The MA Journalism and Media Communications (with Advanced Research) is a two-year, full-time taught programme. This route is available to those students who would like the opportunity to have a research focus in a specialist area of media practice developing innovative solutions to ‘real world’ problems. 

Study our MA in Journalism and Media Communications and gain the skills you’ll need for a successful, dynamic career in today’s complex global media industries.

This Masters course aims to prepare you in both practice and analysis of global journalism and media. You’ll benefit from our extensive links with the media industry, including the BBC and the Sunday Times, and gain a grounding in all its aspects, from fast-changing multimedia to magazines, advertising and the excitements of sports journalism.

You may have studied humanities subjects and be looking to deepen your research interests. Or you may have been working in areas such as business or healthcare and need communications skills. Whatever your background, taking this MA will enhance your career by equipping you to operate effectively in a professional media environment. Our business-facing approach means you’ll be taught by lecturers with extensive professional experience of print, web design, journalism and PR, giving this MA its strong focus on your future employability.

During the course you’ll explore the synergies between social media, PR and journalism, focusing on current media practice and the technologies of convergence. You’ll consider how to make communication more effective in professional settings by looking at journalism and its associated business models; learn how to interview and report on events; gain expertise in internal and external corporate communications; and analyse the impact of technology on the communications industries.

Modules may change from year to year but are likely to include Corporate Communication, PR and Advertising; International Journalism Trends; Writing for Magazines; Sports Journalism; and Media Production as well as modules on research methodology. You also have a range of options for your final project. This can be a dissertation on a media subject of your choice, a short work placement, the one-year sandwich placement or a larger media research project, depending on your chosen route.

For Media Production you’ll create multimedia – podcasts, video and advertising – for online magazines, pitch and measure a campaign and use social media to promote your work.  A strong practical element in Writing for Magazines will equip you to write for social media and understand how to create content and engage audiences.

Our module International Journalism Trends explores news ownership and media production on a global scale and provides deeper insight into the theoretical and cultural framework of media and journalism. Sports Journalism will give you a grounding in the exciting practices of sports journalism, from interviewing top stars to reporting on breaking sports stories.

Two modules on research methods and critical and theoretical debates will equip you with advanced research skills and the transferable communications skills - including interviewing, identifying a story and building connections - that are vital for roles in PR and Corporate Communications.

In addition to these modules, in your second year you will also take Advanced Media Research (30 Credits) and the Media Project (60 Credits). The focus of these modules is to develop your professional practice by applying skills learnt to advance your career.

Employability is central to everything we do. This MA opens up a wide range of opportunities, from PR, Corporate Communications, marketing and advertising to magazines and web publications.  Your creative and critical thinking, as well as the analytical, research and communications skills gained through this course, are all highly valued in a wide range of industries.  Recent graduates are working internationally on The Expat and Raffy magazines in Malaysia, as well as in Corporate Communications and UK local radio.

Work placement

This module will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and put into practice the knowledge and skills developed over the year. Students will be typically be expected to have spent a minimum of 20-25 days on an internship or on a work experience placement. After completing the work placement, students will write a 3.500 word report and give a short presentation reflecting on his or her experience.

The MA Journalism and Media Communications (Sandwich) is a two-year programme which includes a 36-week, full-time work placement.  By choosing this programme and taking up a work placement you will gain valuable professional practice and enhance your understanding of media theory.

All students gaining 60 credits in the first semester and an additional 60 credits in the following semester will be eligible for a work placement, but it cannot be guaranteed. The University’s Careers and Placement Service will help you apply for, and obtain, a work placement. For students with visa restrictions, the placement will need to be based in the UK.

Students will typically need to secure a placement by the end of April in order to process the necessary paperwork.  Students who do not secure a placement by then will be transferred from the Sandwich programme to the two-year ‘with Advanced Research’ programme.