Successful Careers

Many of our graduates have established successful careers in film, media and journalism. These include working in television and radio industries as journalists, scriptwriters, directors, administrators and technicians. Some have made careers in the press and publishing or in the arts and cultural industries. Others are working in advertising, public relations, market research, community media and new media.

The Department of Film, Media & Journalism aims to enhance the employability of its graduates by ensuring that they have a solid academic training in which the ability to carry out research, analyse information, synthesise argument and present findings is central to the curriculum. This is fostered by the traditional academic essay and by a variety of other methods such as group presentations, which, together with seminars, promote oral communication skills. The optional final semester dissertation gives students an opportunity to step beyond the library in carrying out their research by enabling them to survey and interview external individuals. This helps to enhance “people” skills, as well as giving insights into the working lives of those in the wider community.

Audiovisual production modules also encourage interaction with the wider environment, particularly in modules in radio and television which are factual in mode. The research, organisation, execution and editing of interview material is, for example, a key skill in the audiovisual and journalism industries and is an important aspect of several production options. Also offered across all production modules is initial training in key skills areas such as scriptwriting, recording, camerawork, editing and directing, as well as the overall planning and execution of complete programmes to set deadlines. Web design is also taught on the Journalism Studies programme.

The mix of academic study, which provides a broad understanding of the media industries, together with production work, which allows students to build a portfolio of practical experience and skills, has been cited by many graduates as particularly useful in gaining employment. Although the Department offers no formal work placement scheme, gaining workplace experience is encouraged and, whenever possible, facilitated by members of the Department. This is done by making use of contacts with industry as well as offering guidance to students. Some of the latter is formal (eg lectures on gaining work experience and employment or visiting speakers from industry talking about employability strategies), whilst some of it consists of advising students how best to approach particular companies, how to tailor CVs and so on. Visiting speakers are employed on most production modules to provide specialist information and, occasionally, to run specialist workshops.

Journalism Studies also teaches a range of skills from researching through to producing journalistic material for a variety of media platforms such as the web. As with other programmes offered by the Department, visiting speakers from the journalism industry – including former students of the Department – are a regular feature of the Journalism Studies programme. This fostering of networks and contacts offers opportunities for students to establish initial contacts with employers in the industry.

Many students of Film & Media have established successful careers in the media. These include broadcast and print journalism, television, radio and film production, media management, advertising and public relations.

For news of some of our graduates see the Intelligencer, the Department's annual newsletter, or IntellyBlog, our news blog.