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Magazine Journalism MA

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Embark on an immersive journey with the MA Magazine Journalism – where creativity meets professionalism.

This vocational program seamlessly blends hands-on training in multimedia journalism with a robust academic foundation. Unleash your potential as you master the art of crafting compelling interviews, features, news, and visual stories across digital, social, and print landscapes.

Venture into the business side of magazine publishing, cultivating entrepreneurial prowess to launch unique products or freelance for diverse titles. Critically engage with media ethics and law, understanding the media's societal impact.

Led by industry experts, our workshops, newsdays, and masterclasses ensure you're ready for diverse roles including writers and content creators, editors, social media specialists and publishing managers.

  • 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.

Industry recognition

Find out what it's like to be a postgraduate journalism student at NTU

 

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)

Craft compelling content for digital, social, and print realms, tailoring to diverse audiences. Learn to research, write, and sub-edit with precision, while adding visual flair through layouts, graphics, and videos. Immerse yourself in real-world magazine production, mastering management and troubleshooting. Embrace cutting-edge tech like Adobe Suite, WordPress, and analytics tools. Cement your knowledge with a hands-on placement, and wield the skills to create top-tier magazine editorial, understanding the nexus between creativity, production, and the industry's pulse.

Magazine Business and Innovation (20 credit points)

Explore the intricacies between creativity and commerce in this module. From branding strategies to diverse revenue streams beyond journalism, discover the magazine industry's dynamic evolution. Decode the impact of AI and technology, analyzing its editorial, commercial, and ethical dimensions. You will craft your own magazine brand pitch and delve into industry hot topics via an individual blog.

Social Media and Audience Analytics (20 credit points)

Get ready for a captivating module with dual themes. Explore the dynamic realm of 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.

Media Law and Ethics (20 credit points)

Enter the dynamic 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 recognizing publication risks and amending content. Explore the effects of reporting restrictions on journalism to elevate your legal awareness and excel in the media landscape.

Magazine Project (60 credit points)

In this module, fuse hands-on skills, industry insights, and entrepreneurial thinking honed throughout the program. Immerse yourself in a captivating topic, producing high-impact journalism content with a commercial edge. Craft your path: create an original magazine brand, complete with business strategy and sample magazine, or delve into in-depth, issue-driven journalism tailored for a prominent publication. Embrace creativity and enterprise while leaving your mark on media.

Choose one

Podcasting for Magazines (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.

History of Sport (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.

Exploring Promotional Cultures (20 credit points)

Explore cross-cultural PR and content creation. Acquire coveted modern communication skills while learning from diverse alumni guest speakers. Embrace teamwork, devising roles for clarity and commitment in industry-relevant group projects.

Video Gallery

Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, visited NTU to talk to our journalism students
Video Icon
 

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.

Staff Profiles

Julie Nightingale - Senior Lecturer

School of Arts & Humanities

Julie Nightingale

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 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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for September 2024:

Course

Full-time Home (UK) tuition

Part-time Home (UK) tuition*

MA Magazine Journalism

£9,700

£4,850

* 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.

Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2024

Home (UK) students funding

  • Dr Pauline Polkey Postgraduate Bursary - apply
  • UK Postgraduate Masters Scholarship - apply

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.

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.

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 2024:

Course

Full time International and EU tuition

Part time International and EU tuition*

MA Magazine Journalism

£17,500

£8,750

* 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.

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.

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