and Ireland, 1800-1945

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the histories of modern Britain and Ireland. It explores key themes such as migration; industrialisation and urbanisation; reform and revolution; class and identity; religion, nationalism and unionism; war and empire. It utilises the latest historical scholarship and key primary sources delivered by research-active scholars via interactive workshops. The module brings to light the key events and historical processes which have shaped the Britain and Ireland of today.

The Ages of Extremes: International History 1914-2020

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module is designed principally for students studying History and provides an introduction to some of the main developments in world and international history from the First World War to the post-September 11th world.

Disenchanted Land? Culture and Society in Early Modern Europe

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module tackles the social and cultural realities of early modern Europeans from all social strata. The various issues studied include: urban development; social problems involved in rapid urbanization; daily lives, material culture, and dissimilar forms of social existence of the various heterogeneous groups that constituted early modern society; the complex interaction between elite and popular groups; and the attitude of urban society towards marginal and deviant groups.

Revolutionary Russia, 1894-1939

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

This module examines Revolutionary Russia from the last Romanov ruler through to the establishment of Stalinism in the USSR. Key historiographical debates will be examined and assessed. The political, economic, and social and cultural aspects of this period will be covered

Year two

Media Law and Regulation

Year: 2

Status: C

This module offers a practical introduction to the range of legal and regulatory topics relevant to media professionals. At its core are defamation, privacy, contempt and copyright - the main areas of law pertinent to media production across all platforms. The module will examine how these impact on the output of the media. It will look at the various codes governing how the media operates and the ethical decisions that media professionals must make in complying with them. The module will demonstrate how to comply with this legislation and relevant codes while still generating engaging material. It will feature class discussions to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in decision-making pertinent to the work of media professionals.

Innovation and Work Based Learning

Year: 2

Status: C

This module introduces students to a range of job roles from across the media and creative industries to help them plan and apply for a short placement. The module helps students develop their understanding of defined job roles and build a range of resources to help them interface with the media industry more professionally.

Exchange programme 1 - History Abroad

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

These modules provide an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. They are required modules for all History students on an intercalary study abroad semester or year during second year. They are not open to non-study abroad students. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of History whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Family, Sexuality and the State 1850-1925

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module examines the role of the state in moulding the history of the family and sexuality in Britain between 1860-1925. It looks at the forces which have influenced state policy as well as the impact on issues such as prostitution, homosexuality, gender roles and childhood.

Politics and Society in early modern Britain and Ireland

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module tracks the emergence of an internationally powerful British nation state by examining key issues and events from c.1630-1730. It will explore governance in contested kingdoms and diverse societies, the rise of the fiscal-military state and parliamentary monarchy, religious confessionalism and religious pluralism. It will also examine the early modern family, the emergence of the middle class, social and economic improvement, and the Early Enlightenment.

War and Peace: the Ying and Yang of human history

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module is designed, primarily, for History students, and will introducing them to both side of the coin of human development: war and peace; promoting an understanding of the patterns in war and peace & advancement in the course of human history, with a particular focus on the post-1648 & post-1815 periods, but especially, post-World War One, post-World War Two and post-Cold War/post-9/11 history and systems.

The Great Powers and the Middle East since 1880

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module explores the impact of the West on the Middle East and its contribution to conflict in the region since the end of the 19th Century.

Film and the Vietnam Conflict

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

The module explores the history, media, film and political culture in the context of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. The module explores major debates in the historiography of the era. Film representations of the war are subject to scrutiny for what they reveal about American society, and how they depict the changing perspectives of the "history" of the conflict. The module also follows the way in which the war developed and the changing attitudes it provoked at home and abroad.

The Myth and Reality of Imperial Spain, 1492-1700

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module examines the rise to power of the Spanish Empire in the sixteenth century, and its subsequent decline from the seventeenth century onwards. The following issues will be emphasized: Spain's Empire building; its image in the European political discourse; the military, economic, and social crises of the seventeenth century; the importance of honor and religion in all realms of society; and the cultural impact of Spain in the early modern world.

Death, Disease, and Medicine in Britain, 1800-1914

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module introduces students to key themes and topics on the history of death and illness in the long nineteenth century. Drawing from social, medical and Victorian history, students will explore themes such as murder in the Victorian city, ghosts, asylums, suicide, Victorian funerals and bodysnatching. Students will examine interdisciplinary sources including literature and art, as well as standard historical sources.

