Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies

Background

Welcome from the Director of the Centre for Journalism

The Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism takes place under the umbrella of the 'Centre for Journalism' (formerly the Centre for Journalism Studies), which in turn is part of The Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.

Journalism is one of the most interesting, but also most demanding, of all professions. It requires commitment, enthusiasm and technical ability – but also integrity and judgement.

Because there are always far more applicants than entry level jobs, getting that first step on the ladder is vital.

We are proud of our track record in giving our students the skills and discipline which they will need to get their first job with a good employer and I have no doubt that if you commit yourself wholeheartedly to the course you will acquire those skills and get that job.

But our long term aim is even more ambitious – we want to give you the background knowledge and values to enable you to go on from your first job to have a really successful career, whether as an editor or reporter.

To do that we focus on the two key parts of any journalist’s education. First, we give you the high level of technical skills you need to produce high quality journalism in a realistic environment, being taught and judged by tutors who are themselves experienced professionals. Second, we want you to leave Cardiff with a broad understanding of the media, how the media and other industries work and what are the ethical and other responsibilities of journalists.

We will look at past case studies and current controversies – such as the coverage of the Iraq war and the growth of ‘spin’. You will hear the experiences of leading professionals, including many who started their careers with the Cardiff Diploma course.

We will also ensure that you learn to make the best possible use of the new technologies which are transforming the media business.

From my own experience as an editor at the BBC and then as Editor-in-Chief of ITN, I know how good the Diploma course is, and how hard the students and tutors work to achieve the high standards which are essential for success in such dynamic and fast-changing professions.

Its reputation is as high in the worlds of newspapers and magazines as it is in broadcasting. And the course has a well deserved reputation for being fun and stimulating, as well as hard work.

So enjoy your time here - the effort you put in to the course will lay the foundations for a successful career in your chosen profession.

Professor Richard Tait - Director of the Centre for Journalism

History of the Centre: Sir Tom Hopkinson

The Centre for Journalism Studies was founded by Sir Tom Hopkinson and has since become a world-renowned centre for journalism training.

Hopkinson was knighted in 1977 for services to journalism. He was editor of Picture Post, the leading picture news weekly of its time, and editor of the African magazine Drum, when it secured the only photographs and eye-witness accounts of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.

Later, in Kenya, he set up the first training centre for African journalists.

He later returned to England to teach journalism at the University of Sussex (1967-69) and later University College, Cardiff.

Tom Hopkinson summed up his mission in education as:

...to teach the craft of the journalist in all its forms - the written or spoken word, or in pictures.

The Diploma embraces this concept by offering Broadcast, Magazine and Newspaper options whilst continuing to integrate current media technology to ensure a comprehensive coverage of journalism is achieved.