University of Central Lancashire
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Post- graduate

Mode

Taught

Campus

Preston

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Course Enquiries
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.

Tel: +44 (0)1772 892400
Email: cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk

  • Duration:

    Full-time: One year, Part-time: Two years

  • Level:

    Postgraduate

  • Mode:

    Taught

  • Delivery:

    Campus, Full-time and Part-time

  • Campus:

    Preston

  • Start Date:

    September

  • Award Type:

    MA

Why study this programme?

Are you a journalism graduate or industry professional who wants to move your career in a new direction?

If so, this flexible programme will enable you to master the key skills and knowledge required for career development in the contemporary media.

The programme also aims to develop your intellectual skills and creative insights to enable you to become a reflective practitioner with sustainable and flexible career options.

You will learn to analyse critically and challenge theories of contemporary journalism and business practice and to exploit that understanding in the development of new practice and innovation.

You will be able to tailor this course to suit your needs. The programme begins with an introductory module called Journalism Today. You will explore the contemporary media industries and reflect on your own experience and learning. From there, you will go on to plan your MA journey and decide which pathway you wish to take through this postgraduate programme.

Entry Requirements

  • Either an undergraduate degree in journalism or a related media subject, typically at 2:1 or above.
  • Or evidence of professional journalism/media industry experience with an undergraduate degree typically at 2:1 and above in any subject.
  • Appropriate computer literacy and internet access.
  • International applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 7 or equivalent.
  • Applicants will also be interviewed either in person or via electronic means.

Programme at a Glance

Semester 1

  • Journalism Today  20 credits

Either

  • Multimedia Content 40 credits

Or

  • Journalism Innovation 40 credits

Semester 2

  • Theory Today 20 credits

Semester 2 and 3

Plus

Either

  • Placement 40 credits

OR

  • Dissertation 40 credits

OR

  • Project 40 credits

Plus 60 credits made up from:

  • Data Journalism 20 credits
  • Drone Journalism 20 credits
  • Photo Journalism 20 credits
  • Media Law and Regulation 20 credits
  • Cross Industry Perspectives 20 credits
  • Broadcast Newsroom 40 credits

Postgraduate Advice Event

Find out more about Postgraduate courses at our Postgraduate Advice Event on 11 July 2018

Further Information

You may wish to develop your skills in producing multimedia content or you may be looking to innovate and explore.

There are also optional modules you may take in exciting new areas such as data journalism or drone journalism.

There is an option to take an industry placement – you may be looking to move out of your comfort zone and try something new. You also have the option of doing a dissertation or a major project.

This programme has been re-launched for 2018 with the aim of appealing to graduates and industry professionals who are looking to extend their skills and knowledge base for sustainable career development.

Google News Lab

UCLan has become only the third UK partner in the Google News Labs University Network.

Google News Lab University Network provides in-person training, when possible, and online training materials to professors and students on topics ranging from immersive storytelling, data journalism, trends, trust/verification and more. The benefits of this newly formed connection with Google News Lab for UCLan students are huge. It not only provides them with networking opportunities but also the chance to learn from current experts and professionals in the field.

How to Apply

You can apply for many of the postgraduate UCLan courses using our Online Application System.

For other postgraduate courses you can apply directly to UCLan by downloading a Postgraduate Application Form (.pdf 190KB) please also see our Postgraduate Application Guidance Notes (.pdf 158KB).

Handbook

For detailed information about studying this course at UCLan, please see the course handbook for your year of entry:

For information on possible changes to course information, see our Important Information.

Applications

Apply now or see further information about postgraduate study and research. International students should visit our international pages.

Contact Us

Tel: +44 (0)1772 892400

Email: cenquiries@uclan.ac.uk

Fees 2018/19

Full-time: £6,500 per year (UK/EU)
Part-time: £3,250 per year for first 2 years (UK/EU)

Tuition Fees are per year unless otherwise stated.

Further information:

For 2019/20 fees please refer to our fees page.

UK Government Postgraduate Loans Scheme

Details of the UK Government postgraduate loan scheme for students commencing a Masters Postgraduate programme for the 2017/18 academic year.

View further information

Your UCLan

Virtual Experience

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Preston Campus

Industry Links

Journalism at UCLan has an excellent record for journalism training and employability. We have been teaching journalism in Preston for more than 55 years and we have a worldwide network of top industry professionals who began their careers here.

Our lecturers who teach on journalism practice modules worked as professional journalists before they moved into teaching. Some still combine working in industry with their university role.

The media industry has gone through dramatic change over the last decade. It is likely to change even more over the coming years. This course aims to ensure students have sustainable and viable career options.

 

Professional Accreditation

This course does not have specific course accreditation because it is likely that students on this programme will have already completed NCTJ exams. Our undergraduate programme BA Journalism is NCTJ-accredited and we are an accredited NCTJ exam centre. We may be able to arrange for students on this programme to complete the NCTJ diploma exams if they wish, subject to timetabling considerations.

Learning Environment and Assessment

Journalism is based in Greenbank Building where we have five newsrooms, a TV studio and four radio studios. The university has invested more than £250,000 on improving these facilities over the last couple of years.

You may also have sessions in our Media Innovation Studio on the top floor of the Media Factory.

Virtual Tour

Opportunities

Students carry out placements with employers such as the BBC, ITV, Sky, national and regional titles and magazines and in the new creative media industries.

Our students have gone on to work for organisations such as the BBC, ITV, Sky, national and regional news titles, magazines, new digital media industries, corporate communication and many more.

Case Study: MA students put their journalistic skills to the test with Norwegian photojournalist