MMJ Toolkit & Guidance

MMJ First Year Companion

A practical, just-in-time guide for Multimedia Journalism students: what to do, what to expect, and who to ask.

What do you need right now?

You do not need to read this from beginning to end. Start with the problem you are trying to solve.

I'm new to university

Understand what is different and what lecturers expect from you.

I have an assignment

Work out what the brief is asking and plan your work effectively.

I've received feedback

Use constructive feedback without letting one mark define you.

I'm behind

Stop, prioritise and work out your next practical step immediately.

I need help

Find the appropriate person or support service without endless searching.

I'm worried about something

See common scenarios and typical first-year situations mapped out.

First Year Milestones Checklist

A simple checklist of useful things to get set up. Tick them off as you go.

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You are not expected to know everything immediately.

Being a first-year student means learning how university works as well as learning journalism. Asking questions, making mistakes, receiving feedback and trying again are normal parts of becoming a journalist.

1. Welcome to MMJ

Starting university means learning a new subject, a new way of working and a new set of expectations at the same time.

University is different

You will have more independence. You will gradually take responsibility for organising your learning, tracking deadlines and asking for help when needed.

Everyone feels uncertain

Some students will look as though they know exactly what they are doing. They may not. Uncertainty is a normal part of starting university.

Journalism is exciting but demanding

You will research, interview, write, record, photograph, edit and produce work for real audiences. Sometimes you will do things before you feel completely ready.

Your confidence will develop

You do not need to arrive confident. Confidence develops through practice, feedback, reflection and trying again.

You are here to learn.

Making mistakes, asking questions, receiving feedback and trying again are all part of becoming a journalist.

2. Understanding University

Things you need to know about how university works and what lecturers actually expect in first year.

Starting outWhat do lecturers actually expect?
Lecturers do not expect you to know everything. They do expect you to attend and participate, prepare for teaching, check the information provided to you, keep track of deadlines, attempt work independently, ask questions when you are unsure and respond constructively to feedback.
Study habitsIndependent learning

Independent learning does not mean sitting alone for hours trying to work everything out. It means taking responsibility for what you need to learn: reading, practising, researching, checking, preparing and asking focused questions when you are stuck.

Try first. Ask second. Follow up third.

TeachingLectures
Lectures introduce ideas, concepts, examples and ways of thinking. You do not need to copy every word. Listen for the main ideas, key examples, things you do not understand and topics you want to explore further.
TeachingSeminars and workshops
This is where you get to use what you are learning. You may discuss ideas, analyse journalism, practise techniques, work with other students, produce something or receive feedback. You will get more from these sessions if you participate rather than simply attend.
Getting helpHow to contact your tutors
Before contacting a lecturer, check the assessment brief, Moodle and any guidance already provided. Then explain who you are, which module or assessment you mean, what you have checked and your specific question.
Getting helpAsking questions
There are no stupid questions. Learning to distinguish between “I haven't checked” and “I've checked and I still don't understand” is part of becoming an independent learner.
Your workAcademic integrity

Your work needs to be your own. Be honest about where information comes from, whose ideas you use, who you interview and what material you create. If you are unsure whether something is acceptable, ask before submitting.

See Academic Integrity (opens in new tab) for full guidance.
Your responsibilitiesAttendance

Journalism is practical and collaborative. Missing teaching can mean missing instruction, discussion, practice, feedback, group activity or assessment information. If you cannot attend, follow the appropriate university process and find out what you have missed.

See Attendance and Timetables (opens in new tab) for full guidance.
Your systemsUniversity systems
Get into the habit of checking university email, Moodle, assessment information, your timetable, programme announcements and any other platform used by your modules. Put important dates into your own calendar.
Your responsibilitiesWhy nobody reminds you about everything
Part of becoming an independent student is learning to monitor your own deadlines and responsibilities. Do not rely on someone reminding you. Use your own calendar and check the information available to you.

Quick reference: key terms

Terms used throughout this guide, explained in plain English.

Brief

The document setting out what an assignment requires: the task, format, word/time limit and deadline.

Independent learning

The self-directed reading, research and practice you do outside timetabled teaching.

Learning Outcomes

The specific things you're expected to know or be able to do by the end of a module. Your assessments are designed to test these.

Lecture

A larger teaching session introducing ideas, concepts and examples for a module.

Marking criteria / Rubric

The standard your work is assessed against, showing what different grades look like.

Mitigation

The formal process for requesting an extension or other adjustment when something outside your control affects an assignment.

MMUtube

MMU's video platform, used for lecture recordings and other module video content.

Module Leader

The academic staff member responsible for running a specific module you're studying.

Moodle

MMU's online learning platform. Module materials, submission portals, announcements and grades all live here.

Personal Tutor

The staff member assigned to support you throughout your course — your first point of contact for academic and pastoral concerns.

