Fife College’s plans to scrap a journalism course next year have been postponed after the concerns of students were highlighted in The Courier.
However, the college has warned that unless demand for the course becomes more viable in future, there is no guarantee it will run beyond 2019.
The Courier revealed that members of the HND Practical Journalism course at Fife College in Kirkcaldy held a meeting with college management last Monday after receiving letters the previous week telling them that as of the end of this academic year, they would be able to graduate with an HNC but would not be able to continue on to their HND year.
Students expressed concern that they would be unable to qualify for their NCTJ qualification which is only offered during the second year of the course.
Students pledged to write to Higher Education Minister Shirley Anne-Somerville at the Scottish Parliament to seek her support.
A Fife College spokesperson confirmed on Monday that following representations from students, the college has decided to continue to run the HND for a further year into 2018/19, thereby enabling students to continue their studies in Fife.
However, it won’t commit any further to the years ahead.
“The spokesperson said: “In June this year, Fife College decided to withdraw its HND course in Practical Journalism from 2018/19 due to a lack of demand for the course.
“The numbers on the course have been consistently low for several years making the course unsustainable financially.
“Students who enrolled on the HND course initially were made aware of this change in June, before the course began, with alternative options highlighted.
“Following recent representations from our students on the HNC Practical Journalism course, the college has decided to continue to run the HND for a further year into 2018/19, thereby enabling students to continue their studies in Fife.
“The college is making no commitment at this stage beyond 2018/19 but the decision to give continuity to our students will give the college time to work with the industry and other stakeholders to decide how the course can be reshaped and promoted in future years to ensure it attracts sufficient numbers of students to make it viable.”
Alasdair Clark, a student on the course, said: “We are very pleased the college has reviewed their decision and will continue to deliver this course next year after engaging in a conversation with students.
“We hope that the industry will offer their help and support going forward to re-invigorate the course and increase interest from prospective students.”
