BA(Hons)
International Relations and Journalism

About this course

• Entry year: 2012/13
• Course code: LP25
• Applications: UCAS
• Level: Undergraduate
• Tariff points: 340
• Department: Arts
• Campus: Frenchay
• Duration: Three years full-time
• Delivery: Part-time, full-time
• Study Abroad: Yes
• Programme leader: Dr Lisa Harrison

Introduction

International Relations
Terrorism, war, the power of the European Union over member states and international attempts to prevent hunger and abuse of human rights are amongst the concerns of International Relations. It examines the contemporary international system to establish its structure, actors and inequalities. You will examine the practices of states and other groups, including international organisations and multinational companies. In addition to a wide range of courses at UWE, you can broaden your experience by studying abroad on our exchange courses with universities in Finland, Poland, Italy and Sweden.

Journalism
This course develops skills in print, broadcast and multimedia journalism from which you can build a portfolio of work. This is underpinned by academic study to develop your critical insights into the state of journalism, communication and the media industries today, including the ethical and political role which journalists play in society.

Journalism at UWE Bristol is based on a special blend of research and practice. You will be taught by an experienced, international staff of academic researchers and practising journalists.

We have strong links with the BBC, the National Union of Journalists and the Royal Television Society.

Students benefit greatly from this wealth of shared knowledge and experience and an environment which includes research seminars, film screenings, various events, postgraduate provision and work experience. By combining Journalism with another subject, students also benefit from a rich educational experience and develop a broad knowledge base.

Students will be permitted to transfer to full awards in either of the halves within the first three weeks of starting the course, or after completing the first year of the course.

Student's view

Being a journalist requires confidence, motivation and skills in working with others as well as a good eye for detail, all of which I have developed throughout the course. Lucia

Structure

Content

International Relations
At Level 1 you take two compulsory modules:

• Politics Beyond the Nation State is an introduction to the international dimension of politics. Included in the syllabus are international institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union, international actors such as states and non-state organisations; global issues, such as war and conflict, the environment, resource distributions and global justice
• Foreign Policy examines the domestic and international influences on the making of states' foreign policies. Attention is given to particular states which include the USA and Iran

At level 2 you take one compulsory module and one option. The compulsory module, Theories of International Relations, surveys the perspectives used by scholars to interpret international affairs, including liberalism, feminism and realism.

Your other module is chosen from a range of options including human rights and the international order, international development, global political economy and European integration.

At level 3 there are no compulsory modules. It is in your final year that you have the greatest opportunity to specialise in your particular areas of interest. The list of options covers, amongst others, global governance, international security, the politics of climate change, the EU's international relations and ethical issues in politics. You may also do a dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Journalism
Teaching staff have expertise in both the theory and practice of journalism, and this is reflected in the range of modules on offer and the diversity of assignments which offer opportunities to learn a range of journalistic writing skills, conduct interviews and use industry-standard technology. In brief, the following modules will be offered on the programme:

Year 1: The modules News Media and Society and Journalism Writing offer in different ways an introduction to the dimensions of the theory and practice of journalism. News Media and Society is distinctive for its combination of the historical development of the news media; current debates about their role in modern society; the 'encoding' and 'decoding' of news discourse; and the ways in which news represents a range of pressing social issues. Journalism Writing emphasises a range of journalistic writing skills - news reports, features, reviews, editorials, investigative reports - and the ability to identify newsworthy events and issues.

Year 2: The foundation for the study of the theory and practice of journalism at Level 1 is developed further through the modules Journalism and Public Communication and Local and Global Journalism. The module Journalism and Public Communication explores the historical and contemporary development of a variety of forms of public communication within the contexts in which journalism is situated and practised, and debates such as cultural imperialism.

Year 3: At this level you develop skills in a more specialised way by choosing two of the four optional modules: Critical Reporting, Journalism Dissertation, Alternative and Online Journalism, and Reporting War and Conflict.

Teaching and learning

International Relations
We teach through lectures and seminars. Our aim is to develop students as independent learners so considerable study outside of class is expected.

Assessment

International Relations
Assessment includes essays, seminar presentations, timed assignments, case studies, text reviews, simulation games, dissertation and formal unseen examinations.

Journalism
Assessment includes essays, a portfolio of journalistic writing, and an 8,000 word dissertation.

Special Features

Placements

Placements
We are in the process of establishing international links with journalism institutes, particularly in India, where you may be able to carry out part of the course fieldwork, if you wish.

 

Careers/further study

Graduates in International Relations develop a range of skills in analysis, written and oral communication, information retrieval, use of information technology and group work which prepares them for many occupations. Likely career routes include management, journalism, public administration, recruitment, the armed services and teaching.

The half award in Journalism provides a base for those interested in a career in Journalism and related work.

Entry

Typical offers

• Tariff points: 340
• GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
• Specific subjects: None specified
• Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in English Language.

Advice on typical offers

In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.

For further information

• Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
• E-mail: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk