Online MA in Journalism

In a rapidly evolving digital era, models of journalism production and distribution are constantly changing. Today’s journalists need to think radically, learn to adapt and exploit new forms of news media and be fluent with key creative tools used to produce compelling news content in various formats - text, video, photo + LIVE news.

Throughout this masters degree you will critically engage with media ‘disruptors’, develop understanding of the changing relationship of journalist and audience and gain insight into the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, big data and ‘churnalism’. You should find yourself tested and asked to aim high as you become equipped to work independently from anywhere in the world.

Award Title: MA Journalism
Awarding Body: Falmouth University
Level: 7
Mode of study: online, part-time
Duration: Two years

Masters degree summary

Taught by leading journalists who are experienced in handling the benefits and challenges of working in an international context, this course gives you the opportunity to cultivate an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. As you focus on data journalism, social media and impactful storytelling, this programme aims to facilitate innovators grounded in the best journalism standards.

You will:

• Develop your skills as a creative and technically agile non-fiction storyteller in order to work independently as a journalist
• Learn how to create compelling news for dissemination across multiple content platforms with global audiences in mind
• Discover how to thrive and innovate in the international digital news and communications industries
• Exploit social media and data journalism tools, developing a critical understanding of the shifting political, social and industry environments in which journalists must operate around the world.​

Who is this course for?

You will be:

• Interested in news, current affairs, politics, writing, creative content, reporting, editing, content production, media platforms, communications
• Driven, disruptive, a global thinker, a researcher, innovative, into tech, collaborative, analytical, a critical thinker, curious, ethical, a storyteller.

You may be:​

• Wanting to understand markets for news journalism in order to operate as an effective self-employed practitioner
• Working in content marketing, content production, or a mid-career journalist in news publications and wanting to take your career to new heights
• Wanting to test new ideas, challenge traditional modes of journalism and critically assess the effectiveness of current media disruptors
• Looking to develop the confidence and skills to work on real-world, cross-border news projects
• Interested in communications and PR and want to understand the processes involved in news journalism
• Graduated from a bachelors degree in a different field and want to branch into journalism
• Looking to consolidate your existing abilities, understand your current practice and develop the research, storytelling and business skills to become a creative and reflective practitioner.

Course content

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.

Assessments

All assessments are taken and submitted online.

Assessment methods for the MA Journalism can typically include:

• Written assignments (no exams)
• Portfolios of editorial work, presentations, projects, reflective journals, critical essays, reports and a final project.

Entry requirements

• An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification
• Proof of proficiency in English (minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening or TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) with a minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components).

We also accept a range of equivalent recognised English language qualifications. Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.