From Headlines to Hashtags: The Changing Face of Journalism

This is a Journalism Subject Spotlight with Rachel Howarth from the University of Salford. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Journalism.

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In this Subject Spotlight, you’ll discover how journalism involves creating and sharing news through various media, including traditional formats like TV, radio, and newspapers, as well as modern platforms like social media, podcasts, and online articles. We’ll delve into the advent of the internet in relation to publishing, and how this has transformed how news is consumed. You’ll learn the structure of a well-crafted news story, including how it should address the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why), feature a concise intro, and unfold with context and impactful quotes. You’ll also learn how, with the rise of digital platforms, publishers now compete to deliver news quickly through social media, live blogs, apps, and newsletters, reaching audiences instantly and keeping them engaged.

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About University of Salford

The University of Salford pioneers exceptional industry partnerships, prepares students for life, and has a global community of over 170,000 alumni. Salford is an ambitious, thriving university and there are countless reasons why students choose to study there. Whether it’s the award-winning academics, warm and welcoming campus, state-of-the-art facilities, or fantastic location in the city of Salford with Manchester’s vibrant city centre on the doorstep. Whatever the reason for joining, students become part of a community with access to the support and opportunities they need to achieve their ambitions.

Meet the academics

Rachel Howarth

Rachel Howarth is a lecturer of journalism at the University of Salford. Working as a journalist with more than 10 years experience, Rachel has been in a number of different roles. Rachel started her journalism career as a freelance writer before taking a position as a trainee reporter and working as a full-time journalist alongside studying for her senior journalism qualifications. Following this she moved into a news editor role where she managed teams of journalists working on news across online and social media platforms. She has worked on local, regional and national titles and is still a working journalist alongside her lecturing roles. As a lecturer of journalism, Rachel works on a broad spectrum of modules, teaching skills ranging from the basics of journalism - story sourcing, newswriting and journalism ethics, to more specific subjects such as media campaigns, audience analytics and data journalism and visualisation.

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!