Journalism MA
About this course
Embark on an exciting journey with the MA Journalism course. This immersive course offers a perfect blend of hands-on training and academic depth, ensuring you're well-prepared for a thriving career in journalism.
Led by seasoned media professionals, our curriculum covers the entire spectrum of modern journalism, from newsgathering to video editing and harnessing the power of social media. You'll also delve into crucial subjects like media law and politics while having the freedom to personalize your learning journey.
One standout feature of the course is its strong emphasis on social justice journalism, where you'll tackle pressing issues on a public-facing platform, making a real impact locally and globally.
Through real-world placements, Newsdays, and collaborative editorial work, you'll gain invaluable industry experience, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of our successful journalism graduates.
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100% of NTU's research submitted to the 'Communication, Cultural & Media Studies, Library & Information Management' Unit of Assessment was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of research impact - REF 2021. -
Study in the industry standard Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism facility set in the heart of the city centre. -
93% of Media, Journalism and Communications students are satisfied with the quality of their course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024).
Industry recognition
We are proud to be part of the BAFTA Albert education partnership
This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
All Journalism courses at NTU are recognised by the European Journalism Training Association
NCTJ Diploma
Students on this course also work towards their NCTJ Diploma.
You will study the diploma’s mandatory elements as part of your core modules. You will also study 35 credits worth of elective elements, which will vary depending on your core and optional modules, but may include:
- Shorthand for journalist
- Videojournalism for digital platforms
- Media law court reporting
- Journalism for a digital audience
- Data journalism
Interested in Journalism?
Dip your toe in the water with our Journalism short course programme for professionals that runs throughout the year.
What you’ll study
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Being a Journalist (40 credit points)
Embark on a journey where you will acquire the indispensable skills needed to thrive in the field of journalism. Discover the art of persuasive copywriting and seamless editing. Learn to capture exceptional photographs, videos, and audio. Uncover the secrets of crafting engaging stories and promoting them through the power of social media. Delve into specialized areas such as court reporting and explore the ethical and regulatory challenges faced by journalists.
Media Law & Ethics (20 credit points)
Enter the world of media law to grasp its impact and scope. You will acquire the essential professional compliance skills and practical know-how to allow you to navigate areas like defamation, privacy, and copyright. Develop critical understanding of key legal principles for various journalistic platforms and gain practical skills in recognising publication risks and amending content. Explore the effects of reporting restrictions on journalism to elevate your legal awareness and excel in the media landscape.
Social Media and Audience Analytics (20 credit points)
Explore social media's impact on journalism and society through critical discourse, drawing from journalism research, media studies, and ethics. Uncover practical tools to craft compelling social media content, backed by audience analytics to elevate your critical thinking, questioning, and creative prowess.
Data-driven Investigations (20 credit points)
Discover data-led investigative projects in journalism. Explore the fusion of industry practice and theoretical discourse to gauge the impact of data journalism on society. Uncover new digital methods to power your research and enhance your multiplatform storytelling abilities. Delve into the world of open data and alternative sources of information. Gain the skills to analyse, understand, and interpret statistical data for your news audience. Create compelling journalistic content from data-driven insights.
Journalism Major Project (60 credit points)
Unleash your creativity and expertise in a captivating capstone module. Show off your planning, design, and production skills by creating a compelling piece of masters-level journalism or research. Take your pick from alternative assessment options: the Negotiated Dissertation, Individual Negotiated Project, Group Negotiated Project, or Negotiated Work-Based Learning Project. Delve into in-depth research, employ advanced data collection or journalistic techniques, and bring forth an inspiring creation.
Choose one
Public Affairs for Journalists (20 credit points)
This module immerses you in the inner workings of local and central government. Uncover political dynamics, master journalism skills, and navigate interviews with officials, while getting hands-on experience crafting news features on government topics. From power divisions to EU post-Brexit dynamics, you'll dissect it all. Elevate your reporting with practical insights and lingo mastery, all while gaining a fresh perspective on political landscapes.
Sport: Challenges and Controversy (20 credit points)
From ancient civilizations to today, delve into sports' cultural, social, and political contexts. Unearth the origins of global sports, witness their transformation, and discover how societal values impact their development. With iconic figures like Pierre de Coubertin and Jackie Robinson, you will uncover the economic, political, and cultural impact of sports on society. Join us to unravel the profound significance and captivating stories woven into the tapestry of sports history.
