Writing for Publication: Freelance Journalism

This hands-on course offers a deep dive into freelance journalism.  

You’ll learn about the modern media landscape and conduct a market study identifying target audiences. You’ll develop key skills in research, interviewing, and writing in different styles with exercises including preparing blogs, news items, feature articles, reviews, and magazine pieces.  

The aim of the course is to prepare you to submit a written piece to a publication or online media host of your choice, learning how to contact editors, format your work, apply journalistic jargon, and negotiate the right fee.

This course is suitable for anyone looking to develop journalism skills and learn to write for publication, whether you’re a beginner, an aspiring freelance writer, or a professional seeking to expand your expertise.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.  

You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:  

• Use research skills and interviewing techniques effectively;
• Express yourself clearly and accurately in English across a variety of topics and genres;
• Demonstrate knowledge of how and where to submit work for publication in newspapers and magazines. 

This course is suitable for anyone looking to develop journalism skills and learn to write for publication, whether you’re a beginner, an aspiring freelance writer, or a professional seeking to expand your expertise.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.  

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date