Magazine Journalism MA / PGDip
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Do you want to work in magazines? Are you passionate about the written word, whether it’s online or in print? Would you like to do in-depth interviews, learn how to shoot videos professionally and explore design and photography to create beautiful magazines? If so this is the perfect course for you.
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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.
Find out what it's like to be a postgraduate journalism student at NTU
What you’ll study
This course will equip you with the all-around skills and knowledge needed to build a career as a journalist in magazines, whilst providing you with a deep understanding of the wider publishing business. First and foremost you will learn how to write, whether it’s an in-depth interview, a sharp news story, a daily blog or a snappy photo caption.
You will learn how to report, research, interview and edit news stories and features. Using Adobe InDesign, you will develop an understanding of how to plan a page with text, photographs and graphics, sub-edit copy, and write a compelling headline.
You’ll get to grips with mobile journalism, using a phone or tablet to record video and audio, and learn how to edit your material into packages. On news days and news week, you’ll produce websites and magazines, working with WordPress, the storytelling platform Shorthand.com, InDesign and Photoshop, as well as creating content for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You’ll also examine the business side of magazines and have the chance to pitch your own idea for a new title to a panel of industry professionals.
To underpin your journalism practice, you will gain a solid grounding in media law, public administration and ethics and regulation. You'll also have the opportunity to develop shorthand skills to the NCTJ standard.
- Magazine Journalism Skills and Digital Production (60 credit points) - You will learn how to write for publication, carry out research, and interviews and edit your own work and that of others. In video production, you will be taught how to record using our mobile journalism kits. You will explore photography and design in sessions on visual journalism and work with InDesign and Photoshop to create magazine front covers and layouts. These skills come together in our practical news days and news weeks.
- Media Law and Ethics (20 credit points) - You will acquire a full understanding of the scope and effect of media law. You will be taught to recognise the danger areas in publication, evaluate risk and amend or eliminate content. You will also gain an appreciation of the impact of reporting restrictions.
- Business of Magazine Project (60 credit points) (this module is taken by MA students only) - In this module, you will explore the publishing business, gaining an in-depth understanding of its commercial demands. You will work in a group to pitch magazine brand ideas to an industry panel and also create your own, individual commercial magazine concept, including writing a business plan and designing a dummy magazine.
- Journalism, Ethics and Society (20 credit points) - This module explores a range of ethical dilemmas, with a view to facilitating a responsible awareness of the role of the journalist in society. You will gain insight into the key concepts regarding the production and practice of journalism. You will also develop a critical awareness of discourses pertaining to the changing form and functions of contemporary journalism within society.
- Social Media (20 credit points) - This module provides an insight into key concepts, theories and practices of social media as it is deployed in contemporary journalism. It combines practical exploration with consideration of theory and academic discourse.
- Public Affairs for Journalists (20 credit points) - This module will develop your understanding of the basic features, structures and operations of the local and central government. You will continue to develop your journalistic skills as you learn about where to find information and interviewees on political stories.
- Visual Journalism (20 credit points) - This module addresses the changing role of visual storytelling through an exploration of documentary photography and new forms of visual multimedia. You will be exposed to a range of multidisciplinary material and developing communication technologies which enable journalists to create visual stories.
- Transnational Media Governance (20 credits) - International students can take this internationally-focussed module to understand the role of transnational media organisations (the UN, UNESCO, Sony, News International) in terms of how they impact the way media content is created, disseminated and regulated. You will explore the growth of these organisations and how they compete and sometimes cooperate on the global stage.
Optional modules
You will also study two optional modules. In the first half of the year, you will choose either Journalism, Ethics and Society or Social Media. In the second half of the year you will choose either Public Affairs for Journalists or Visual Journalism.
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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
You are required to complete a minimum of three weeks of placements with magazines, news organisations or in a related fields such as PR, marketing and communications.
Previous students have been to 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 the Nottingham Post and with The Voice, the London-based national newspaper and website for the African-Caribbean community. Both offer students ongoing opportunities to contribute news, features, vox pops and other content throughout the year. Journalism students have the chance to do work experience with the station and contribute to its programmes and website.
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/PGDip in Magazine Journalism. She teaches writing, editing, social media and production skills and supervises the Business of Magazines Project. She has more than 20 years of 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.
Claire Suddaby teaches news and magazine journalism skills and has held senior roles in the industry including chief sub-editor on Slimming World magazine and on Radio Times. She was also a duty editor at the Press Association and continues to work as a freelance editor and writer outside NTU.
Careers and employability
Your career development
Previous students on the MA/PGDip Magazine Journalism course have gone on to work in a range of roles as magazine writers in digital and print, production journalists, social media editors, sub-editors, and in PR, digital marketing and promotions.
Recent graduates include:
- Alyss Bowen, social media editor, online magazine The Debrief
- Jodie Heginbotham, account manager, The Tonic Communications
- Georgie Kiely, writer, bbcgoodfood.com
- Davina Merchant, writer, MashableUK
- Charlotte McIntyre, sub-editor, Slimming World magazine
- Hannah Rought, senior marketing executive, TimeInc
- Dave Straw, marketing and comms manager, The London Stadium
- Stewart Thorpe, reporter, Rail Media.
Campus and facilities
Our award-winning range of journalism courses is 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.
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
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition | Part-time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Magazine Journalism | £9,300 | £4,650 |
PGDip Magazine Journalism | £6,200 | £3,100 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
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.
BAFTA Scholarship Programme
This course is eligible for the BAFTA Scholarship programme for UK students. Successful applicants will receive up to £12,000 towards tuition fees, mentoring by an industry professional and free access to BAFTA events. Find out more and apply here.
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees for September 2023:
Course | Full time International and EU tuition | Part time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
MA Magazine Journalism | £16,800 | £8,400 |
PGDip Magazine Journalism | £11,200 | £5,600 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
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
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.
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.