MA Journalism & Media Communications

Our MA Journalism and Media Communications is a full-time taught programme with a great record of helping students achieve jobs in the industry. By joining this programme, you’ll extend your knowledge and skills in the media. You’ll meet students from around the world, forming close friendships and strengthening your international awareness.

You’ll benefit from our extensive links with the media industry including, membership of the Public Relations and Communications Association and educational membership of the British Society for Magazine Editors. Be inspired by our guest speakers. Previous talks have included the editor of Marie Claire, an investigative journalist from the BBC and head of a media agency. Plus, we’ll invite you to join our small ‘afternoon tea’ sessions with speakers twice a semester. You’ll be supported to find valuable work experience. Previous students have gained placements with the BBC, Sunday Times and a variety of PR agencies.

You’ll analyse contemporary intellectual theories of media and communications. You’ll cross-examine the synergies between social media, PR and journalism, interrogate current media practices and convergence. Every step of the way, there’ll be a strong focus on your future employability. You’ll be taught by lecturers with extensive professional experience of journalism, PR, web design, media production and media research. Whatever your background, this MA will enhance your career by equipping you to operate effectively in a professional media environment.

By joining this MA programme, you’ll benefit from a diverse and international student cohort within the School of Humanities postgraduate community.

This programme has three distinct pathways:

• MA Journalism & Media and Communications - one year
• MA Journalism and Media Communications (Sandwich) - two year
• MA Journalism and Media Communications (with Advanced Research) - two year

Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll gain valuable skills in practice and a theoretical understanding of journalism, media and communications management. Our programme is flexible. Students normally choose their pathway when they apply but there is some flexibility to change in the first semester and you can also swap from the two-year to one-year programme in the second semester.

We require at least 2:2 (or equivalent) degree in Humanities or a Business subject and a personal statement. Graduates with an Honours Degree in any discipline who have otherwise demonstrated potential to succeed at postgraduate level Journalism and Media Communications will also be considered. You'll also need to provide a work or academic reference.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other bands.

Employability is central to everything we do. This MA opens up a wide range of opportunities, from PR, Corporate Communications, marketing and advertising to magazines and web publications.  Your creative and critical thinking, as well as the analytical, research and communications skills gained through this course, are all highly valued in a wide range of industries.  Recent graduates are working internationally on The Expat and Raffy magazines in Malaysia, as well as in Corporate Communications and UK local radio.

What job can I get?

Recent graduates are working internationally on The Expat and Raffy magazines in Malaysia, as well as in Corporate Communications and UK local radio.

Work placement

This module will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and put into practice the knowledge and skills developed over the year. Students will be typically be expected to have spent a minimum of 20-25 days on an internship or on a work experience placement. After completing the work placement, students will write a 3.500 word report and give a short presentation reflecting on his or her experience.

The MA Journalism and Media Communications (Sandwich) is a two-year programme which includes a 36-week, full-time work placement.  By choosing this programme and taking up a work placement you will gain valuable professional practice and enhance your understanding of media theory.

All students gaining 60 credits in the first semester and an additional 60 credits in the following semester will be eligible for a work placement, but it cannot be guaranteed. The University’s Careers and Placement Service will help you apply for, and obtain, a work placement. For students with visa restrictions, the placement will need to be based in the UK.

Students will typically need to secure a placement by the end of April in order to process the necessary paperwork.  Students who do not secure a placement by then will be transferred from the Sandwich programme to the two-year ‘with Advanced Research’ programme.