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Two students using the newsroom computers

Journalism MA (PGCert PGDip)

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Intro

Our accredited Journalism MA is a new and exciting degree that will prepare you for a media career by developing both the practical skills to work in the industry and the critical abilities to challenge and improve journalistic practice.

Our course will suit you if you have studied an undergraduate degree in a non-journalism subject area or are looking to gain a professional qualification to pursue a career in the industry.

National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) accreditation is recognised in the industry as a strong indication that new recruits have the skills and knowledge to become effective multimedia journalists in a busy newsroom. In addition to your masters degree, you will also have the opportunity to take the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. The NCTJ diploma is a widely recognised entry-level qualification for professional practice.

You will study new digital and social media practices alongside core, traditional story-gathering methods. You will learn the technical skills of video and audio recording that have become key parts of a multi-platform journalist’s tool kit.

The course will underpin your professional practice by exploring contemporary journalistic issues and debates, such as fake news. You will also study the contextual knowledge needed by professional journalists, such as media law and local and central government,

The course will be delivered by media industry professionals and respected academics. Our student journalism website, overtimeonline.co.uk, will enable you to publish articles to a wider audience.

Through our Professional-Based Learning module, you will spend time in a newsroom environment on placement. We have close links with both national and local organisations including Sky News and the Brighton Argus. You'll also gain insight from field trips and from visiting industry guest lecturers.

We have been running journalism courses since 2003 and you'll benefit from industry-standard facilities including our newsroom.

Key facts

Location Eastbourne

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2–6 years

Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists

From September 2021, our journalism courses will be based in Brighton on our Moulsecoomb campus.

Join an online event

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Course content

How this course is delivered

Students have a blend of on-campus and digitally enabled remote learning that keeps everyone safe, connected and involved in university life. Lots of opportunities are provided to interact and engage with lecturers and other students. The balance between online and on-campus learning varies by module, and in response to the external environment.

Course structure

The Journalism MA comprises six 20-credit modules that each involve 30 hours of contact time plus an independent final project where you will work with an allocated supervisor. 

The course is taught by industry professionals and highly respected academics who will help you develop key journalism skills as well as academic research and writing methods.

You will compile an e-portfolio of assorted journalistic work that will act as a showcase to prospective employers. Practical journalism modules will feed into your portfolio and you will also publish your work on our website, Overtime Online.

Your placement will enable you to demonstrate hands-on experience in a journalistic environment.

The course is flexible in that it allows you to exit with a postgraduate certificate at the end of one semester (three 20-credit modules) or a postgraduate diploma at the end of two semesters (six 20-credit modules). You must complete the 60-credit research project to qualify for the MA.

For international students, the MA offers an extended masters route with English language study for between two and six months before the course begins. 

Writing shorthand

 Areas of study

The Journalism MA will give you the critical, contextual, and practical skills and knowledge to succeed in the journalism industry.

  • Analyse the state of the industry and critically appraise how professional standards can be improved with particular focus on ethically and socially responsible journalism.
  • Explore how the industry has changed in the digital age, the challenges posed, and how this new media environment shapes what journalism can and should be.
  • Apply theoretical models of understanding journalism such as tabloidisation, gatekeeping theory, sociology of work and professions, and political economy in exploring occupational and industry shifts.
  • Evaluate key legal and ethical debates affecting the industry including regulatory bodies, codes of conduct, legislative changes impacting on journalists such as the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, and privacy versus public interest arguments.
  • Learn key contextual knowledge for journalists, specifically local and central government and media law, and are expected to problem solve in these areas using mock newsroom scenarios.

The course structure ensures that key thematic areas of general journalism education are covered, while providing opportunities for you to specialise in your own journalistic interests.

Modules 

Core modules

  • News Journalism
  • Digital Journalism
  • Critical Issues in Journalism
  • Journalism in Society
  • Specialist Journalism
  • Professional-based Learning
  • Final Project

The Critical Issues in Journalism and Journalism in Society modules are designed to give you the critical and contextual knowledge needed to underpin good journalistic practice.

Professional-based Learning will oversee your professional development and you will also synthesise your learning in the Final Project.

