Media, Journalism and Publishing

Look into the transformative journey of print media, from its emergence during the eighteenth-century novel era to the interwar paperback revolution of the twentieth century. Also explore the multi-dimensional impact of print media, encompassing books, magazines, newspapers, and ephemera, as agents of both societal conformity and radical change. 

You’ll acquire comprehensive knowledge of the socio-legal structures that shaped print media's production, circulation, and consumption in historical contexts. You’ll engage in critical analysis of print media artefacts spanning these eras, decoding their origins, production techniques, target audiences, and potential influence. Also you'll take a critical approach to studying print media history, refining your vocabulary and terminology to be able to articulate insightful analyses.
 

Experience the vibrant world of Chinese language and culture and immerse yourself in the language, so you can achieve proficiency in your spoken and listening skills, while exploring the richness and diversity of Chinese culture. You'll have the opportunity to learn traditional techniques, such as calligraphy, as well as to analyse contemporary developments in China's publishing industry. You'll gain insight into the nuances of business customs and cultural etiquette, preparing you for success in the global marketplace.

Through this module you'll develop a foundation of proficiency in Chinese language, which will equip you for intercultural communication and understanding. Also, through engagement with cultural traditions and critical analysis of China's publishing industry, you'll develop your research skills and gain a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. 

You’ll immerse yourself in the world of international publishing with a unique cross-university collaboration involving other students from Amsterdam and Stuttgart. You’ll be part of a hands-on project that transcends borders, fostering expertise in global teamwork and intercultural collaboration. 

You’ll harness your creativity and leadership by helping to shape an international publishing project from inception to execution. This module’s collaborative approach will help you build your teamwork skills and you’ll develop a solid grasp of copyright laws and intellectual property regulations, including key components in the modern publishing landscape.
 

Progress you learning from your previous modules to cover the entire spectrum of sports reporting - addressing the demands of today's newsrooms that operate across various publishing platforms. You’ll explore ethical dilemmas in sports journalism, to equip yourself to navigate complex issues.

You’ll develop your reporting skills in sports politics, public affairs, and events - spanning from grassroots to professional levels. You'll gain insight into the intersection of sports with broader societal issues such as identity politics, gender debates, and human rights concerns. While enhancing your editing, publishing, and multimedia storytelling abilities, and crafting content suitable for mutliple audiences. 
 

From contemporary fashion text to editorial storytelling and commercial communications, you'll gain applicable understanding of creating targeted content for fashion audiences and media platforms. Through your analysis of fashion criticism and communication, you'll develop the skills to produce professional-standard content, tailored to specific readerships, markets, and brands. You'll learn to craft compelling fashion features, trend reports, reviews, and more, while considering the broader impact of fashion on societies, sustainability, and innovation.

You'll build a critical understanding of fashion criticism and communication for commercial publishers and brands. You'll also develop the expertise to edit, proofread, and publish content to professional standards, ensuring suitability for publication.
 

Develop your professional profile and professional confidence through experiential learning opportunities and engage with external organisations through a work placement, internship and industry experience. This placement will help you to manage your own learning and self-direction through identifying opportunities that align to your disciplinary ambitions, situating your practice in a professional context.

It offers a range of options including an Enterprise Residency where you can operate as a freelancer and develop your ideas for a start-up business with the full support of Brookes Enterprise Support.

Explore the consumer publishing environment, covering cultural context, product development, and various roles within the trade publishing organisation. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the book commissioning and acquisitions process and you'll actively participate in a simulated real-life context, pitching original material to an existing publisher. 

You'll be able to critically evaluate the consumer book commissioning and acquisitions process, identifying appropriate target audiences for books in this sector. You'll have the ability to conceptualise, plan, and schedule content for the consumer market, and create an outward-facing portfolio piece showcasing your skills. Also you'll develop strong communication skills that are applicable to the publishing industry
 

You will explore the intersection of journalism and technology, gaining insights into the impact of digital media on the industry. You will learn essential skills to navigate the digital landscape, including creating engaging content for various platforms, utilising data analytics to shape editorial strategies, and critically analysing the evolving media landscape. Through hands-on practice and theoretical exploration, you will develop expertise in digital storytelling, audience engagement, and content creation.
 
