Investigative Journalism MA

at City University of London

Benefits of this course
 

You will learn how to investigate and communicate across different journalistic platforms.

 

We will teach you how to investigate using open and closed sources, open-source intelligence (OSINT), data journalism, access to information laws, financial investigative journalism, interviewing and dealing with vulnerable people, and the basics of ethical undercover work.

 

We will teach you a range of skills, from basic news writing for print or online, to producing short films and podcasts.

 

We will teach you how to operate legally and ethically.

 

At the end of the course you'll produce a piece of professional-standard investigative work on the platform of your choice.
 

Award
 

You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.

• Master of Arts (MA)
   

Who is this course for?
 

If you have a strong first degree and a commitment to the field of investigative journalism, our programme is ideal.

 

You will need a dedication to digging deeper into topics than daily news allows. You will have a hunger to expose injustice and abuse using evidence.
 

Structure
 

Master of Arts (MA)
 

Duration:

• Full-time: 10 months

 

Total credits: 180
 

Modules:

Some modules may be subject to change depending on student numbers, tutor availability, or course updates. This may affect the overall number of modules.
 

Modules
 

Topics on the MA in Investigative Journalism range from business and financial journalism to investigations into individuals, organisations and corporations to miscarriages of justice.

 

You will also be taught the basic essential skills required by the media industry such as producing news and feature material, interviewing, production, law, structure of government and ethics.

UK

• You should hold an upper second class honours degree or the equivalent from an international institution.
• You must be able to demonstrate commitment to journalism through relevant work experience, including regional newspapers, magazines, online, broadcast or student journalism. You don't need a set number of weeks of work experience, but we advise you to get as much as possible, both before and after submitting your application.
• As well as new graduates, we also welcome mature applicants with substantial work experience in the industry.

 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must get a minimum overall score of 7.0 in the IELTS English language test, including at least 7.0 in the writing component of the test and no lower than 6.5 in any other component.

Fees and funding

Fees for academic year 2022/23

Master of Arts (MA)

Full-time per year

• UK: £10,820
• Overseas/EU: £21,650

Career
 

As a graduate of our Investigative Journalism MA you will have among the best employment opportunities of any UK journalism graduate.

 

We prepare you for work in any form of journalism, but investigative journalists can be especially valued for positions demanding advanced research and investigation abilities.
 

Our recent graduates secured the following positions and experiences whilst on or shortly after finishing the MA:

• Sunday Times trainee
• Daily Mail trainee
• Evening Standard trainee
• Reporters on the Camden New Journal
• Pitched, researched and presented an investigation for BBC Africa Eye
• Pitched and researched an investigative project for BBC Newsnight
• Pitched, researched and presented an investigation for BBC regional current affairs
• Pitched an idea that made it to the final stage of the BBC Radio 4 commissioning round
• Researched on a Channel 4 Dispatches
• Researched a BBC World service programme
• Editorial Assistant to the Global Investigative Journalism Network.

 

Work Experience
 

We encourage our journalism students to gain journalism experience during their studies. Professional experience is an important step in developing a career in journalism and it helps students by put their learning into practice and make contacts in the industry.