Program Overview

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MSc (by Dissertation) Journalism

Overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Journalism is a postgraduate research course offered by the University of Essex. The course is based in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies and provides supervision from expert academics in a range of research interests, including:

• Journalism, public communication, and policy in the Middle East and North Africa
• Media, democracy, and democratisation
• Propaganda, influence, and censorship
• War reporting and counter-terrorism
• The interplay between news media, social media, and politics
• Parliamentary reporting in developing countries and established democracies

Benefits

The course offers several benefits, including:

• Interdisciplinary research connecting journalism to fields like creative writing, politics, and human rights
• Access to state-of-the-art studios, including a purpose-built Newsroom, TV, and radio studios
• Regular staff-graduate seminars for presenting research work in progress

Expert Staff

Students are allocated a supervisor to guide them through their research degree. In some cases, joint supervision by two members of staff may be provided. The supervisor helps develop the research topic and plan, with regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress.

Specialist Facilities

The Media Centre provides exceptional facilities, including:

• State-of-the-art studios
• Cameras, audio, and lighting equipment
• An industry-standard editing suite for conducting and strengthening research in international journalism

Career Prospects

Graduates have gone on to successful careers as journalists, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, and media analysts/advisors for governmental, policy, and civil society bodies.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
  • Art History
  • Creative Writing
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Literature
  • Media Studies
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Theatre/Drama Studies

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International students should contact the Graduate Admissions team for specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components
• Alternatively, completion of a pre-sessional English pathway may be possible

Structure

Course Structure

The MSc (by Dissertation) Journalism is taught over 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. The course covers a range of research interests and provides supervision from expert academics.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣5,238 per year

International Fee

• ｣20,625 per year

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

Open Days

The University holds Open Days for applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to:

• Tour the campus and accommodation
• Find answers to questions about courses, graduate employability, student support, and more
• Discuss scholarship opportunities with the Fees and Funding team
• Meet students and staff

Applying

Applications can be made online. Before applying, it is recommended to check the necessary documents required as part of the application. The University aims to respond to applications within four weeks.

Related Courses

• PhD Journalism
• MPhil Journalism

Both of these courses are offered in full-time and part-time study modes and are based at the Colchester Campus.