By studying this module, you will acquire practical knowledge in producing digital articles, social media posts, and other digital content, enabling you to adapt to the changing demands of the digital age. The module's focus on digital journalism and data analytics will enhance your employability and equip you with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving media industry, where digital expertise is increasingly valued.
 

You'll explore the changing nature of authorship and writing. By starting with Roland Barthes' declaration about the 'death of the author' and Foucault's question 'what is an author?'

You'll examine the role of the professional writer in the 18th century to the citizen journalist of the 21st century. You'll delve into the idea of the author being in constant flux. 

This will lead you to ask questions like:

• Do we still 'need' authors?' 
• Who are the authors now?'
   

This is your opportunity to blend academic reflection with real-world practice. You can explore the themes and practices encountered during your work experience, investigating their relevance within the broader creative industries. As you independently reflect on your placement's alignment with the media landscape, you'll develop professional autonomy and integrity. 

By combining practical insights with scholarly communication, you'll equip yourself with the ability to articulate your experiences and observations within an academic framework. This real-world experience not only enhances your critical thinking and communication skills but also bridges the gap between classroom learning and hands-on professional engagement.
 

Understand how popular culture weaves its influence into every facet of society. Drawing from Strinati and Wagg's insights, explore the profound impact of popular media culture on modern life, including its role in shaping identities, perceptions of time and place, and even personal definitions of existence.

You’ll build the ability to evaluate and appraise the multifaceted role of popular culture in shaping society. Also, you’ll develop the skill to critically assess issues arising from popular culture's interaction with media and its profound influence on the world around us.
 

Look at the controversial narratives woven within media ecosystems, encompassing newspapers, current affairs magazines, social media, and broadcast news. Trace the historical trajectory of propaganda from the tumultuous twentieth-century wars, such as the First and Second World Wars, to its contemporary manifestations in the digital age. You’ll also explore how media and propaganda have been harnessed to shape public opinion, rally support, and challenge power structures.

By the end of this module, you’ll build the ability to critically analyse the dual nature of social media and broadcast news as both agents of control and catalysts for social change. Alongside that, you’ll acquire the tools to assess historical and contemporary instances of propaganda in media, to then build a nuanced vocabulary to articulate your findings and insight. 
 

You will engage with the cultural and industry debates surrounding children’s publishing. You will learn to critically evaluate the children’s book commissioning and acquisitions process and identify appropriate audiences and products for books in this sector. Also you will develop your skills to research and evaluate the production and design of children’s publishing. By collaborating on this module you will enhance your communication skills and progress your ability to work effectively as part of a team.

You will have gained an in-depth understanding of the components and impact of the children’s publishing environment and its current shape and business practices. Your critical thinking and analytical skills you've develop throughout the module will be useful in a range of careers, including publishing, education, and media.

You'll learn the practical skills required to develop and deliver interactive publishing products in the digital realm. Studying this module you'll cover the fundamentals of creating responsive content for screen delivery, focusing on effective communication and digital asset management. You'll explore the construction of digital products, examine the state of digital publishing, and gain hands-on experience in creating enhanced eBooks and app prototypes for different platforms.
 
On completion of this module, you will be equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital media industry. You will be proficient in software tools and digital asset management, to create engaging and visually compelling digital content.

Through lectures, workshops, and simulated newsroom settings, this practical module wil help to hone your skills as a magazine journalist, preparing you for the challenges of real-world editorial environments. You’ll explore diverse formats including narrative features, interviews, opinion pieces, videos, and more, catering to the ever-evolving preferences of dedicated and casual readers.

This hands-on module will give you a deep understanding of the role of a competent journalist and a prospective magazine industry professional. From crafting engaging multiplatform content to understanding the strategies of pitching and commissioning within broader publishing frameworks, you'll gain insight into both the creative and business aspects of magazine journalism.