MA Journalism
This course is open for applications
Please note that this programme is currently being redesigned with additional module choices. A new structure will be confirmed by January 2024.
Page last updated 21 November 2023
Introduction
Study our real-world, practice-focused Master's in Journalism, accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC). Supported by the unique BBC Mentor scheme, our MA Journalism teaches students the skills they need to become the multimedia news and investigative journalists of the future.
Accreditations and partnerships:
We aim to produce graduates with the skills suitable for entry-level multimedia journalism jobs in television, radio, digital and print.
Why study this course?
Develop the latest multimedia storytelling skills - informed by the latest industry standards. You'll learn how to produce content with impact that will captivate and engage audiences in a highly competitive broadcast landscape.
You'll study in a highly professional and creative environment with access to modern facilities with a rolling programme of guest lecturers, industry speakers and live collaborative projects. These opportunities underpin the real-world knowledge and entrepreneurial skills required to succeed in your career.
Our MA Journalism is based at Bower Ashton Campus, part of City Campus, where you'll find exceptional facilities and resources. These include industry standard digital media, production and fabrication workshops, which offer a combination of traditional tools and the latest technology.
Bristol is a vibrant and innovative media hub with the highest concentration of creative industries outside London. We work closely with a wide range of mainstream and independent news and current affairs broadcasters and publishers in the city. We also work with creative and cultural partners, including Local TV Bristol, Bristol Post, Ujima Radio, and the Pervasive Media Studio based at Watershed an independent cinema and digital creativity centre.
We welcome recent graduates, media professionals wishing to update their investigative, writing and critical analysis skills, and those from other professions seeking a career change. Applicants must have previous journalism/writing experience and be able to demonstrate a passion to produce fair and accurate journalism that has impact.
Developing ready and able graduates
You'll concentrate on future-focused journalism informed by industry, plus opportunities to apply practical journalistic skills through live briefs and regular 'news days' which replicate professional industry. There are opportunities to gain work experience in local, national or international media outlets and explore real stories on the streets of Bristol and beyond.
Our unique partnership with the BBC offers a valuable mentoring scheme, providing support and guidance with your journalism practice and advice on your future career.
The BBC Mentor Scheme
You have a rare and unique opportunity to be matched with a BBC mentor who, alongside your tutor, will guide you through your final project. Your mentor will provide support and guidance with your journalism practice and advice on your future career.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
Please note, this course is currently being redesigned with additional module choices. A new structure will be confirmed by January 2024.
You'll study:
- Multimedia Journalism 1 - you'll operate as a multimedia journalist - focusing on radio and digital skills - in the field, studio and newsroom. You'll put into practice, and reflect on, your own journalistic judgement, news sense, skills and knowledge. News days allow you to practice news reporting in a fully equipped multimedia newsroom. You'll learn to work as part of a team, prioritise the news agenda, research, monitor, gather news and produce news for radio and digital platforms.
- Multimedia Journalism 2 - you'll take your training on to focus on television and advanced digital and social media content. News days will develop your skills even further, as you produce TV programmes and bespoke digital content for social media platforms.
- Introduction to Media Law - this module provides an introduction to the concepts of ethics, law, broadcast regulation and press freedom and provides an opportunity for students to explore the impact of the reporting of crime and the justice system. Students will attend and report on court hearings.
- Advanced Media Law - in this module you'll examine some of the current debates about accountability, transparency and regulation, and some of the practical challenges which journalists face in their everyday work. There may be an opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament and take part in a Question Time event with local MPs.
- Investigative Journalism - this module will enable you to assess, construct, pitch and refine an investigative research proposal in relation to audience and platform. You'll carry out focused research using a wide range of methods, databases and sources within accepted legal and ethical constraints.
- Journalism MA Portfolio - this bespoke and largely self-directed module is an extended production module where you'll undertake your own final project. This will reflect your skills and understanding of journalism content and production, supported by tutorials and sessions with your mentor to shape and layer your final narrative. It's expected that your final project will be of professional standard and be a portfolio piece for prospective employers.
