Magazine Journalism (MA)

at Cardiff University

The course is one year long and covers:

• Feature and news writing in print and online
• Interviewing techniques
• Cross-platform media and multimedia
• Design & layout
• Subediting and production
• Magazine brand development
• How to be a successful freelance
   

Magazine journalism skills are acquired through a series of lectures, workshops, practical exercises and feedback sessions of increasing complexity and realism - from 'paper exercises' in the early days to complex features that report on real events. These sessions are supplemented by seminars, group discussions and guests from the magazine industry.
 

Basic writing, reporting and technical skills for both print and digital are taught in the first semester against a background of Media law and journalism Ethics. Shorthand is also available as an option.
 

The second semester offers more creative practice where you will plan, create and launch a brand new magazine brand across print and digital platforms, producing three issues to a fortnightly deadline.
 

During the Easter break you will test your skills against the real world in a work placement (or placements) of a minimum two weeks' duration.
 

The Major Project core module provides you with the opportunity to undertake:

• a Feature Project in which you will employ investigative journalism techniques and research skills acquired during the taught element of the course to explore a topic in depth by writing long-form feature articles, or
• an Enterprise Project in which you will develop the editorial and business plan for an innovative media product in print or purely digital/online.
   

You will also create a brand new magazine in groups. Starting from scratch you will:

• Research the market
• Develop an effective design
• Plan and write editorial content
• Create and execute a comprehensive digital and social media policy
• Produce three issues of the magazine

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. Interview days are scheduled from January each year, though we will continue to look at applications until September, until the course is full.
 

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
 

Graduates of the MA in Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University have an excellent track record when it comes to getting jobs.
 

Potential entry-level jobs in magazine media range from editorial assistants to web editors, community managers and content producers to sub-editors, staff writers and even self-starting entrepreneurs!
 

We are passionate about the industry and maintain an excellent alumni network, plus students have won several publishing awards for their work in the past.
 

As a graduate of MA Magazine Journalism you may move into almost any industry to produce in-house or public magazines or digital content. Typical industries include: fashion, craft, food, sport, film, music, games, news, wildlife, finance, business, history, travel, TV, health and celebrity.
 

Possible job opportunities include: Editorial assistant, Editorial intern, Features writer, Freelance reporter, Web and Social Media Editor, Junior reporter, Chief sub, Online content coordinator and Production assistant.
 

Placements
 

Placements are required as part of the Professional Development module and Programme Accreditation through the PPA. Placements will take place during the Easter Recess period. You will be required to complete a minimum of two weeks on placement(s), though you are free to do more. 
 

All placements will be coordinated in correspondence with course directors ahead of the recess period. We will look at your CV, portfolio and covering letters and provide guidance. Our excellent alumni and industry network often offer placement opportunities that you wouldn’t get access to outside of the course. 
 

You will be expected to cover any expenses associated with the placement(s), though some companies do cover travel or food expenses. 
 

Some of the titles our students have had placements at include: 
 

• British Airways High Life

• Delicious

• Delayed Gratification

• Games Master 

• Gardener’s World

• Grazia

• Guardian News

• Mixmag

• National Geographic Traveller

• NME

• PA Features

• Perfect Wedding

• People Management 

• Radio Times

• Stuff

• Sunday Times Weekend