Journalism MA (Online)

In this module, you'll explore the key political, regulatory and creative issues affecting journalists today. You'll draw on critical theory, journalistic case studies and examples of best current practice, which will be examined with the help of journalists working in different publishing/broadcasting/digital contexts.

The rapidly growing area of data journalism will be a focus, along with an introduction to creating infographics. You'll develop your skills in newsgathering, verification and ideas generation, all within a robust ethical framework of clear obligations to your sources and subjects.

Drawing on this ongoing research, you'll produce a regular social media digest of verified trending news stories, used to source stories and understand news consumption patterns. You'll also work collaboratively or individually to source, pitch and produce news content that includes original data analysis.

(30 credits)

A smart phone, an aptitude with apps and strong social media accounts are the tools of the mobile digital journalist.

Taking a lead from digital news innovators reporting in the field, you'll become fluent in key creative tools and strategic approaches for creating and promoting compelling news, video and LIVE events.

You'll also explore the effects of these technologies and processes, including the extraordinary opportunities for innovative and impactful storytelling, the changing relationship of journalist and audience, and the challenges of artificial intelligence and 'churnalism'.

(30 credits)

The radical transformation of news gathering and business models and the rapid advance of digital technology offers new opportunities for enterprising news journalists.

In this module, you'll critically examine a range of business models - from the corporate giants of the so-called legacy media empires to the 'disruptors' who are exploiting technology and shifts in news consumption patterns to transform journalism practice.

You'll employ data analytics to understand and exploit news and information trends and use digital applications to check factual information, interrogate data, create infographics and measure, analyse and present publishing and audience analytics.

As a result of this research, you'll develop a proposal for a viable news media service, product or platform, which you'll pitch online to a panel, and produce a report detailing your business plan. Through this, you'll consider essential components such as branding, financial planning, copyright and data protection.

(30 credits)

In this module, you'll acquire and consolidate the technical expertise, confidence and flexibility needed to produce multimedia news content, underpinned by critical evaluation of contemporary practice and a legal/regulatory focus on privacy and harassment.

You'll develop practical expertise in a range of content formats, with training in video and photography, as well as recording, mixing and editing audio. You'll learn how to use data journalism apps to identify and pursue news stories and present them in complex infographics of digital media.

Working independently and in groups, you'll apply these skills to produce original editorial content for an assessed portfolio, as well as producing a podcast critically examining a legal, ethical or regulatory challenge to media freedom.

(30 credits)

Your online master's degree will culminate in a Final Major Project, guided by lecturers and leading industry professionals. You'll conceive, plan and execute a substantial journalistic artefact or product/service on a platform of your choice.

You'll be encouraged to follow 'story beats' you may be developing for future professional practice. This could include climate and environment, international affairs, big data or lifestyle.

(60 credits)

An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply. For more information about entry requirements and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), speak to an advisor.

Experience of producing journalism, either in the industry or another context, in a paid or voluntary role, collaboratively or independently. Examples could include (but are not limited to) a university website, community website or personal blog.

You will also need to submit a 450-word essay identifying a journalist or news service you admire; explain why you value their journalism. 

If your first language is not English, you'll need to take one of the following tests to verify your proficiency:

• IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
• TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components
• LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts)

We also accept a range of equivalent recognised English language qualifications.

For more information about equivalent international qualifications or English language requirements please contact our friendly Course Advisors.

This course has three intakes per year: January, May and September.

Please note:

*Virtual Welcome Week begins the week before the academic start date. During this time, our Student Advisor team will host Welcome Webinars and be in touch with practical information on how to study online.

An Early Bird discount is available for early applications. The scheme offers a £300 MA tuition fee reduction if you apply by the Early Bird discount submission deadline:

*If you receive an offer and within two weeks you accept the place and pay the acceptance fee, you will then qualify for a further £300 off your MA tuition fees. Both these payments would be applied to your final fee instalment.

To discuss all our discount opportunities, contact an advisor.

Speak to an advisor

£11,300 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course

£11,795 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course