Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

This is a vocational and skills-specific course suitable if you want to pursue a career in Journalism.

Journalism nowadays demands a skill set not limited to writing and research alone. Journalists are expected to be proficient in recording high-quality sound, shooting videos, and editing on digital systems. The growing need for journalists to produce web content has increased demand for digital skills. As a response to these requirements, this course has been developed to ensure that students are well-versed and practiced in the digital skills that are the future of journalism. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques essential for success in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

This course will provide the skills to prepare for the professional world or advance to university. Additionally, you will have the chance to specialise in a particular area of journalism that you find intriguing.

Why not connect with International Journalism Network and keep up with news and opportunities from journalists worldwide?

You'll be awarded an HND in Practical Journalism on the successful completion of this course.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 8. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Successful completion of the first year of the Practical Journalism course, either at this college or another institution.
• Due to the requirements of mandatory units, only students who have successfully completed the first year in this course will be considered for second-year entry.

Additional selection requirements

• You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form.
• You’ll be asked to write a 200-word article according to the brief given on the day. 
• You'll also be asked to correct the spelling, grammar and punctuation in a 300-word article.
• It would also strengthen your application to provide evidence of relevant experience in the area, e.g. blogging, podcasting, published articles, involvement in school newspapers, magazines or radio stations, relevant volunteering or work experience.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

Some of the elements of the course will be:

• Feature Writing Advanced.
• Public Affairs Advanced.
• Scots Law Advanced.
• Sub-editing advanced.
• Online Reporting.
• Social and Ethical Issues.
• Work Experience.

In addition, you will be asked to help run the Student website, City Live.

After the course

Careers

You can apply for jobs in the industry or a place at a university.

Continuing Study

Successful completion of the course will give access to a variety of university Journalism courses including:

• 2nd or 3rd year of BA (Hons) Journalism or Sports Journalism at UWS.
• 2nd or 3rd year of BA (Hons) Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University.

Students also continue to courses at the University of Stirling and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods