Journalism

The MA Journalism is further integrating digital into its already successful Masters programme. The School of Media has been a pioneering leader in media education for over 40 years and this is the School’s response to changes in journalism, especially in relation to digital media. The programme covers the practice and theory of journalism, ranging from the basics of journalistic craft to consideration of the part that journalists play in society. Incorporating new trends such as social media and advances in digital technology, students will develop ideas and stories across multiple platforms.

A fundamental principle behind the course is the belief that good journalism, produced by reflective, critical practitioners, is crucial in a democracy. The programme seeks to produce journalists who are multi-skilled and critically aware, and have a good understanding of the role of journalism in society.

The course includes tuition, skills training, practical experience, a wide range of assignments, seminars, tutorials, group projects, independent study and research.

It is an MA programme; students must engage fully in the critical and theoretical parts of the course.

Students, particularly international students, may choose to graduate with a Masters in Journalism (International) by selecting optional modules with an international theme.

The course is offered on the following basis:

A two-semester, full-time programme, from September 2015 to December 2016.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should have an honours bachelor degree (2.2 grade or higher), or equivalent, in any relevant discipline. Non-standard applications are also considered.

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. A short-list is then drawn up and successful applicants are sent first-round offers. If any places are not taken up, these are offered to applicants on a reserve list.

Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate programmes satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the programme of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are competent to take up employment as journalists in newspapers, broadcast or on-line news organisations. They are equipped to work as reporters, sub-editors, feature writers, producers, researchers, presenters, online-content providers. Demand for graduates depends of course on economic circumstances, but former students have proved highly successful in finding work or in working as freelancers.

Course Content

The programme is divided into three strands: Professional Formation, Journalism Studies and Dissertation.

Professional Formation offers grounding in the basic and professional skills and practice of journalism across multiple platforms.

Journalism Studies provides a critical framework for journalism in its social and historical context.

Students are also required to complete a dissertation on a topic related to journalism.

Tuition takes place in the two semesters between late September and early June. Students work on their dissertation for the third semester and this is submitted in December.

Optional modules require a minimum number of students to run.