Contemporary Journalism Education and the Employability Agenda in Scotland's Universities

Abstract

Journalism education in Scotland's universities is failing to meet the demands of the 21st Century. Scottish journalism education has become homogenised, siloed in pre-digital modes of production and disconnected from the skills and expectations of potential employers in the news industry. Furthermore, the lack of teaching in Scottish universities around the democratic role of journalism and in critical approaches to news, has under- mined the ethos of democracy among graduands and therefore fails to adequately contribute to upholding democracy within society as a whole. This study suggests a radical rethink of journalism education is necessary in Scotland to more appropriately reflect current circumstances, contemporary critical thinking and to ensure the sustainability not only of the Scottish media, but also of Scottish democracy. This study explores how university-level journalism education in Scotland has evolved alongside technological and other shifts that have changed the face and prospects of news businesses, with a particular focus on the notion of employability and its evolution. This research employs face-to-face interviews with current and former university journalism educators and professionals in associated organisations who work in advisory roles to university journalism departments, including employers of students with journalism degrees, to explore how Scottish universities have adapted in order to enhance the employability of their students in an industry that has suffered a decline in jobs. In addition, it includes analysis of key university documents.