English Studies and Journalism Studies

Course description

From books and magazines to email and the Internet, texts are all around us. As texts of all kinds become more prominent and powerful in our lives, the ability to analyse them and appreciate their often elusive meanings becomes more highly prized. The English Studies degree at Stirling will enable you to recognise ideology and bias, and see through the spin of cultural and political debate. You’ll refine your ability to think and write clearly – valuable skills in many careers and professions. Our graduates are well prepared in these transferable skills and have an excellent success rate in finding rewarding employment in many fields.The English Studies degree at Stirling introduces students to the critical and theoretical study of English, Scottish and American literature. Students have the opportunity to engage with texts from a broad range of historical periods, from the Middle Ages to the present day. There is also a language pathway through the degree, allowing you to study modules in language and linguistics in each semester. We have been teaching and conducting research in journalism since 1978, and our combination of academic and practical work continues to make us one of Scotland’s top institutions in this field. We are top in Scotland for student satisfaction in journalism in the 2016 National Student Survey. Whether Journalism Studies alone or in combination with other subjects, you can expect excellent teaching from staff with a range of skills, from active academic researchers to former and current professionals from media industries. You will also benefit from the Macrobert Arts Centre, an on-campus multi- screen cinema and theatre, and our students often choose to contribute to the campus television station and filmmaking group AirTV, to student newspaper The Brig, and to Air3 Radio. Film and Media teaching combines analysis and practice. You will learn the critical and theoretical skills required to study a range of topics within film, broadcasting, digital media, advertising and political communications. You may select modules devoted to audio and video productions and developing related skills in production, post-production, content development, pitching and research. Journalism Studies teaching also combines analysis and practice. You will develop core skills in contemporary journalism including research, writing, sub-editing, photography, newspaper layout and web design. You will be encouraged to build a portfolio of work to showcase your talents to potential employers, while our work experience module offers the possibility of placements in top media organisations in the region. Journalism Studies have excellent relationships with media organisations and individual media practitioners, who advise and contribute to our degrees. Students studying with us have full access to a modern suite of media facilities for radio and television production and a state-of-the-art newsroom. You will also be given the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes through which you could study for a semester or a year in a location chosen from a list including the United States, Canada, Australia and countries in Europe. Stirling is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence in journalism research and has built up a strong reputation for the teaching of journalistic skills. Working journalists regularly contribute to teaching, while journalism lecturers frequently contribute their expertise to the media.

Subjects

• English
• Journalism