BA (Hons) Degree in Journalism

The Faculty of Languages and Communication comprises the Departments of Public Relations, European Languages, and Journalism. It is an exciting development of our existing reputation in teaching and research at Philips.

Journalism now spans a wide range of media and serves a broad range of purposes. A massive expansion in print-based publications has coincided with the proliferation of broadcast channels and the new publishing platforms created by the internet. Taken together, these trends mean that Journalism – the creation of content for media publications – is a thriving employment sector.

Journalists are the means by which the world is articulated for the general public. The journalist’s role entails a significant ethical and social responsibly.

Objectives

The program has been designed with the aim of providing students with the opportunity to develop a sound understanding of the theory and practice of journalism.

We recognise the current realities and developments of the European and international mass media end journalism, and the fact that journalists are asked to continually meet new challenges.

A massive expansion of all communication media has created the need for properly-trained journalists who can work in both print and broadcast media as well as electronic media.

Aims

The BA in Journalism aims to:

• Provide a practical education in journalism and proficiency in journalism skills;
• Develop communication skills;
• Develop awareness of the ethical issues facing journalism;
• Give students all the practical skills of journalism as well as the ability to analyze and comment on the world in which they live and work;
• Develop critical understanding as well as skills in professional practice;
• Provide students with essential multi-skills to enable them to work in the broad field of journalism.

The degree offers practical training in print, broadcast and on-line journalism, underpinned by the study of communication, law, ethics, and politics. It is aimed at students seeking a career in journalism but it is also suitable for those seeking high level communication skills and a greater understanding of the practices and processes involved in journalism.

After taking this course, graduates will:

• Be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the responsibilities and roles of the journalist in society;
• Be able to demonstrate a range of transferable language, computer, communication, research, theoretical, writing and editing skills;
• Be aware of the diverse functions (entertainment, business, information, propaganda, ideological) of mainstream media and be able to articulate their attitudes to the media.

Duration of Studies

The period of study for full-time students is four academic years (or eight semesters) covering both core end elective subjects.

Graduation Requirements

Students studying towards the BA (Hons) Degree in Journalism are required to take a minimum of 276 ECTS. One hundred and ninety-two (192) ECTS must come from core subjects and eighty-four (84) from electives.

Honours Degree

Upon graduation, each candidate for an Honours Degree must have:

• Completed successfully all the prescribed course work of the examination syllabus;
• Achieved the required minimum number of credits of prescribed course work by completing successfully all core and elective subjects as required by the program of studies. 

As a general rule, all students must have

• Completed successfully a minimum of 240 (ECTS); and
• Secured a GPA of at least 2.00 on courses taken successfully during semester 5-8