Cardiff University

Journalism (MA)

1 year (Full-time) / n/a (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)

Cardiff University's PGDip/MA in Newspaper Journalism was named 2011/12 best performing postgraduate course by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Course Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in the British media as a professional journalist.

Course Description

The degree is designed for aspiring journalists and media entrepreneurs. It offers a practice-based course that includes essential elements of reflection on what it means to be a journalist in the modern world.

The MA mirrors the first nine months of the Diploma in Journalism. After this students complete a Masters dissertation project, typically a major piece of investigative journalism or the development of a new media enterprise.

The degree provides a great deal of flexibility as students can opt to graduate after nine months, having successfully completed 120 credits with a Diploma in Journalism.

Broadcast, Magazine or Newspaper Journalism

Students studying the Diploma or Masters will choose one of three specialist options– broadcast, magazine or newspaper - and spend a large part of the course producing real journalism to real deadlines while also learning how to integrate online journalism into their work.

Core compulsory subjects:

Reporters and the Reported (Both Semesters)
Law for Journalists (Both Semesters)
Online Journalism (Autumn Semester)
Public Administration Part 1 (Autumn Semester)
Public Administration Part 2 (Spring Semester)

Entry Requirements

Candidates should normally hold a degree (minimum 2.2) awarded by a recognised university or equivalent. Suitable for graduates in all disciplines. This requirement may be waived for candidates with relevant professional experience and good general education.

Students whose first language is not English must normally have an IELTS score of 7.0

All students should be computer literate and be able to type fluently before they start the course. Newspaper students must have mastered the theory of Teeline shorthand.