Practical journalism modules (News Journalism and Digital Journalism) explore newer, forward-thinking digital practices such as live blogging, social media and data journalism alongside the core, traditional skills of interviewing, writing skills and networking. You will evaluate the most appropriate technique to the story in question and consider relevant ethical considerations.

You will also be able to study long-form, specialist areas of journalism that are of interest to you, such as gaming, fashion, music, and film, through the Specialist Journalism module.

NCTJ Diploma

In addition to gaining a Journalism MA we offer you the opportunity to take the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and include the examination costs within your university course fees.*

The NCTJ Diploma in Journalism is the qualification that editors look for when recruiting a trainee journalist.

The NCTJ Diploma examines in general reporting, ethics and regulation, public affairs, media law, court reporting, video journalism for online, Teeline shorthand, and a portfolio of journalistic work.

Although not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to engage with this opportunity. Achieving gold standard of A-C in all components of the diploma and 100 words per minute in shorthand will boost your qualifications and your employment prospects.

NCTJ Logo

* The university will pay for your first assessment attempts of the NCTJ Diploma but you would need to finance any re-sits yourself.

Professional experience

The Professional-based Learning module is a great opportunity to get some practical experience in a journalistic work environment and gain invaluable firsthand knowledge. You'll be able to further engage with journalism, and to reflect upon and improve your academic, personal and professional skills.

Our school-based Employability Hub is on hand to assist you in securing an experience that best meets your career goals and aspirations. Professional experience will also help you gain invaluable contacts – many of our students have started their careers with their placement organisation. You will also compile an e-portfolio of journalistic work that will act as a showcase to prospective employers.

We have links with many organisations for placements including:

  • The Daily Telegraph
  • Harper's Bazaar
  • BBC Sussex
  • The Brighton Argus
  • Guestlist
  • The Eastbourne Herald
  • The Hastings Observer
  • Etc Magazine
  • Sky News.

Features 

Field trips
As a journalism student you will benefit from industry field trips. Previous trips have included:

  • a bespoke development day at Sky’s HQ in West London which involved guest speakers and activities
  • a field trip to Westminster with a guided tour by Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd
  • a visit to De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill to see how the press and publicity operation works.

Guest speakers
Journalism at Brighton also has a vibrant guest speaker programme. Previous visitors have included:

  • Dr Stephen Quinn, author of The Mobile Journalism Handbook
  • Lawrence Marzouk, editor, Balkan Investigative Reporters Network
  • Richard Evans, social media manager, Sky News
  • Joseph O'Leary, Full Fact
  • Colin Campbell. BBC investigative reporter
  • Rebecca Vincent, Reporters Without Borders
  • Maria Hudd, acting chief reporter, Hastings Observer
  • Bella Todd. freelance, Time Out
  • Bill Gardner, deputy news editor, Daily Telegraph.

Facilities 

Journalists in the digital age need to be able to multi-skill and our facilities ensure that you will gain all the skills you need.

You'll be able to explore photo editing, desktop publishing and audio and video editing.

The newsroom with live news and sports feeds gives you authentic real-life journalistic experience. And our sound, filming and editing equipment familiarise you with the latest technology and ensure that you graduate with the technical skills essential for your media career.

 

Staff profiles 


Simon Mcennis, course leader
Simon has a professional background in both news and sport journalism. He is a fully NCTJ-qualified senior journalist who started his career as a news reporter with a regional daily, the Colchester Gazette, before moving into national newspapers with The Sun. Simon also runs a 20-session advanced journalism programme for industry professionals at Sky.

Simon has worked in academia since 2009. His research focuses on journalism professionalism and he has had scholarly work published in Digital Journalism, Journalism and Journalism Practice.

Simon has also written articles for The Conversation website.

Simon Mcennis profile picture

Ben Parsons, Senior Lecturer
Ben Parsons spent five years as crime reporter of The Argus in Brighton, after spells as a district reporter, health reporter and assistant news editor of the North-West Evening Mail. He has also worked as an online sub-editor for sportinglife.com and for redbull.com. He has recently started working as a freelance copy editor for the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network.

