ObjectivesThe MA/PGDip in Online Journalism equips students for entry-level journalism in an online editorial team. A postgraduate/post-experience course, it gives students the opportunity to gain a sought-after vocational qualification through a balanced course including both practical and theoretical study. It also allows time for additional professional activity through a relevant media work placement. The course will appeal to high-calibre graduates and professionals that would like to develop journalistic skills in a multimedia environment.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree and/or experience of journalism. For applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS level 8 or 650 TOEFL (280 TOEFL computer-based test) is required. Selection is made initially from an application form, two references, and a written and voice-recorded journalism test. Short-listed candidates may be asked to attend an informal interview. A telephone interview will be arranged with overseas students. All applicants will be invited to visit the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism at some time before or during the admissions process and before enrolment.
Academic titleMA/PGDip Online Journalism
Course descriptionCourse content
After an induction, students take the following core modules:
* Online Journalism Skills
* Media Law
* Journalistic Research Methods, Ethics And Regulation
* Online Journalism Production
* Placement: Theory and practice
* Public Administration
Assessment
Students on the MA course are assessed on the core modules, a dissertation and a journalism project on a topic chosen by the student. Additionally MA students are required to take a placement as part of the course. PGDip students study the core modules and are must also successfully complete a placement in a professional environment. Applicants should be aware that each module involves a considerable amount of independent learning.
Resources and facilities
Students benefit from working with dedicated facilities at the former newsroom and studios of BBC East Midlands, at York House in the centre of Nottingham, which is now the home of the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism.
Study routes
MA full-time: 12 months (including a placement)
MA part-time: 24 months ( including a placement)
The full-time Masters Degree and Diploma courses are likely to involve students attending the Centre for some part of each weekday (Monday to Friday) during standard teaching weeks of the term. Attendance patterns for part-time study should be confirmed by contacting the course administrator.
Special benefits
The Online Journalism courses have been designed in consultation with organisations that led the development of online media in the UK. Students have the opportunity to hear visiting speakers from key media organisations as part of their course of study.
Accreditation
The course has accreditation from the BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council). The course has been developed in consultation with a consortium of major industry employers, which currently includes broadcasting representatives from the BBC, Carlton Television, 96 Trent FM, Heart 106fm, SAGA 106.6fm and Sky News as well as the regional newspaper, The Lincolnshire Echo.
Professional development
Students are encouraged to contribute journalism to media such as the BBC and the Nottingham Evening Post, as well as the University's Union of Students' newspaper, Platform. They may also become involved with the Centre's dedicated news website which broadcasts radio and television programming and publishes student journalism online.