MA International Journalism

at University of Bedfordshire

Today's big stories are complex, simultaneously political, economic, hyper-local and global. You will learn about transnational organisations, critique theories relating to the role of the media and globalisation and practice journalism across various media platforms.

Why choose this course?

• Study with professionals from the industry, including alumni of this course, who will share practice examples, give you tips on entering the industry and help you develop your network
• Explore career options in regional, national and transnational reporting, or as a political, economic and foreign correspondent as you develop into a rounded journalist capable of seeing the whole 'global' story
• Develop your resourcefulness and enterprise – with an ability to identify and pursue stories and to challenge, test and critique evidence, while adhering to ethical codes of conduct
• Gain first-hand knowledge, by visiting national and/or international news organisations such as Reuters and Bloomberg, as well as UK/EU parliaments; work on the University community radio station and student newspaper or gain experience with local and regional newspapers and radio stations
• Benefit from a degree that gives you relevant transferable skills in publishing, copywriting, public relations, in-house press office positions, teaching, sports journalism, media research and digital media production, or enable you to continue to an MPhil or PhD research degree.

Unit Information - What will I learn?

Units

• Final Project In International Journalism (MED000-6) Compulsory
• Journalism Practices Around The World (MED002-6) Compulsory
• Media And International Development (MED026-6) Compulsory
• Research Methods (MED030-6) Compulsory
• The Global Reporter (MED001-6) Compulsory

How will I be assessed?

The course is fully compliant with University regulations for assessment, mitigation, appeals and complaints. The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that are required in a professional environment. Assessments take a variety of forms including written work (essay, report, research proposal, dissertation) oral presentations, and practical work (empirical research). For some assessments there will be opportunity for formative feedback on assessments-in-progress before the assessment deadline and you are encouraged to integrate formative and summative feedback into your work in order to develop as mass media experts and academic researchers.
 

To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.

We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.

English language requirements

The University accepts the following qualification as satisfying the English Language requirements for entry to a Bachelor or Master's degree.

UKVI Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each element

Please note: some courses may require higher levels of English

Extra entry requirements
 

• Interview
• Portfolio review
• For international students an IELTS score of 6.5.
• Candidates for the course will be expected to produce a portfolio of journalism work. Candidates should include: a news story and a 1,000-word feature article on a given subject. Inclusion of these two pieces is the minimum requirement for portfolio submission.
• Telephone or Skype interview. Candidates will then be interviewed about how they researched and wrote the pieces in their portfolio. Staff will then assess the prospective students aptitude and suitability for the course.

The Scholarship scheme for international students enrolling in the academic year 22/23 at one of our UK campuses is as follows:

• An automatic £1,000 Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for new international applicants (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• A £500 Prompt Payment Discount for applicants who pay their first year fees in full, before or at registration (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• A further £500 for applicants who are also University of Bedfordshire alumni

How will this course improve my career prospects?

• The qualification will be of value to anyone seeking to work as regional or national reporters, political, economic and foreign correspondents.
• In terms of journalism’s related industries, the qualification would be of value to those seeking work as political researchers for Members of Parliament, media regulators, related lobby groups and the creative industries more broadly.
• The project work on the course provides an opportunity to make contacts and develop specialist knowledge of specific areas of the media and regulation
• Typical areas that media graduates could expect to find work include broadcasting, journalism, arts or media administration, governmental regulation of the media and lobbying of governments on behalf of the media, research, marketing, sales and advertising, design, and writing.
• Students who graduate from this MA course will be qualified to apply for further study at MPhil and PhD research degree level.
• PhD opportunities are likely to only be available to those who produce an academic dissertation for the final project – as opposed to a practical journalism portfolio.