'Good Trouble': Struggle, Resistance and the African American Experience

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

Race remains one of the most contentious issues in United States society. It has had a profound impact on America's domestic political process and culture and the way in which the US is perceived by the rest of the world. This module seeks to provide insight and understanding into the questions raised by the African American struggle and race relations in America and the continuing problems faced by Black Americans. The module proceeds chronologically through Black history from slavery through to the present day. This module also assesses the cultural contribution of African Americans in the United States in the twentieth century, and explores the legacy of the slave experience. It is interdisciplinary in method and will examine such issues as rebellion and assimilation, black nationalism, family, gender, film and popular culture.

Beyond Belief: The Global Supernatural, c.1700-2000

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

Students will study cultural and social change between 1700 and 2020 through a global history of the supernatural. Topics covered include: the history of spiritualism, exorcism, neo-paganism or Wicca, beneficial magic (divination, magical healing, protective magic), harmful magic (cursing, the evil-eye and witchcraft), supernatural beings (Djinn, Púca, demons, devils, fairies, banshees and golems), revenants, ghosts, and service magicians (astrologers, cunning-folk, fortune-tellers, magical healers, mediums, and ritual magicians). This module explores these topics in their social and cultural context and throws light on how they were experienced by people in the past, as well as how they were regulated and policed. It will consider the impact of colonialism on indigenous belief and the ways in which modernity and social, political, economic, and medical crises were and still are negotiated through supernatural belief and practice. It will also chart the changing ways in which popular culture uses and represents the supernatural. The module challenges and reconceptualises what it means to be 'modern' and asks whether we can call the 19th and 20th century "Disenchanted". It encompasses the history of mentalities, gender, science and technology, sex and sexuality (including Queer History), medical history and complementary medicine, and witchcraft and disability studies. Students will learn how to plan, script, record and edit a historical podcast on a topic of their choosing under the direction of the module coordinator.

The Fighting Irish: The Irishman at War since 1534

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This course will examine the emergence and the evolution of the 'Fighting Irishman' in history, literature, art, iconography, film and media. Lectures and readings will deal primarily with the period between the Reformation (1534) and the Good Friday Agreement (1998).
Especial emphasis will be placed on Irish involvement in 17th and 18th century Europe and the Americas; Irish participation in the American War of Independence, the war of 1812, the Civil War and the subjugation of native American peoples. The course will also focus on the historical and military contexts of this tradition, and the ideologies (royalist or republican, nationalist, unionist), which often prompted military service.

The Irish Outlaw: The Making of a Nationalist

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

A study of the Irish outlaw in his various political, socio-economic, historical, historiographical and cultural contexts.

History in the Workplace: Work-Based Learning

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This is an optional module for students in second semester of level five. It is a work-based learning module designed for students who wish to undertake short periods of workplace experience or complete 'real-world' tasks with professional employers.

Media: Study Internationally (2nd yr)

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the Erasmus Plus area such as the Americas, Australia or China. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Media whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Advanced Multi-platform Journalism

Status: O

Year: 2

This module is optional

This module develops students' skills in multi-platform newsgathering and reporting and introduces online, mobile and social media production. Students will produce a portfolio of journalistic work, including a work based learning project, and a reflection on the news production processes involved. They will be encouraged to look critically and analytically at a wide range of journalism and to critically evaluate those items.

Year three

Hollywood Histories

Year: 3

Status: C

Hollywood Histories explores the ways in which American films have critically engaged with the various cultural, social, technological, and economic issues that have defined the key periods of twentieth century history during the eras in which they were produced. Hollywood output, the impact of films on the public and how they were received, and in turn how American history has in turn impacted Hollywood will all be explored, through screenings, readings and discussions.

Workers and radicalism in Ireland, 1700-1939

Year: 3

Status: C

This module investigates the evolution of the working class in Ireland, north and south, and its interaction with capital, labour organization, society, and politics.

International Academic Studies - English

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK. It is a required module for all History students on an intercalary study abroad year between second (level 5) and final year (level 6). It is not open to non-study abroad students. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Industrial Placement - Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP)

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their inter-calary programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

The Irish Revolution, 1913-1923

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module uses an innovative teaching method and utilises documentary, digital, and audio-visual sources to explore life in Ireland during the revolutionary years, 1913-1923. The period is brought to life through narratives of key events and the analysis of primary source material from the time.

Late Soviet Communism, 1953-1991

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module examines the attempts of the post-Stalin leadership to manage, reform, and improve the prosperity of Soviet domestic communism. The political, economic, and social and cultural policies of the three main general secretaries - Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and Gorbachev - will be examined and assessed critically.

