This course equips you to work in the three areas of broadcast journalism: TV, radio and online. You can specialise in one area or take a multi-platform approach. In your first year you start by using radio equipment, learning to edit and presenting in the studio. You will then broaden your skills into TV production work. In your second year you will become an expert in script-writing and production for broadcast news. Students produce hourly bulletins for our on-campus radio station, 107 Spark FM, as well as updating online stories and producing a weekly TV news programme. In your final year you can broadcast your own shows, either specialising in TV, radio or online, or taking a multi-platform approach. You will also undertake a placement to extend your professional experience. Throughout the course you will develop general journalism skills such as researching, writing, news reading and interviewing. Facilities at our Media Centre are excellent and 95% of our journalism students say they have been able to access specialised equipment when they need to, according to the National Student Survey.

This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in TV, radio and new media industries. It is also highly relevant to many positions in the broader journalism sector, as well as to jobs in PR, communications and the voluntary sectors. Recent graduates from Sunderland have gained jobs with employers such as: BBC (including Radio 1) Channel 4 Sky TV MTV Online media organisations. You could also choose to continue your studies with a Masters degree at the University of Sunderland. Work placements: Your final year project is a great opportunity to gain real-world experience. For example one group of students recently created a multi-platform sport show, which has a weekly TV programme, weekly radio show with podcast, online news content and a social media presence. This reflects current trends in the media and showcases their variety of skills to future employers. You will undertake two work placement module during your course. Placements can be with radio stations, TV companies and web-based operations. ‌You have the opportunity to be actively involved in Spark FM, the 24/7 Community Radio station based in the campus Media Centre. Spark FM has won many awards including four golds at the Student Radio Awards 2012, and holds the Nations and Regions Award for Best Radio Station in the North East. Students are responsible for all news-gathering, programme production and advertising. Other opportunities for real-world experience include Spark online magazine, the Fashion North website, the SR-News website, the Northern Lights website and SportsByte, which are all linked to the university.