Investigative Journalism MA/PG Dip/PG Cert
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-11-04 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Investigative Journalism MA/PG Dip/PG Cert program, a collaboration between De Montfort University and Channel 4, trains the next generation of audio-visual investigative journalists. It equips students with specialist skills in research, data handling, financial analysis, and undercover work, preparing them for careers in national and international news organizations, online news, and investigative journalism agencies.
Program Outline
Investigative Journalism MA/PG Dip/PG Cert
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Investigative Journalism MA/PG Dip/PG Cert program is a unique collaboration between De Montfort University (DMU) and Channel 4, designed to train the next generation of audio-visual investigative journalists. The program equips students with specialist skills and knowledge, focusing on in-depth research, handling complex data, understanding financial information, and working undercover.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in investigative video journalism
- Address industry demand for skilled investigative journalists
- Provide students with a thorough grounding in media law, regulation, and ethics
- Teach a variety of investigative techniques, including using the Freedom of Information Act, data journalism, and financial journalism
- Train students in using specialist camera equipment, planning, shooting, and editing industry-standard journalistic films
- Offer a survey of the academic study of journalism to help students flourish as practitioners
Program Description:
The Investigative Journalism MA/PG Dip/PG Cert is a one-year full-time program designed for both established professionals and graduates seeking entry into the field. The program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical industry experience, with teaching provided by experienced journalists and filmmakers. Students will gain experience in various teaching styles and environments, including traditional lectures and seminars, intensive skills workshops, news days, and studio work. They will also work collaboratively with other students to produce investigative journalism pieces.
Key Features:
- Endorsed and developed by Channel 4, ensuring industry-standard teaching
- Specializes solely in training investigative video journalists
- Offers a wide range of teaching styles and environments
- Allows students to produce an investigative journalism piece suitable for broadcast
- Provides extensive experience from academics and industry professionals
Outline:
Program Content:
- In-depth research
- Handling complex data
- Working undercover
- Media law, regulation, and ethics
- Specialist camera equipment use
- Planning, shooting, and editing industry-standard journalistic films
- Academic study of journalism
Structure:
- One-year full-time program
- Divided into six blocks:
- Block 1: Introduction to Practical Investigative Journalism and Media Law
- Block 2: Investigative Journalism: Skills and Theory
- Block 3: Advanced Practical Investigative Journalism
- Block 4: Investigative Journalism: Global Perspectives and Industry
- Block 5: Investigative Journalism Final Project
- Block 6: Investigative Journalism Final Project
- Each block focuses on specific skills and knowledge relevant to investigative journalism
Course Schedule:
- Students typically attend at least 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions per week.
- They are expected to produce substantial amounts of journalism outside of class.
- The course schedule may vary slightly depending on the intake.
Individual Modules:
- Each block consists of several modules covering different aspects of investigative journalism.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Traditional essays
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Reports
- Continuous assessment of professional practice
- Final project or dissertation
Assessment Criteria:
- Clarity and accuracy of writing
- Depth of research
- Critical analysis
- Originality
- Creativity
- Professionalism
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Traditional lectures
- Seminars
- Intensive skills workshops
- News days
- Studio work
- Student-led projects
- Collaborative work
Faculty:
- Experienced journalists and filmmakers
- Academics with expertise in media law, ethics, and research
- Industry professionals providing guest lectures and workshops
Unique Approaches:
- Strong industry connections through Channel 4
- Focus on practical skills development
- Emphasis on ethical considerations in investigative journalism
- Encouragement of creative and innovative storytelling
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Director
- Presenter
- Reporter
- Researcher
- Producer
- Freelance journalist
- Documentarian
Opportunities:
- National and international news and current affairs broadcasters (e.g., BBC, Channel 4)
- Online news organizations
- Investigative journalism agencies
- Production companies
Outcomes:
- Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive industry.
- Many graduates have secured employment with leading news organizations.
- The program prepares students for a variety of careers in investigative journalism and related fields.
Other:
- The program is endorsed by and developed in collaboration with Channel 4, ensuring that students receive industry-standard teaching.
- DMU has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards.
- Scholarships are available to support students with tuition fees.
- DMU offers a range of other postgraduate programs in related fields, such as journalism and media studies.
2024/25 full-time fees for UK students: £9,500 per year. 2024/25 tuition full-time fees for EU and international students: £17,600 per year.