COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Journalism curriculum provides a comprehensive blend of practical journalism training, digital media skills, legal knowledge, and investigative reporting techniques to prepare students for modern media careers. The Being a Journalist module develops the core professional skills required in contemporary newsrooms, including news writing, copy editing, interviewing, photography, video production, audio storytelling, social media promotion, court reporting, and ethical decision-making. Students learn how to identify, research, produce, and publish compelling stories across multiple platforms while working to professional standards and deadlines. Media Law and Ethics equips students with a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing journalism, covering key areas such as defamation, privacy, copyright, reporting restrictions, and responsible journalism, helping them navigate legal risks confidently and ethically. The Social Media and Audience Analytics module explores the growing influence of social media on journalism and society, teaching students how to create engaging digital content while using audience data and analytics to understand user behaviour, improve reach, and inform editorial decisions. Data-Driven Investigative Journalism introduces advanced techniques for analysing data, interpreting statistics, using open-source information, and applying digital research methods to uncover important stories and produce impactful investigative reporting. The programme culminates in the Journalism Major Project, a substantial independent piece of journalism or research that allows students to demonstrate advanced planning, research, production, and storytelling skills through options such as a dissertation, negotiated project, group project, or work-based learning project. Students can further tailor their studies by choosing an optional module in Public Affairs for Journalists, Podcasting Production, or Content Creator, depending on their career interests. Throughout the course, students build a professional portfolio while developing expertise in multimedia journalism, digital storytelling, audience engagement, investigative reporting, media law, ethics, and content creation. Graduates leave well prepared for careers in newspapers, magazines, digital media organisations, broadcasting, podcasting, public affairs, communications, and content production, with the practical skills and industry knowledge required to succeed in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.