United States Foreign Policy Since 1945

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module is designed principally for students studying History and will promote and in depth understanding of U.S. foreign policy post-1945, and its significance vis-à-vis the rest of the world. It seeks to examine the complex interaction between the United States and the wider world by looking at key events, issues and debates in U.S. Foreign Policy. The chronological approach will focus on the Cold War, Post-Cold War, and post-September 11th eras, analyzing the administrations of Presidents from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama.

Saints and Sinners: Women in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Ireland

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module will use the study of women in Irish society from 1850-2000 to consider the role of women in areas such as politics, religion, culture, work and sexuality and how their role and experiences changed over the period. It will allow students to gain an alternative historical perspective on the major political and societal changes of the period. Though the use of oral history students will gain a personal understanding of female experience in the past.

Imperial Retreat: The Decline and Fall of the European Overseas Empires

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module will examine the historical process since 1945 whereby European colonial powers either withdrew This module will examine the historical process since 1945 whereby European colonial powers either withdrew or were driven from formal occupation of their overseas possessions. The module will not only examine various interpretations of imperial disengagement but will also provide an in-depth study of the actual mechanics of European decolonisation for particular territories in South and South East Asia, Africa and the Pacific. It also aims to enhance student skills in evaluating interpretations put forward by historians through allowing them to make a detailed study of one particular colonial possession.

America in the Depression, 1929-1941

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This is an interdisciplinary study of one of the most significant events in the history of the United States since 1900, the Depression that began in 1929 and lasted until the USA entered the Second World War in 1941. This course will examine the turbulent years of the Great Depression and the New Deal. It will cover political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of the events and circumstances that led to the Depression, the election of FDR in 1933, and the formulation of the New Deal as national policy. It will then look at various aspects of New Deal policies and will assess the achievements and limitations of those policies.

The Post-War Body: Medicine and Society in Britain and America, c.1945-90

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module examines the dramatic changes in experiences of health and illness that occurred in the twentieth century. Focusing on Britain and America, it explores how our attitudes to matters such as sex, death, eating, disability and mental health were revolutionized in the twentieth century. The module also looks at ethical problems issues such as Cold War human experimentation. Students will engage with broader themes such as class, gender and race relations.

Witchcraft and magic in early modern Europe and Colonial New England, c.1550-1780

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

The early modern period in Europe saw around 40-50,000 people executed for the crime of witchcraft, and many more prosecuted, imprisoned or otherwise punished. This module will examine the many facets of the witchcraft experience in Europe and New England using a variety of contemporary sources: from artwork, to printed books and pamphlets, court records and private correspondence. It will examine patterns of witchcraft accusation and prosecution, the intellectual context of witchcraft beliefs, the connection between witchcraft and women, the decline in educated belief, and the continuation of popular notions and traditions. Early modern witchcraft will be located in its wider magical context by exploring both popular magic (cunning-folk, magical healers and fortune-tellers) and elite magic (astrology, alchemy and angelology). Developments in witchcraft and magic in the early modern period will also be linked to wider societal, cultural and religious changes..

Media: Study Abroad (DIAS)

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an additional academic year of study which is spent outside the UK. Those who successfully complete it get an extra qualification - the Diploma in Academic Studies (DIAS). Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the media and engage with it first-hand in international contexts. The opportunity to generate educational and cultural networks will be available to the student.

Year four

Journalism Major Project (MAJOR ONLY)

Year: 4

Status: C

This module allows the student to put into practice the skills acquired in the previous
journalism practice and theory modules. It will allow them to develop and refine their skills in journalism practice with a particular focus on producing a significant piece of investigative journalism and putting into an agreed format for public output. The resultant piece can be used as part of a portfolio for seeking employment and/or applying for further study. The module will be a mix of lectures, problem-based learning, production workshops and independent practice.

Journalism Dissertation (MAJOR ONLY)

Year: 4

Status: C

This module enables the student to plan, research and write a Journalism dissertation of 4,000-6,000 words on an agreed topic selected by the student, with guidance, and produced under the supervision of a member of staff, with whom the student will meet regularly to discuss progress and receive feedback.

Investigative Journalism

Year: 4

Status: C

One of journalism's main roles is to investigate what is really going on in society. This module provides the theoretical background, tools and the framework for producing an investigative project. The various research tools that can be used - freedom of information, statistical research, opinion polls, journalistic experiments, source tracking, public and public records - will be taught. Students then conduct their own investigation either collaboratively or solely. They will reflect on the learning to make a proposal for a larger Major Journalism Project completed in the following semester.

