MA (Journalism)

Course details

The MA (Journalism) is designed to provide education and training for entry to the profession of journalism. It combines the practical, analytical, theoretical, and technical skills necessary to the practice of journalism in contemporary media.

This is a practical, hands-on programme. Students work and practise as professional journalists during the academic year. The class size is limited, allowing for one-to-one learning support. Graduates of the programme feature regularly in national media awards.

Key facts

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours degree, or higher. Applicants are also required to submit a c. 700-word article of journalistic merit, which may be published or unpublished, and a personal statement of intent. Applications cannot be processed unless this requisite material is included. Other samples of work may also be included.

Course outline

The programme consists of taught courses over two semesters; a placement in a professional journalistic workplace; and a final thesis which provides an opportunity to analyse and reflect on the practice of journalism. Tuition is carried out in a dedicated newsroom and radio studio environment. Modules themselves, as well as, the content of modules may vary from year to year. Modules at present are:

• News writing & Reporting
• Government & Politics
• Broadcast Journalism
• Media Ethics
• Media Law
• Feature Journalism
• Guest Speakers
• Field Trips/Conferences
• Placements

Requirements and assessment

Semester One: formal examinations in Media Ethics, Media Law, and Government and Politics in December. Continuous assessment, regular assignments, project work, presentations, and portfolios of work form part of the assessment of all modules.