- Journalism Writing - a practice-based module designed to introduce you to, or develop, your journalistic skills, and to encourage reflection about how journalists operate. You'll discuss the purpose of journalism and conventions of the news media, develop a critical awareness of target audiences, and increase your competence of editorial software applications.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical projects and workshops. You're expected to read widely and to critically appraise current journalistic practice. Regular guest speakers from industry will help support your learning and maintain current thinking and up-to-date developments in the profession.
For more details see our glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Study time
You'll study our Master's in Journalism over the course of a year. This year long post graduate degree is full-time and runs from September to September.
Formal learning is delivered through two to three contact days a week and you'll be expected to do the same amount of hours in self-directed study.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a combination of practical work, research portfolios, exams, essays and presentations.
For more detail see our full glossary of assessment terms.
Features
Professional accreditation
Our MA Journalism is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) offering valuable training, work placements and networking events to prepare you for work in an industry newsroom.
The BJTC represents a benchmark for best practice, ensuring graduates are more employable and join in the job market with skills and knowledge sought after by employers.
Placements
You're required to gain industry experience in print, radio, TV or in multimedia journalism. Past placements have included BBC Bristol, South West News Service, Bristol Post, Bristol24-7, Ujima Radio and Bauer Media.
These placements develop vital skills and allow you apply your knowledge gained to real world situations.
Fieldwork
We have a wide range of study visits but you're also expected to be out in the field producing journalistic material throughout the course.
Study facilities
Our new media studios on the Bower Ashton Campus incorporate the latest industry-standard equipment and technology to support studies in broadcast journalism, filmmaking and creative media. Facilities include a live newsroom, TV and radio studios with access to state-of-the-art cameras, software, audio and visual recording equipment and mobile journalism technology to allow you to report live from events and news features.
Studying at Bower Ashton offers an excellent base for students within the exciting City Campus that connects teaching and learning with some of the best creative and cultural organisations in Bristol. Bower Ashton houses the main library supporting the creative and cultural industries, student support services, as well as the extensive resource base that make up the technical resource areas. You will also have the opportunity of studying and accessing facilities at other sites within City Campus. This may include attending lectures, including guest lectures, and seminars at Arnolfini and Watershed in Bristol City Centre.
Find out more about the Journalism and Media facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Industry links
The Master's in Journalism at UWE Bristol has been developed in partnership with the BBC which also provides work placements, internships, guest speakers and mentors.
Bristol is a vibrant media city with many opportunities for work experience with the local digital and print publishers, like Bristol Post, Bristol24-7,and the Bristol Cable, alongside local television and radio stations including, ITV West Country, Bauer Media, BCfm and Ujima Radio
UWE Bristol is a partner in the Pervasive Media Studio which is at the forefront of research and development of the creative technologies. We have strong links with a range of broadcasting organisations including Bristol Media, the Royal Television Society and Bristol NUJ.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
This popular practice-based Master's in Journalism postgraduate course offers graduates a pathway into a variety of careers. These include careers in the mainstream digital, print and broadcast media, in publishing, media production, public relations and marketing, and among non-governmental organisations.
Our MA Journalism encourages an entrepreneurial approach which opens the way to self-start media ventures and develops broad skills appropriate to a range of careers.
Our award-winning careers service helps you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.
Fees
Full time course
Supplementary fee information
For information about fees and funding for courses please see our fees and funding pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
Entry
Entry requirements
We're looking for highly motivated, creative students who are passionate about telling stories. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in an art or media related subject area or equivalent, or relevant professional experience.
International applicants
For country specific entry requirements, please find your country on the country information pages.
Selection process
Applicants will be invited to an online interview on Microsoft Teams. You'll be expected to talk about your previous media work, the ideas you have for the stories you want to tell, and how you would react to typical newsroom scenarios.
English Language Requirement
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 overall including at least 7.0 in the writing component and no lower than 6.5 in any other component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades, please visit English Language requirements.
English language support
If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.
Read more about our pre-sessional English programme.
How to apply
Read more about postgraduate applications.
We accept applications throughout the year but if you are working to a funding deadline, you should build this into your application process..
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333