Ben also conducts training for Sky Digital journalists. Ben’s  teaching includes newswriting, shorthand, media law, practical journalism and political philosophy. He is also a member of the NCTJ's Media Law Examinations Board and a fellow of the Higher Education Authority.

Ben Parsons profile picture

Owen Evans, Senior Lecturer
Owen is an NCTJ-qualified journalist who started his career as a news reporter with the Surrey Advertiser before becoming editor of Sport Business International.

Owen teaches public affairs and digital journalism and his research interests are in the relationship between journalism education and the public relations industry.

He has presented widely at conferences including the Association for Journalism Educators’ annual conference in summer 2018. 

Owen Evans profile picture

Careers

This degree will open up career opportunities in areas including television, radio, print, web, and PR.

The first students will graduate from this course in 2020 and we expect them to build successful careers in the industry as our undergraduates have, including:

  • Alex Smith, senior BBC broadcast journalist
  • Fiona McGeever, production runner on C4 Food Unwrapped
  • Polly Johns, social media editor at dealchecker.co.uk
  • Jon Vale, parliamentary correspondent for the Press Association
  • Talia French, deputy news editor for Heart Sussex Radio
  • Luke Adams, audience and content editor/senior reporter for Reading Chronicle
  • Lorenzo Ottone, music and style writer at Cool Brother
  • Nammie Matthews, editor of BN1 magazine
  • Gareth Burton, Essex County Council senior communications officer.
Graduate Lorenzo Ottone

Graduate Lorenzo Ottone is now a music and style writer at Cool Brother.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course if you wish to begin studying with us in 2021. They should be used as a general guide. 

Degree and experience
Honours degree in any subject normally with a minimum 2:2 or equivalent from a NARIC-recognised institution, or an HND equivalent plus at least five years of relevant work experience. Other applicants with extensive industry experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through the Extended Masters programme at the university's Language Institute.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time)7,704 GBP

International (full-time)13,572 GBP


Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included, whilst studying a course in the School of Art are listed here.

  • For most courses you will need to budget for the cost of specialist materials, equipment and printing and are likely to spend between £50–£300 per year.
  • Costs in your final year of study are very likely to be higher than in earlier years as you bring together your final body of work and portfolio, and you may need to budget between £200 and £1,000.
  • For some courses you may also need to budget up to £100 for specialist personal protective clothing which, with care, will last for the whole of your course and beyond.
  • For most courses you will have the opportunity to attend field trips and off-site visits, for example to galleries, exhibitions and studios both in the UK and overseas. These are optional and are not required to pass your course. The amount spent would be based on location and number of trips taken, and typically range between £100 and £700 across the duration of your course.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software at City campus and at other locations across the university. However, many students choose to buy their own hardware – usually a laptop, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
  • Course books and a wide range of magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies, but if you wish to, you should budget up to £200 over your course to buy them.
  • For courses in which there is an optional placement year, you will need to budget for living costs (rent, food, travel etc) in that city/country, as if you were on site at the university.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships, as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2021–22.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus. Subjects taught here include architecture, business, computing, construction, engineering, geography, product design, law, journalism, media and pharmacy.

On campus you will find professional-standard facilities including a flight simulator, trading room, design and digital media suites and specialist research laboratories, alongside the library, student centre, a nursery, fitness facilities and Students’ Union. There are excellent public transport links.

The Big Build
A major transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus began in summer 2018. By the time the Big Build is complete, there’ll be new halls of residence, academic building, and Students’ Union and fitness facilities – all created with sustainability, inclusivity and community in mind.

As the development grows it will provide many exciting learning opportunities for our students, ranging from live projects, placements and internships with the companies involved to guest lectures and site visits.

The Big Build

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Moulsecoomb campus is linked to Moulsecoomb Place, Mithras halls and Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent, and there’s a shuttle bus between our Brighton campuses during term time.
    • Moulsecoomb Place halls are all self-catered and are located right on campus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Halls

Modern accommodation at nearby Varley Park

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Students eating at the Hub

Students eating at the Hub

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

Stay in touch

Join an online event

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Read the latest course news on our postgraduate course blog. You can also get in touch with postgraduate students, graduates and staff by joining our postgraduate Facebook group.

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