Podcasting Production (20 credit points)
Develop a critical understanding of podcasting's role in contemporary media. Learn practical skills for professional podcast production. Analyze the link between traditional audio production and podcasting's place in journalism and media. Explore content, context, and the commissioning process. Gain insights on logistics and monetization from expert guest speakers. Appreciate, understand, critique, and contribute to podcasting in journalism.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
Study methods and assessment
There are a range of study modes including lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will carry out independent research to produce stories, features, columns and reviews. You will be taught how to record and edit audio and video for use online using professional standard equipment and mobile devices. And you will explore different ways to maximise your audience using social media.
We have a partnership with the Nottingham Post, where you will have the opportunity to undertake work experience and cover major news stories
You will be assessed by a mixture of portfolio work, essays, exams and presentations. MA students are required to complete the Journalism Major Project, which includes conducting primary research into a contemporary issue and producing a range of content.
Work experience
We have placement partnerships with various organisations including Nottingham Post; Derby Telegraph; Stoke Sentinel; Lincolnshire Echo; and Birmingham Evening Mail.
Placements are an excellent means of skill-development enhancement of the knowledge and understanding you will acquire while studying here. Every newsroom is unique and it is important that students experience as many different environments as possible in order to adapt and grow as journalists.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Previous journalism students have gone on to work as journalists in regional, national and international journalism publishers. They also move into other areas of the media, including digital marketing and PR, and work as freelances.
Graduates of similar courses have progressed to roles in organisations including:
- Assistant News Editor - Daily Star
- Head of Audience - National World
- Junior News Editor - The Athletic
- Content Editor - Reachplc Google Showcase Team
- Facebook Community Reporter - Facebook
- Head of News and Features - Nursing Standard
- Health Correspondent - Press Association
- Commissioning Editor, Health - Mail on Sunday
- Senior Reporter/SEO writer for Nottinghamshire Live, Derbyshire Live and Lincolnshire Live
- News Reporter - NottinghamshireLive
- Life Writer - NottinghamshireLive
- Social Media Producer - NottinghamshireLive
- News Reporter - DerbyshireLive
- Senior Lecturer in Journalism - Nottingham Trent University
- Sports Writer - The Athletic
- Digital Sports Journalist - Sky Sports
- News Reporter - PlymouthLive
- Digital Development Editor - BirminghamLive
- Editor - The Shetland Times Ltd
- Media Officer - British Red Cross
- Senior Media Relations Officer - South Yorkshire Police
- PR Manager - Slimming World
- Senior Editor - The Wall Street Journal
- PR and Marketing Manager - The Parks Trust
- Senior News Reporter – NME
- Public Relations Officer - University of Derby
- Digital Sports Journalist - Sky Sports
- Senior Media Officer - The Terrence Higgins Trust
- Reporter/Sub Editor - Press Association
- PR Consultant - Eden Public Relations
- Senior Reporter - Johnson Press PLC
- Digital Journalist - The Sun's dreamteamfc.com
- Sports Writer - Leicester Mercury
- Content Producer - BBC
- Broadcast Journalist - BBC News Online
- Communications Officer - East Midlands Ambulance Service
- Social Media Editor - Derby Telegraph
- Production Editor - Future PLC
- Freelance Digital/Video Sports Journalist - The Times, Guardian, Independent
- Freelance Contributor/Features Writer - Bristol Post, BBC Radio Five Live, TalkSport Radio
Campus and facilities
Our award-winning range of journalism courses are based in the Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism, centrally placed on our City Campus. This multi-million pound development includes one of the largest student newsrooms in the UK, a fully functioning TV studio with production facilities and three radio studios. Find out more ...
Entry requirements
UK students
Academic entry requirements: 2.1 honours degree and enthusiasm for, or experience of journalism.
Applicants with a 2.2 and substantial experience will be considered.
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Other requirements: All journalism applicants will be asked to submit a written piece as part of their application. View written test. This will be judged against clear criteria. When assessing sample writing manuscripts we are looking for work of at least a satisfactory (pass) standard in terms of language, content, observation, structure and voice.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2.1 honours degree and enthusiasm for, or experience of journalism.
Applicants with a 2.2 and substantial experience will be considered.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
Other requirements: All journalism applicants will be asked to submit a written piece as part of their application. View written test. This will be judged against clear criteria. When assessing sample writing manuscripts we are looking for work of at least a satisfactory (pass) standard in terms of language, content, observation, structure and voice.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
