MA in Journalism International: University of Westminster

Introduction

This MA course is intended for students from anywhere in the world who want to pursue a career in journalism.  The students are a mix of new graduates, often with a media-related degree or work experience, working alongside those who have already worked in journalism, who want to sharpen, develop and build on their skills. Their aim is to combine the acquisition and development of practical skills in journalism with a theoretical grounding to underpin the intellectual skills necessary for the understanding and practise of journalism as a profession.

Course Overview

There’s a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of journalism – ‘learning by doing’ - you will emerge from the course ‘multi-skilled’, with both the intellectual and technical skills of journalism.  The media facilities at the University’s Harrow Campus, where this course is based, are excellent. They are purpose-built and equipped with up-to-date, broadcast quality studio facilities, as well as the latest software used in video and audio editing, electronic news production, online journalism and computer-based page lay-out. Assessment in the practice-based modules is based on individual or group journalistic assignments, and throughout the course you are encouraged to work and think independently.

The course takes a global perspective, not just in the richness and diversity of student intake – which enables all of us to learn from each other about journalism in other parts of the world. You can discover how news stories are reported differently in different countries or what makes a news story international, learn about the issues facing journalists in different parts of the world; explore international issues in your assignments.

Course Structure

• You’ll  be asked to opt for one of three strands for developing your practical journalism skills:
• Print Journalism,  Cultural Journalism and Broadcast Journalism.
• All students also have an introduction to Online Journalism.
• Students are required to pass modules (units of study) to the value of 180 credits to qualify for the award of the MA in Journalism.

Entry Requirements

Educational Requirements

You should possess or be about to gain a good first degree from a recognised/well known university or institution of higher education or have relevant experience in the media, which equips you for postgraduate study.

As your degree is likely to be from a country other than the UK you will need to bear in mind that we need time to assess the equivalency of your qualification to a UK degree and this can only be done upon submission of transcripts and certificates.

Language Requirements

The course require strong verbal skills in English. If you are not a native speaker of English, or if all, or a large part, of your education has been in English, you must have, or aim to achieve before the course starts, an IELTS score of a least 7.0.  Alternatively we do also accept a minimum of TOEFL 623 (paper-based test) or TOEFL 263 (computer-based test) or TOEFL 105 (internet-based).