Journalism MA

at Ulster University

Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Reporting in a Digital Age 1
Year: 1
This module introduces students to foundational skills in newsgathering and reporting, feature writing, research, and basic sub-editing and design using desktop publishing software. Students will produce a portfolio of journalistic work that will be presented on pages that they themselves create. They will be encouraged to look critically and analytically at a wide range of journalism. The module will use a range of appropriate and effective teaching methods and forms of assessment.

Media Law - General Reporting
Year: 1
This module offers a critical, academic and practical introduction to the broad range of legal topics relevant to those working in journalism. It covers the legal system, defamation and an introduction to court procedure and contempt of court. It also deals with matters such as copyright, privacy, breach of confidence and professional codes. The module prepares students for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) professional law exam in Essential Media Law. It will feature class simulations to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in reasoned legal decision-making pertinent to their work.

Media Law - Court Reporting
Year: 1
This module offers a critical, academic and practical introduction to the legal system, court procedure, restrictions on court reporting and contempt of court. The module will demonstrate how the relevant legal principles and codes of practice/conduct are applied in practice. It will feature class simulations to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in reasoned legal decision-making pertinent to their work. The module prepares students for the National Council for the Training of Journalists professional Court Reporting exam.

Reporting for Audio Media
Year: 1
This module provides to an industry standard, theoretical and practical knowledge of audio news reporting for radio and online platforms, in its professional institutional and regulatory contexts. Students are instructed in the practice of newsgathering and production techniques. They will work on both individual, and group projects in a live, real-time news scenario.

Journalism and Society
Year: 1
This module introduces MA Journalism students to current issues and debates in the study of news and journalism in the UK, Ireland and, locally, in Northern Ireland, providing them with the intellectual framework within which to think about and develop their MA Dissertation proposal.

Public Affairs
Year: 1
The module introduces students to the structures and operations of government, and to economy and economic development, in the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), Republic of Ireland and the European Union. There is also a focus on some of the major institutions of global governance such as the UN, WTO and IMF. The module will be delivered using traditional lecture format and assessed by a class test and a practical journalism assignment.

MA Dissertation
Year: 1
This module will allow students to undertake a sustained piece of independent work. Having agreed a topic with an appointed supervisor that will offer scope for combining academic, personal and professional elements, students will produce a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words or an agreed equivalent in another format. Students on appropriate MA programmes will be encouraged to liaise with industry personnel and tutorial support will be given on a regular basis by the supervisor.

Reporting in a Digital Age 2
Year: 1
This module allows the student to put into practice the skills acquired in the previous parts of the course. It will allow them develop their skills further by focusing on in-depth journalistic projects. This will refine their skills in journalism practice and production in preparation for the work place and/or further study. They will work individually to produce an in-depth investigative feature of a high standard. They will then use this and additional articles produced by students to edit, design and produce their work in print or on-line. The module will use a range of appropriate and effective teaching methods and forms of assessment.

Reporting for Audio-Visual Media
Year: 1
This module provides to an industry standard, theoretical and practical knowledge of audio-visual news reporting in its professional, institutional and regulatory contexts. Students are instructed in the practice of newsgathering and production for radio, television and other audio-visual platforms using appropriate hardware and software. It is based in an appropriate and effective learning and teaching environment.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of a minimum English language level in order to be accepted on to our courses.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English language in order to be granted a UK Student Visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

This level is often referred to as the ‘B2 level’.

• Most of our courses require a minimum English level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, with no band score under 5.5.
• Trinity ISE: Pass at level III (with a pass in each component) also meets this requirement.
• For September 2022 entry, we are accepting IELTS Indicator.
• Some of our courses ask for a higher score. It is therefore important to look at individual course requirements.
• If you meet the English language level for entry to your chosen course, you will also meet the minimum English language level required by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) for a Student Visa.
• If you do not meet the English language requirement we may give you a conditional offer subject to you meeting the requirement before the commencement of the course.
• We accept a wide range of alternative English language examinations and tests so please check the list of other accepted tests.

Important notice - fees information
Fees illustrated are based on academic year 22/23 entry and are subject to an annual increase.
If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Fees (total cost)
Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees
£6,410.00
International Fees
£15,360.00

Career options
Print, online and broadcast journalism.

Work placement / study abroad
A placement of up to 6 weeks in a newsroom.