Programme Lead

The academic staff member responsible for your whole course, not just one module.

Reassessment

A further attempt at an assessment you did not pass, following the university's standard procedure.

Seminar / Workshop

A smaller, more interactive session where you apply and discuss what's covered in lectures.

Student Hub

MMU's central point of contact for student services such as finance, enrolment and general enquiries.

SU (Students' Union)

The student-led organisation representing your interests, running clubs, societies and some advice services.

3. Understanding Journalism

The habits you develop now will become part of your identity as a journalist.

How journalists think

Start with: What don't I know yet? Good journalism comes from curiosity, questions and a willingness to challenge assumptions.

Be curious

Ask what is happening, why it matters, who is affected, who might disagree and what you still need to find out.

Verification

Someone saying something does not make it true. A social media post or press release is not automatically the whole story. If you do not know, check.

News judgement

Think about significance, relevance, impact, public interest, proximity, timeliness, conflict and novelty. Practice develops judgement.

Professional behaviour

Be prepared, reliable, punctual, respectful, organised, accurate, responsive and willing to learn. People remember whether you were trustworthy.

Ethics

Think about accuracy, fairness, privacy, consent, harm, representation, vulnerability and public interest. Sometimes there will not be an obvious answer.

Digital identity

Your online presence can become part of your professional identity. Think about what your public social media activity communicates about you.

Working with sources

Keep track of who you spoke to, their contact details, what they told you, when you spoke and what still needs checking. Do not rely on memory.

Developing confidence

Confidence comes from preparation and practice, not pretending you know more than you do.

Confidence with technology

You do not need to be a technical expert when you start. Your phone can already help you record interviews, take photographs, shoot video, research and capture notes effectively.

Journalists do not need to know everything.

They need to know what they need to find out, how to find it, how to check it and how to explain it clearly.

4. The Year Ahead

A quick guide to the typical rhythm of first year, including what may feel difficult and what usually helps.

SEPTEMBER

Finding your feet

You may think: Where am I supposed to be? What is Moodle? Have I made the right choice?

What helps: Attend, ask questions, learn the basic systems, get to know people and establish a routine.

FIRST WEEKS OF SEMESTER 1

Learning how university works

You begin to understand teaching, independent study, assessment language and what journalism at university involves.

Remember: you are learning the system.

FIRST ASSESSMENTS

The first big test

Your first assessment may feel unfamiliar. Read the brief, understand what you have to produce and start early enough to ask questions.

CHRISTMAS

Pause and look back

Ask what you have learned, what has become easier, what you are still unsure about and what your feedback has told you.

FIRST FEEDBACK

Use feedback constructively

A first mark can feel more significant than it is. Use the Feedback Recovery Guide to turn comments into actions.

SEMESTER 2

Build on what you know

You now know more about university, journalism, assessment, deadlines and your own working habits. Use that knowledge.

SEMESTER 2 ASSESSMENTS

Apply what you have learned

Expectations increase. The positive study habits you have developed begin to pay off.

SUMMER

Recognise your progress

Think back to September. What can you do now that you could not do then?

5. Your First Assessments

Assessment can feel complicated at first. Break it down into manageable steps.

  1. Read the brief properly.

    Identify the task, target audience, format, word/time limit, required elements, exact deadline and submission method.

  2. Understand the marking criteria.

    Use the rubric to understand what successful work needs to demonstrate. Refer to it while producing the work, not just afterwards.

  3. Plan backwards.

    Work backwards from the deadline through editing, checking, production, research and preparation. Set an earlier personal deadline.

  4. Break the task into actions.

    Replace “do assignment” with specific actions such as research, contact sources, interview, write draft, edit and final check.

  5. Check before submitting.

    Return to the brief and criteria. Double check facts, names, audio links, spelling, file formats and submission location.

  6. Learn from the result.

    Use feedback to decide what you will carry forward and what specific adjustments you will make next time.

Common first-year mistake:

Starting with the creative idea before establishing what the assessment actually requires. Understand the task first. Then decide how to make the work interesting.

6. Feedback Recovery Guide

A process for pausing, understanding what your feedback is really telling you and deciding what to do differently next time.

1. PAUSE

Manage reaction

Give yourself time before deciding what the mark means.

2. UNDERSTAND

Read criteria

Identify what worked and what most urgently needs improvement.

3. TRANSLATE

Make actions

Turn abstract comments into concrete next steps.

4. ACT

Create plan

Choose 2–3 changes for next time. Don't fix everything at once.

5. CONFIDENCE

Keep perspective

One mark evaluates one piece of work. It is not an overall judgement about your potential as a student or journalist.

Interactive Mini Action Plan

Auto-saved to browser

What did the tutor identify?

What does that mean I need to improve?

What will I do differently next time?

