This vocational and theory based course, accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career in British newspaper journalism. You will learn the basics of journalism, from reporting and feature writing to layout and design. There is a strong digital element too. Towards the end of the course you will bring together your practical skills by producing your own weekly newspapers. During the first nine months MA students follow the same practical route as the diploma. The final part of the course allows you to develop your knowledge and understanding of a defined area of newspaper journalism by producing a project. The programme includes two fortnightly work placements on newspapers or news agencies. You will also study ethics, media law, public administration and learn shorthand to a minimum speed of 80wpm.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

An upper second or first class degree from a British institution (or the equivalent from an overseas institution). Applicants must demonstrate involvement with and knowledge of the newspaper industry, usually by evidence of work experience on regional newspapers and/or involvement with their university's student newspaper. Mature students and candidates with non-standard qualifications may apply if they have substantial professional or relevant qualifications. Overseas students for whom English is a second language need an IELTS score of 8. Admission is by interview and successful completion of two short written news tests.

Course Content

In the first semester you will be taught the basics of newspaper reporting, then move on to more advanced writing styles for features and specialised reporting. You will also be introduced to online journalism, learn how to blog and handle user generated content. You will study law for journalists, be given an insight into the workings of local and national government and learn T-line shorthand. We expect our students to gain a minimum of 100wpm. You will also have sessions on the changing media landscape and discussions on journalism ethics and regulation. The programme features regular talks and master-classes by visiting journalists. In the second semester law, shorthand and PA remain as part of the taught syllabus, but there is more emphasis on group directed learning in the form of newspaper production. Students spend several weeks producing their own newspaper, print and web editions, which contain the stories and features they have written. The dual aim is preparation for your work placement, which usually falls either side of Easter, as well as enhancing your writing, sub-editing, layout and digital skills. Great emphasis is placed on team work and the ability to work together. Over the years the School of Journalism has built strong links with industry and organisations are happy to offer placements to our students. The Press Association, Liverpool Post and Echo, Mercury Press news agency, News & Star, Carlisle, Lancashire Telegraph and Bolton News are just a few of the newsrooms offering placements. Internal and external exams are taken in May. You will then start working on your project which includes a reflective element. In effect you will be working as a freelance journalist who’s been commissioned to produce work to an agreed brief. This takes you through Semester Three.

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Semester One: Practical Journalism, Digital Journalism, Newsroom Practice,  Law  Investigating Public Administration and Shorthand.

Semester Two: Newsroom Practice, Law, PA and shorthand. Work placement. Internal and external exams.

Semester Three: Practical newspaper project.

Links with Professional Bodies:

Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Assessment:

The practical newspaper elements of the course are assessed by a combination of individual and group coursework. Law and Public Administration are a mix of essay, presentation and examination. Shorthand is by exam. The Masters project is assessed on its journalistic merits.

Learning Environment:

You will be mainly working together in a newsroom atmosphere. Throughout the course you will learn basic skills during workshops and practical sessions. Law and Public Administration will be delivered separately through formal seminars and lectures. Attendance is mandatory at all sessions. The Masters project is an independently produced and largely unsupervised piece of journalism i.e. you are working as a freelance.

Careers:

Journalism is a very competitive industry and the course does not guarantee a job. However our postgraduates regularly secure jobs in the national press – The Sun, Daily Mail, The Independent, and Press Association as well as regional newspapers and other media companies.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £6,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.