MA News Journalism

Institution University of Sunderland - Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Method At the institution
Location Sunderland
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA News Journalism

Entry requirements Entry Requirements Applications are welcome from holders of, or those who hope to be awarded, an upper second class honours degree or above. However, candidates with a lower second class honours degree may also be considered as will those with significant practical work experience. All applicants will be interviewed prior to acceptance.
Academic title MA News Journalism
Course description The programme is designed to prepare students for their first job in print journalism and will be closely allied to accepted industry standards.

Relationships with local and national media, the programme's own publications, copy clinics with professional tutors are all benefits of the programme. Workshops in digital media will prepare student for writing online.
It is not expected that students will have previous experience of journalism.

The programme will provide them with an intensive grounding in the provision of vocational skills together with a critical awareness of the responsibilities and roles of the modern journalist.

You will learn the advanced tools and techniques of news writing, interviews, research and copy editing for print and online, as well as gaining a broad understanding of journalism genres, ethical issues and media law. You will work with tutors and colleagues in developing your skill for finding stories, and understanding how news journalism fits within the UK media landscape. Students will also study media law and public administration as it operates in England and Wales. Shorthand is also taught and students are expected to attain a speed of at least 100wpm. Masters students will go on to complete a major dissertation or project.

Taught by respected academics and journalism professionals, the course combines practical training and theoretical approaches to deliver the skills and knowledge that editors are looking for.

The programme is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). External NCTJ examinations are taken as part of the course (for which the NCTJ charges a fee).

Course Content

Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits

    * News Journalism: Principles and Practice 1
    * Media Law
    * Media and Society
    * Shorthand

Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 60 credits

    * News Journalism: Principles and Practice 2
    * Reporting Public Affairs
    * Media Ethics and Regulation
    * Shorthand

Stage 3
Masters (MA) 60 credits

    * Dissertation or Journalism Practical Project

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is almost exclusively through newsroom workshops, seminars and tutorials.

Assessment is based on a portfolio of work, essays and a major project or dissertation.

Career Opportunities

Successful PgD students are expected to move on to a job in the print industry, such as on a UK regional newspaper or a consumer magazine. MA graduates would have the same opportunities.

In addition, it is expected that some will progress to higher degree research, or to teaching in further and higher education.

Facilities

The programme is taught in the £9.6m state-of-the-art Media Centre, equipped with access to the full Adobe/Microsoft suite of web/design applications on campus.

Under our Education Partnership Agreement, Adobe/Microsoft tools are upgraded every time there is a new release, to ensure that our students have the very latest industry standard versions.

Apply now for access to the latest versions of: Adobe/Microsoft (inc. Dream weaver, Flash, Fireworks, Freehand) Director (web content, DVD & CD Rom production tool). Also Authorware, Contribute, Breeze and others.