This course will develop students' practical news production skills, including research techniques, sourcing and referencing experts and meeting market expectations, through practical work across a range of formats.  Applying the skills they have learned, students will work in groups to produce their own video news features which they will research, script, film and edit with support from teaching staff.

5 x 2 hour seminars followed by less structured support for the production of the group work.

None

There are two formally assessed assignments for this course. The first, which counts for 50%, is the production in assigned groups of one video news feature of maximum 5 minutes in length to the course brief. They will research, script, source contributors and locations, and edit the final piece with support from teaching staff. Assessment will be based on:

■ the degree of initiative shown by the student, in gaining information independently and suggesting new ideas.

■ the effectiveness of the planning and of delegation of tasks.

■ the practical skill of the student in carrying out delegated tasks.

■ the success of the student in fulfilling the purpose of the project.

The second formal assessment, which counts for 50%, is an individual 2000-word outline and reflection upon the practical group exercise discussing research techniques and sources used, audience profile and media strategy outline.

The aims of the course are:

■ To enable students to develop practical skills in news production, including writing skills, research techniques, sourcing and referencing experts.

■ To explore the commercial and market pressures within which modern journalists produce output, and the way in which these affect editorial decision-making.

■ To develop an understanding of the process of collaborative video production and creative thinking.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and evaluate the production processes journalists are subject to in their daily work

■ Evaluate and apply a range of journalism research techniques.

■ Select and apply practical journalism skills demonstrating knowledge of engaging audiences and market pressures.

■ Work effectively in teams to deadline and appreciate the value of delegation and collaborative thinking.

■ Integrate information and material from a variety of different sources.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.