Journalism Studies

MA / Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma

The MA in Journalism Studies is intended for those who wish to reflect critically on the media at a time of considerable change. The course addresses issues in Britain and abroad while providing students with a practical framework from which they can underpin their analysis.

Campus Warrington
Course MA / Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma
Length 1 Year Full-time
Start date September 2010

Why study Journalism Studies at Chester?

The MA in Journalism Studies is a full-time programme of study for students eager to reflect critically on the media. Journalism is undergoing a period of change unparalleled since the advent of broadcasting in the 1920s. Citizen journalism, blogging and the internet have huge implications and the demand for theoretical analysis is rising. This programme addresses those skills, and knowledge needs, while it also provides students with practical experience of multimedia content creation.

The MA in Journalism Studies addresses issues both in Britain and abroad. Moral panics, clashes in culture and religion, and the effects of globalisation are studied within the framework of an over-riding influence: the effects on the media of the digital revolution. The course provides skills in the relevant multimedia software.

All modules are delivered at the University's Warrington campus in our dedicated multimedia labs. Students have the opportunity to explore specific themes in depth and to conduct original research.


Features:

Course staff maintain close links with the industry through personal contact and professional co-operation, advising editors on recruitment and post-entry training. The relationship is mutually beneficial and an advantage to our students.

Next: Modules

Programme Structure:

The programme is delivered by the Department of Media. It provides an experienced team of tutors who have a wide range of creative and digital media expertise. Teaching is based on a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, skills development sessions and individual tutorials. Students are encouraged to develop online and collaborative strategies for learning, and to work in teams for some projects.

The taught modular programme includes:

  • Writing, subbing and designing for newspapers
  • Online journalism
  • Propaganda and public opinion
  • International journalism
  • Moral panics
  • Research methods
  • Masters dissertation

In addition to the taught modules, MA students are required to undertake a programme of personal research leading to the submission of a Masters Dissertation. Projects may be work-based or theoretical, and students are under the direction of an individually allocated supervisor.


Postgraduate Diploma

The Postgraduate Diploma is taught concurrently with the MA and follows the same overall programme structure, but without the dissertation.


Postgraduate Certificate

The Postgraduate Certificate is taught concurrently with the first year of the MA and follows the same overall programme structure but with fewer modules and without a dissertation.

Next: Assessment

Assessment is normally by coursework. Individual work will be assessed by written assignments. This will usually take the form of a portfolio of practical work although some of the modules contain elements of theoretical research. There are no examinations.

Next: Careers

The pathway structure will enable students to pursue their career aspirations in a more focused manner. In addition, graduates will acquire transferable analytical and writing skills, which will prove valuable in a competitive job market.

Next: Entry requirements

Applications are welcomed from students with a minimum of an upper second class honours degree from a British higher education institution, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

Mature students and candidates with non-standard qualifications may also apply if they have substantial professional or other relevant experience.

It is also important to show initiative and a knowledge of the newspaper industry. This is generally demonstrated by undertaking as much work experience as possible on local newspapers or other media.

Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits and in the light of the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed. Informal enquiries are welcomed and will normally be followed by an initial advisory interview.

Beginning: Overview

Useful links

Who to contact

  • For admission enquiries

    Postgraduate Admissions

    University of Chester

    Parkgate Road

    Chester

    CH1 4BJ

    T:
    01244 512456
    postgrad@chester.ac.uk

  • For enquiries about course content

    Simon Roberts, Programme Leader
    T:
    01244 512331
    simon.roberts@chester.ac.uk