Broadcast Journalism (MA)

at Cardiff University

This is a year-long course.

Broadcast journalism skills are acquired through a series of lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises and feedback sessions of increasing complexity and realism - from 'paper exercises' in the early days to complex radio and television productions that report on real events in real time. These sessions are supplemented by seminars, playbacks, group discussions and industry guests.
 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Basic writing, reporting and technical skills are taught in the first semester against a background of group listening and viewing to good current professional practice.
 

The second semester adds editorial and production skills in both radio and television. We use the device of twice weekly ‘production days’ to integrate newsgathering and production skills with the team working and editorial/resource management skills needed to produce real-time broadcast outputs.
 

During the Easter break you will test your skills against the real world in a work placement (or placements) of a minimum three weeks duration in a radio or television newsroom of your choice.
 

Following the Easter recess you will have the opportunity to study from a wide and varied selection of elective modules which include sports, motoring, business and data journalism.

Finally individual writing, reporting and storytelling skills are tested in both media are tested in the final portfolio of work and the final practical examinations.
 

Your major project will be self-accessed and student-led. You will originate, research and produce a story that will be delivered for radio, television and online.

Academic requirements

Typically, you will need to have either:

• a 2:2 honours degree, in any subject, or an equivalent international degree
• a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification
• or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference.
   

English language requirements

IELTS with an overall score of 7.5 with 7.5 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
 

Other essential requirements

You will also need to provide:

• a personal statement of no more than 400 words to support your application. Your personal statement will be assessed on the following three questions:
  • Why do you want to apply for this course at Cardiff University? (150 words)
  • What journalism or media experience do you have? (150 words)
    • This may include experience working in student media, in a voluntary capacity, or while on placement. It doesn’t have to be paid work experience.
  • What are your career aspirations? (100 words)
• contact details of a referee who may be contacted to verify any information you have provided.
   

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis following a successful interview, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Interviews are scheduled between January and June.
 

Selection process

If you meet the entry criteria and pass the screening process, you will be invited to the next stage of the selection process. This comprises one-to-one or small group interviews and exercises to assess your skills relevant to the discipline, and to careers in journalism and media. This may include writing skills, broadcast skills (i.e. voice tests), your understanding of the discipline, and your ability to determine news priorities.

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £11,700
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £21,450
Deposit-£1,000
 

This is a period of great change in all fields of journalism – including broadcast – but our employment record continues to be good.

Our graduates typically leave us to work as broadcast journalists in local radio or regional TV newsrooms. Recent graduates are now working for organisations like BBC and ITV News, SKY, CNN, Reuters, Bloomberg and Al Jazeera English. Over the years we have helped hundreds of people to start their careers in broadcast journalism. Many are now working at the top of the profession.
 

Placements
 

You will undertake a 15 day industry placement during the Easter break. Placements are co-ordinated by the course tutors and take into account your geographical preferences. Placements may be in radio or TV newsrooms, or both.