Journalism Research in a Global Context

Year: 4

Status: C

This module considers journalism's role around the globe raising questions about ethics, objectivity, ownership and bias, social impact, economic and political influence. Students will learn to formulate their subject interest into answerable research questions. The module will enable them to produce well-designed and appropriately analysed research projects and give direction to the Journalism Dissertation in the next semester. This module will guide students as they pursue answers to those questions using appropriate methods.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BCC.

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for the final A level grade (C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***

BTEC Awards

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Distinction Merit

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit Merit

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit (to include 6 unit Distinctions) plus A Level Grade B

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC

Diploma, National Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency

• View tariff point chart

Tariff point chart

Scottish Highers

BCCCC

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

Scottish Advanced Highers

CDD

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum of

24 points to include 12 at higher level.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall mark of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)

Overall profile of 12 credits at distinction, 30 credits at merit and 3 at pass (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

HND - Overall Merit with distinctions in 30 Level 5 credits for entry to Year 1.

HNC – Overall Merit with distinctions in 60 Level 4 credits for entry to Year 1.

You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).

Foundation Degree - An overall mark of 45% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)

The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications.

Transfer from degree level study at other institutions

Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from another institution or year 2 entry) will be considered on an individual basis.

Exemptions and transferability

• You may be able to transfer from another institution should you satisfy our entry requirements.
• It is possible to transfer between our single honours courses and our combination courses at the end of your first year.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• BBC - UTV
• Local Radio
• Media organisations
• Newspapers
• Local and National Government
• The National Trust

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Journalist
• Media management
• Public Relations
• Reporter
• Researcher
• Civil and Public Service
• Teacher

Career options

While a degree in Journalism at Ulster does not lead directly to a professional qualification in journalism, it will prepare you for application to higher degree and professional courses.
In common with all other undergraduate Arts degree programmes, journalism offers you very real opportunities for personal growth and self-development.

Where these opportunities are taken with enthusiasm and determination, you will undoubtedly enhance your long-term employability and the skills developed while studying journalism will be valued by a wide range of employers.

It can also prepare you for entry into Ulster’s industry accredited programme at Masters level, MA Journalism.

For information on postgraduate research opportunities see: www.arts.ulster.ac.uk/rgs.

Historyat Ulster does not confine you to one career path. Our course develops talents which are transferrable across a variety of professions and industries. Our recent graduates are working in media, education, civil service, retail, banking and finance, the heritage sector, law, and many more.

Work placement / study abroad

• We have partnerships with universities throughout North America, Europe and Asia and you can choose to study abroad for one semester or for a year. Some of our current students have studied in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Toronto and many more. See: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/goglobal
• We provide full careers support, from CV preparation, to interview skills, and help with applications to all graduate internships, apprenticeships and full-time positions. You can continue to make use of our extensive careers support services for up to three years after you graduate. For more information: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/campus-life/careers

Apply

Start dates

• September 2023

Contact

For more information visit

• Visit Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Visit School of Arts and Humanities

Disclaimer

Testimonials

Robert Hunter (recent History graduate)

‘I am really enjoying studying History at Ulster. It offers lots of interesting modules that cover a wide variety of eras and cultures, taught by helpful expert staff. It has taught me transferable skills such as how to analyse, interpret and present information that will be valuable when it comes to seeking employment after graduation. History at Ulster has also given me access to amazing travel opportunities. In my second year, I was awarded a bursary to work in the “In Flanders Fields Museum” in Ypres, Belgium for three weeks where I helped to digitise the records of Irish soldiers who died during the First World War’.

Karolina Stonkute (recent History graduate)

‘During my three years on the History course at Ulster, I have never felt unsupported. The History lecturers have continuously provided me with help whether it was academic or personal. They strive to push their students to achieve grades that they believe best represents their skills. I would not have the experience nor the confidence to enter the next chapter of my career without them.’

Orin McIvor (recent History graduate)

‘At the end of my second year studying History at Ulster I applied for the ‘study abroad’ programme and spent a year at university in America. I had an incredible time. It was truly a life changing experience that boosted my self-esteem and confidence. It was amazing being able to experience different cultures and to meet people that I would become friends with that I would have had no opportunity to do so before. I miss the experience a little more every day and still catch up with the friends I made. It was an experience that I feel anybody with even a hint of interest in studying abroad should go for as they will not regret it’.