The effects of the first phase of the EHEA in journalism education in Spain: more specialized and practical training

Abstract

Through a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of 66 curricula, the present article offers a comparative study of bachelor degree curricula before and after the implementation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in 35 Spanish universities offering degrees in journalism. The research seeks to gain an insight into the impact of the first phase of the EHEA and how it has adapted to the new media environment. The research provides results for four specific perspectives: the map of currently available degrees in journalism, changes in curriculum content, general continuity or renewal of curricula and the training profile for new media. The main conclusion points to a gradual change in the training trends of journalists in Spain with increased practical-specialized teaching and a reduction in theoretical-multidisciplinary content. The research also evidences the limited inclusion of compulsory courses in new technologies for training in new professional profiles.