Introduction
Course summary
This is an exciting and highly innovative course (developed in collaboration with the Media Diversity Institute) that seamlessly combines theory and modules providing or containing hands-on practical training in journalism or campaigning and public relations related to social and cultural diversity.
The course will give you the opportunity to study and research the main ways in which social scientists analyse the role of the mass media in the social construction, representation and understanding of difference and social diversity and get a critical understanding of the social and media structures and journalistic practises that impact upon these processes. It will also equip you with practical skills that will enable you to produce your own media product on a topic related to social and cultural diversity.
The course combines a portfolio of theory modules aimed to develop your knowledge and critical understanding of the processes of managing and making sense of cultural diversity, key issues in intercultural communication and of various aspects of the sociology of news with a number of practice-oriented modules intended to give you first hand experience in the practice of inclusive journalism.
Course structure
The course offers two study routes to suit your future plans: You can choose one of two routes for the award: the Dissertation Route or a Practice Route culminating in a final project.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Semester 1 (core modules)
Approaches to Social and Cultural Diversity
Semester 1 (optional modules)
Journalism Practice and Inclusive Society
Introduction to Inclusive Journalism
Media Production Skills
Issues in Journalism: Freedom of Speech, Ethics and Democracy
Semester 2 (core modules)
Diversity in the Media: Models, Institutions, Practices
Dissertation
Final Project
Semester 2 (optional modules)
Reporting Diversity: Gender, Sexuality, Age, Disability
Planning Campaign Communications
Media, Activism and Politics
Sociology of News
Media Audiences
Entry Requirements
You should possess, or be expecting, at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent). If English is your second language you should have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with 6.0 in each element.
Careers
Career path
This course is designed to attract a mix of new graduates, often with a media-related degree or work experience, and people who have already worked in journalism, but want to enhance their understanding of social diversity and their skills in the area of inclusive journalism. It is suitable for existing media professionals that want to reflect on their practice as journalists, as well as students who want to pursue a career in the media, national and local government, IGOs and NGOs or who intend to embark on a relevant research/academic career. It will be a valuable asset for civil servants and local authority staff, NGO workers working on immigration, equality, social inclusion and cohesion and community regeneration whose duties involve communication and media work.
Career development centre
Our Career Development Centre has just been shortlisted for the Best University Careers Service in the National Undergraduate Employability Awards for 2017.
With a growing network of over 3,000 employers around the world and a team of experienced careers consultants, we are here to help you succeed.
In 2015–16, we helped over 1,500 students find work placements across a range of sectors, with 250 employers attending 14 on-campus skills and careers fairs.
As a Westminster student, you’ll have access to our services throughout your studies and after you graduate.
We can help you:
find work placements related to your course,
find part-time/vacation, placement and graduate jobs, including voluntary experience,
find international opportunities to enhance your employability,
market yourself effectively to employers,
write better CVs and application forms,
develop your interview and enterprise skills,
plan your career with our careers consultants,
meet employers and explore your career options at our employer fairs, careers presentations and networking events throughout the year.