Your notes are saved only in this browser to help you return to them. Clear or download your plan if using a shared computer.

Ask yourself:

“What does this feedback give me to do differently next time?” rather than “What does this mark say about me?”

7. Deadline Toolkit

Practical tools for managing assignments and recovering when things do not go to plan.

1. Write everything down

Get assignments, deadlines, practical work, interviews, meetings and personal commitments out of your head and onto a clear list.

2. Identify immediate priority

Ask what genuinely needs your attention first. The task you are most worried about is not always the most urgent.

3. Break it down

Turn “I have an assignment” into small actions such as finding sources, preparing questions, interviewing and editing.

4. Work in short blocks

Try 25–30 minutes working focused, then 5 minutes away from the screen. Repeat as needed.

5. Remove friction

Put your phone away, close unnecessary tabs, and prepare your recording equipment or document beforehand.

6. If you are behind, act

Do not disappear. Work out what is outstanding, what is due first, what is realistic and who you need to contact.

The Five-Minute Reset

Auto-saved

Then start the first action immediately!

Your entries are saved only in this browser. Clear or export the reset when using a shared computer.

8. The Help Directory

A quick way to work out who to speak to without searching endlessly through university portals.

I don't understand my assignment

First check the brief and Moodle. Then ask a focused question.

Speak to: Module Leader

I don't understand my feedback

Read feedback alongside marking criteria and note specific points to clarify.

Speak to: Module Leader or Personal Tutor

I'm falling behind

List outstanding work, identify nearest deadlines and make a plan.

Speak to: Personal Tutor

Struggling with wellbeing

You do not have to wait until things become a crisis before seeking help.

Speak to: Personal Tutor / Wellbeing

Money is becoming a problem

Do not assume you have to deal with financial pressure alone.

Visit or Speak to: Student Hub (opens in new tab)

Thinking about leaving

Talk through what is happening before making a final decision.

Speak to: Tutor or Programme Lead

I cannot attend teaching

Follow attendance process and find out what you missed.

Speak to: Personal Tutor

I have a technical problem

Check university IT guidance first, then contact IT support.

Visit: IT & Digital Service (opens in new tab)

Personal problem affecting study

You don't need to decide if a problem is "serious enough" to ask for help.

Speak to: Personal Tutor

9. Questions Everyone Asks

Instant answers to common first-year questions and doubts.

BelongingIs everyone else coping better than me?
You are seeing what other people show you, not what they are experiencing privately. Some students struggle with workload, others with confidence, belonging or understanding assessments. You need to focus on your next practical step.
AssessmentWhat if I hate my first assignment?
Do not make a major judgement about yourself or the course based on one assessment. Work out whether the problem is the topic, format, journalism, uncertainty or workload, then decide what you need to do next.
AssessmentWhat if I don't understand my first assignment?
Start with the brief. Identify the exact point you do not understand and ask your module leader a specific question.
FeedbackWhat if I fail an assignment?
Do not disappear. Read the feedback, understand what needs to change and find out what happens next under current university assessment rules.
Getting helpShould I email lecturers?
Yes, when you need to ask an appropriate question or need support. Check Moodle and the brief first, then make your question specific and clear.
FeedbackWhat if I don't understand my feedback?
Use the Feedback Recovery Guide. If you are still unsure, ask your tutor for clarification on specific comments.
Study habitsHow many hours should I be working?
University study involves scheduled teaching plus preparation, reading, research, journalism practice, production, assessment and reflection. The balance varies. The key is using your time deliberately rather than waiting for deadlines.
WellbeingIs it normal to feel overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed can happen, particularly during periods of change or assessment. “Normal” does not mean you should simply put up with it. If it is affecting your ability to study or function, talk to someone.
BelongingWhat if I don't have any friends yet?
It takes time. Start small: talk before class, sit with someone new, join group activities, ask someone about an assignment or take part in programme activities. Friendships often develop through repeated contact.
JournalismDo journalists need to know everything?
No. Journalism depends on curiosity, asking questions, researching and verifying information.
Your courseCan I change my mind about studying Multimedia Journalism?
You can always talk to someone if you are unsure about your course. Speak to your Personal Tutor or Programme Lead before making a decision so you understand all your options.
Getting helpCan I ask “stupid” questions?
Yes. You will usually learn more by asking than by pretending you understand something you do not.

10. What Happens Next?

Choose the situation that best describes what is happening. Each scenario gives reassurance, a practical next step and the right person to contact.

FeedbackI've just received 52%. I thought I'd done better.

DeadlineI've missed a deadline.

WorkloadI'm falling behind.

AssessmentI don't understand what my assignment is asking.

UniversityEveryone else seems to understand university except me.

Your courseI'm thinking about withdrawing.

AttendanceI can't attend university.

Dealing with sensitive contentI'm feeling overwhelmed or distressed by some of the material covered in class

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