Magazine Journalism MA
About this course
Start your career with the MA Magazine Journalism – where creativity meets professionalism.
Our vocational course combines practical training in multimedia journalism with specialist industry knowledge and academic challenge.
You will learn how to write for online and print audiences, working to tight deadlines to produce stories people love to read and presenting them in eye-catching ways.
Video plays a major role in magazine journalism so you’ll learn how to create content for our online and social channels which stands out from the crowd.
There’s also an in-depth look at the commercial side of the industry, including how to launch your own publication, and the chance to work alongside magazine professionals in practical workshops and industry placements.
Whether you want to be a writer, specialist reporter, social media expert, editor-in-chief or publishing director, this course provides the key skills and knowledge to start you down that road.
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You could be joining course alumni at Bauer Media, RadioTimes.com, Marketing Week, Reach PLC, The Bookseller, Immediate Media, Motorcycle News (MCN), Slimming World magazine, Future Publishing, Chat Magazine -
Study in the industry standard Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism facility set in the heart of the city centre. -
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.
Industry recognition
We are proud to be part of the BAFTA Albert education partnership
This course is accredited by the Professional Publishers Association
All Journalism courses at NTU are recognised by the European Journalism Training Association
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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Magazine Practice (40 credit points)
The most important skill for a magazine journalist is writing. In this module, you learn how to write clearly, concisely and creatively, whether it’s a breaking news story, an in-depth feature with multiple sources or a snappy headline for a social post. You’ll also study the visual side of storytelling, using images to work with your words in beautiful layouts or filming and editing with video. On magazine news days, you’ll put these skills into practice to create and publish content to a daily deadline alongside guest editors.
Magazine Business and Innovation (20 credit points)
How magazines work commercially is the focus of this module which explores how magazine brands are created and make money and offers a chance to pitch a new brand idea to experts in our Dragons’ Den project. This module also examines how publishers deal with technological changes such as artificial intelligence.
Social Media and Audience Analytics (20 credit points)
Social media plays an integral part in journalism today while analytics data has transformed what we know about our audiences and their likes and dislikes and this module explores both. Practical workshops tackle topics including search engine optimisation, using Google Trends, and how TikTok journalism works, while seminars explore the rise of problems such as disinformation and their impact on journalism and wider society.
Media Law and Ethics (20 credit points)
You will acquire the essential professional compliance skills and practical know-how to allow you to navigate areas like defamation, privacy, and copyright. You’ll develop critical understanding of key legal principles for different platforms and learn how to recognise publication risks. You’ll also explore the effects of reporting restrictions on journalism.
Magazine Project (60 credit points)
This module brings together the hands-on skills, industry insights, and entrepreneurial thinking developed throughout the programme and you have a choice of what to do. If you have a compelling idea for a new magazine, this is your chance to make it real by creating an editorial concept, business strategy and sample publication. Alternatively, if you are passionate about a cause or contemporary issue in society, you can explore it in depth to produce a piece of long-form journalism for a specific publication.
Choose one
Podcasting Production (20 credit points)
Elevate your craft with this module, delving into podcasting's role in magazines and beyond. Gain hands-on skills to craft top-notch online audio content, targeting diverse audiences. Explore podcasting's brand-boosting potential and commercial impact. You'll create captivating podcasts, featuring guests, tailored for specific platforms.
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.
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.
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.
How you're taught
Study methods and assessment
Study methods include practical sessions, project work, tutorials, seminars, lectures and independent learning.
Assessment is by a mixture of portfolio work, projects, essays, and exams.
Work experience
Our programme thrives on immersive work experiences, integrated into core modules. Engage in ten live newsdays, crafting content for our public-facing platforms and social channels, mentored by industry grads. Embrace remote teamwork dynamics, vital in today's magazine landscape, and stay ahead with future-ready skills. Pitch new brands to industry leaders in our innovative Dragons' Den project.
For your capstone project, choose between launching an entrepreneurial magazine or producing in-depth, cross-platform journalism.
Previous students have taken their three week placement with Grazia, BBC Good Food, Woman’s Weekly, the Guardian, Slimming World, Wired, Drapers, FourFourTwo, Uncut, Olive, Mashable and Comic Relief, among many others.
We have a close relationship with Notts Live and with The Voice, the London-based title for the African-Caribbean community. Both offer students ongoing opportunities to contribute news, features, vox pops and other content throughout the year.
Other placement opportunities are promoted throughout the year by tutors and by the NTU employability team.
Professional practice
Students are encouraged to work to professional standards and are expected to be punctual, meet deadlines, work in teams and contribute ideas.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another 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. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Further information
Expert teaching staff
All our staff are current or former media professionals with substantial industry experience.
Julie Nightingale leads the MA Magazine Journalism. She teaches writing, editing, social media and production skills and supervises the Business of Magazines Project. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist, beginning in local newspapers and subsequently working for magazines ranging from New Statesman and Museums Journal, to Radio Times and TV Quick. She continues to work as a freelance journalist outside NTU for specialist magazines and for The Guardian.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Previous students on the MA Magazine Journalism course have gone on to work as magazine writers in digital and print, production journalists, magazine editors, social media editors, sub-editors, and in PR, digital marketing and promotions.
Recent graduates include:
- Ben Clarke, deputy head of digital, (motorcycling), Bauer Media
- Sophie Gargett, editor, LeftLion magazine
- Christina Geggus, content writer, Grazia, Heat and Closer magazines
- Ellie Hutchings, audience trends editor, Metro.co.uk
- Georgie Kiely, editor, Ginned! magazine
- Chris King, publicity manager, 1UP PR
- Ashleigh Page, commissioning editor, Chat magazine
- Helen Rodgers, marketing manager, New Perspectives Theatre Company
- Maia Snow, news editor, The Bookseller
- Akhila Thomas, digital writer, Yours.co.uk
- Amrit Virdi, reporter, Marketing Week
- George White, sub-editor, RadioTimes.com
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
- You will need a good honours degree (minimum 2.1) 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.
Written journalism test
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the equivalent to:
- You will need a good UK honours degree (minimum 2.1) and enthusiasm for, or experience of journalism.
- Applicants with a 2.2 and substantial experience will be considered.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Written journalism test
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.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Course fees for 2025 entry:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Magazine Journalism | £9,900 | £4,950 |
* Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Course fees for 2025 entry:
Course | Full time International and EU tuition | Part time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Magazine Journalism | £17,850 | £8,925 |
* Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
