Computational and Data Journalism (MSc)

at Cardiff University

This is a year-long, full-time course. It is taught through a mix of formal lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises as well as individual and team projects but always with a focus on applying the skills in the real world.

 
The course is structured in three phases – foundation, application and specialisation, dissertation -  to support you in the development of skills and knowledge in the key aspects of the course.

 
You will initially gain a solid foundation in journalism and computing before specialising in your areas of interest and finally, completing a practical and research-based dissertation project using the unique skills that you have acquired.
 

Foundation phase

The first semester teaches you the basics of computing: learning how to program in Python, and how to create rich interactive web applications using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. 
 

Alongside this, modules focusing on Data Journalism and the key issues of reporting ethics and the media introduce the journalistic skills required by the industry. 
 

The first semester is supported by a series of 'lab' seminars, hosted by the programme leaders, where you will be able to solidify your skills in both computer science and journalism, and experiment on side projects in a safe environment.

 
Application and specialisation phase

The second semester presents a chance for specialisation, with the ability to select optional modules focused on your own specialist interests.
 

Additionally, a core 'Digital Investigation' module will see you working as a data team to complete a 'real-world' project, either an investigative data journalism piece, a software development project, or a combination of the two
 

Dissertation phase

Finally, your dissertation will allow you to hone your research and development skills and complete a project that displays your computational and data journalism skills to prospective employers.

This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
 

Academic requirements: 

Typically, you will need to have either:

• a 2:2 honours degree, or an equivalent international degree
• or a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification.
   

English Language requirements: 

IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.0 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
 

Other essential requirements: 

You will also need to provide: 

• a personal statement that outlines your reasons for applying, not exceeding 500 words. 
• a reference from a previous tutor or person in charge of a past professional experience. Work experience within the media or creative industries would be beneficial. This should be signed, dated, and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
   

Application deadline: 

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible.
 

Selection process:

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £10,200
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £23,450
Deposit-£1,000
 

The skills taught by this MSc are in demand with employers. Students from the course have gone on to work as data journalists with national news organisations. Students on this programme have also included working journalists looking to specialise in this important area of growth within the media.


“The new course in computational journalism looks like a great initiative and will no doubt equip graduates with a deeper understanding of technology that will be invaluable in their future careers. Media organisations need close liaison between editorial and technology teams, and this course can really focus graduates on helping to bridge what can be a dangerous divide.”
Peter Clifton, Executive Editor, MSN UK (Microsoft) now editor-in-chief Press Association


“Finding and making best use of data to discover and tell stories is a key skill for any news organisation, and we need people who can combine digital and data skills with a journalistic grounding and ability, so this course looks very promising.”
Steve Herrmann, Editor, BBC News


“If you arrive in the newsroom with journalism skills on top of … an understanding of programming and how to use a spreadsheet – that is something really, really valuable."
Marianne Bouchart, ex-Bloomberg News now Global Editors Network