News Journalism MA / PGDip
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2022
- 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:
This course prepares you to work in an editorial team to supply material across a multi-platform newsroom. You will seek out original stories, conduct incisive interviews and produce crisp and engaging copy. You will train to be what Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez calls the best job in the world – a journalist.
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience in news journalism with input from leading journalists and editors from publications across the country going from news novice to a multiskilled, multi-platform, social media savvy and highly employable 21st Century journalist.
Our agreement with the Nottingham Post gives students the opportunity to learn journalism skills on the job. Our students are gain invaluable first-hand experience working in industry and it gives the Post an opportunity to spot the best talent which is great for their newsroom but also the city as skilled graduates are retained.
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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.
Course accreditations
We are proud to be part of the BAFTA Albert education partnership
This course is accreditated by the National Council for the Training of Journalists
All Journalism courses at NTU are recognised by the European Journalism Training Association
This course has been awarded the Best Performing Postgraduate Degree 2018 by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists).
Find out what it's like to be a postgraduate journalism student at NTU
What you’ll study
You will be taught the essential skills of reporting, interviewing and researching, video filming and editing, and using social media as a journalist.
On newsdays you will work to tight deadlines not only reporting, but managing multi-platform news output for our in-house media brands. You will be video and audio trained to help you produce engaging stories for our website. You’ll also explore the best ways to use social media to both find and promote them.
You will gain a solid grounding in media law, public administration and ethics and regulation. You will develop your shorthand skills to the NCTJ standard. By the end of the course you will be ready to work in a newsroom producing sophisticated and engaging multimedia journalism.
Core modules
- News Journalism Skills and Digital Production (60 credit points): You will learn the traditional skills of writing news stories and features, columns and reviews, court and council reports plus headline writing and sub-editing. The module will also teach you how to be a multimedia journalist – editing audio and video, creating attractive web pages and exploring the role of social media.
- 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, evaluating risk and amending or eliminating content. You will gain an appreciation of the impact of reporting restrictions on the work of journalists.
- Public Affairs for Journalists (20 credit points): UK students will study this module which gives you the opportunity to develop a sound understanding of the basic features, structures and operation of both local and central UK government. You will learn about where to find information and interviewees on political stories as you continue to develop journalistic skills and gain an understanding of dealing with press officers and spin doctors.
- Transnational Media Governance (20 credits) - International students can take this internationally-focussed module instead of Public Affairs for Journalists to understand the role of transnational media organisations (the UN, UNESCO, Sony, News International) in terms of how they impact upon the way media content is created, disseminated and regulated. You will explore the growth of these organisations and how they compete and sometimes co-operate on the global stage.
- Dissertation (MA route only) (60 credit points): You will produce an academic dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a topic related to news journalism. It will contain original research in the form of interviews with key figures in the industry,
- Multi-platform Project - News Journalism (MA route only) (60 credit points): You will produce a piece of longform multiplatform journalism to showcase the wide range of skills you have developed during the course on a topic you choose. You will also complete a research essay on your chosen subject.
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Optional modules
You will also choose one of the following optional modules:
- Journalism, Ethics and Society (20 credit points): Provides you with an insight into key concepts and theories regarding the production and practice of contemporary journalism. You will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of discourses pertaining to the changing form and functions of contemporary journalism within society. Upon this basis the module invites you to explore a range of ethical dilemmas with a view to facilitating a responsible awareness of the role of the journalist in society.
- Social Media (20 credit points) This module will provide you with an insight into key concepts, theories and practice of social media as it is deployed in contemporary journalism. It combines practical exploration with consideration of theory and academic discourse, to provide a deep understanding of social media.
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 News Dissertation, which includes conducting primary research into a contemporary issue in the news industry.
Work experience
Journalism students will have the chance to contribute to Notts TV news programmes and its website, as well as volunteering on weekends and taking part in work placements. We also 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.
University Language Programme
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.
Careers and employability
Graduates from MA in News Journalism have gone on to work for the BBC, ITN, Sky News, and national and regional newspapers across the country. As well as working as newspaper reporters, news editors, broadcast journalists and sub-editors, many graduates have secured media related positions in PR, marketing, promotions and advertising.
Graduates of this course have progressed to roles in organisations including:
- 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
- Local Democracy Reporter - NottsTV
- 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
- A 2.1 honours UK honours degree and enthusiasm for, or experience of journalism.
- Applicants with a 2.2 and substantial experience will be considered.
- A written test.
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.
- A UK honours 2.1 honours degree and enthusiasm for, or experience of journalism.
- Applicants with a 2.2 and substantial experience will be considered.
- A written test will be required.
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 2022
| Course | Full time Home (UK) tuition | Part time Home (UK) tuition* |
|---|---|---|
| MA News Journalism | £8,800 | £4,400 |
| PGDip News Journalism | £5,870 | £2,935 |
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.
* 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.
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 2022
| Course | Full time International and EU tuition | Part time International and EU tuition* |
|---|---|---|
| MA News Journalism | £15,850 | £7,925 |
| PGDip News Journalism | £10,570 | £5,285 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
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.