Journalism
MA

The highlights

This is a flexible Master’s degree in Journalism which allows you to pick modules to focus on your interests and aspirations. You are introduced to the role of journalism in democracies and the impact journalism and news media has on peoples lives and societies. Your research, critical thinking and research skills will be developed culminating in a thesis or practice based project.

• You will be a curious individual who question the world we live in and want to interrogate why society operates as it does
• You will be taught in our purpose build journalism facilities which include radio studios, a television studio, video editing suites, Mac suites and a newsroom featuring the latest software
• We’ll make sure you have an exceptional student experience, with more contact hours than most universities and staff that go the extra mile to support you
• We offer three undergraduate journalism courses.

Focus on what matters to you

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to specialise in the areas that interest you.

You will examine key debates and current affairs, national and international and look at the impact upon societies. There are options to tailor the study to your interests. Your thesis or practice based project can be on a topic, subject of genre of journalism of your choice.

A blend of new and traditional skills

There has never been a more exciting or challenging time to study journalism.

You are encouraged to critically view news and current affairs nationally and internationally. This will develop your skills in analysing and synthesising information and presenting your own arguments.

There are optional modules in:

• Data Journalism and Data Science, which will help you understand data analysis and how it is applied by journalists
• Investigating Journalism and Politics enables you to examine the relationship between journalism and politics and critically explore notions of power and influence in the reporting of politics, nationally and internationally
• Audience Studies offers a critical introduction to the ways in which the media engages with audiences
• Entrepreneurial Journalism, which can help you create or improve your own business
• Work-based Learning, in which you can learn while being immersed in the journalism industry.

Our academics have extensive links with media companies, individual journalists, and other industry organisations such as regulators and societies. You can use these links to help you find work experience and projects with national, regional, and local newspapers, BBC and independent radio, specialist reporting groups such as the BBC’s combined data unit, the Centre for Investigative Journalism, and many others.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

We use a range of approaches to enable your learning. These include lectures, seminars, tutorials, debates, workshops and guest speakers from the media industry. In addition, there is an emphasis on self-directed study, as you would expect for a masters.

We have a blended learning strategy, which means that in addition to face-to-face teaching, you can also find materials for all modules on the virtual learning environment, which will support your independent work.

How you are assessed

There are a variety of ‘summative assessments’ towards the end of each module, such as essays, oral presentations, reports that draw on qualitative and quantitative data, and critically reflective pieces.

As well as the summative assessments, we will ask you to undertake regular small-scale tasks — such as asking you to explain theories and concepts or asking you to produce a small piece of journalistic content. We’ll provide feedback on these activities to help you evaluate your own strengths, weaknesses, abilities and talents: a critical part of masters-level study.

You will need a 2:1 undergraduate degree or relevant experience.

2023/24 Fees (August 2023 - July 2024)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

This MA provides great preparation for a career in journalism or communications. You could go on to work for local, regional, and national newspapers, the BBC or independent radio, specialist magazines, and a wide variety of online businesses.

Alternatively, you could work in PR and marketing roles for public, private or third sector organisations, thanks to your advanced writing skills, knowledge of traditional and digital forms of communication, and your ability to gather and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.

The intellectual and research skills you can gain on this Masters — particularly if you write a thesis — can also be ideal preparation for a PhD in journalism; something we offer at Derby.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Please also note that due to the current Covid-19 situation, if your course offers fieldtrips, the location of these may change or be cancelled. If this happens, you will be communicated to in advance and we will do our very best to seek out other practical opportunities to ensure your experience is not affected.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Access to the Equipment Centre which stocks a huge range of cameras, audio equipment, and accessories which are available for booking by students at no cost
• Various field trips, for example; Alton Towers, Shrovetide Football, the Bradford National Media Museum and Escape rooms
• Mandatory trips to media companies or other interesting organisations. Previous trips have included visiting BBC Radio Derby, the Derby Telegraph, the Nottingham Post and BBC News and Sport at Salford

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Some equipment including storage drives (approx. £10) and external storage drives (approx. £50 - £100) for camera use

Optional costs not included in your fees

• It is useful but not essential to have a smartphone (£50 - £750)
• Some students choose to buy accessories for the phone such as external microphones (approx. £10 - £15) and tripods (£5 - £25)
• Some students also find it useful to purchase their own laptop for use in the field but this is not required (from £150)
• It is also possible that you will want to travel to cover particular news stories - as this is not required by the course, the cost is not covered in your fees

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.