Graduates have secured positions at various media organizations, including CNN and The Daily Express.

The Journalism PgDip/MA at Kingston University London is a postgraduate degree course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in journalism. The course emphasizes practical training and academic study, focusing on the most sought-after skills in the journalism industry.

• Develop students' professional skills in news and feature writing, digital and social media techniques, and media law.
• Provide students with hands-on experience in a newsroom setting, using industry-standard software.
• Equip students to work as journalists through a live news website, the Kingston Courier, where they produce and edit multimedia content.
• Offer specialization options in areas such as Sports Journalism, Foreign Correspondence, Arts and Culture, Social Affairs, Fashion Journalism, Visual Journalism, and Broadcast, where students gain experience in producing TV and radio packages and podcasts.

Outline:

The Journalism PgDip/MA program is available in full-time (1 year), full-time with a professional placement (2 years), and part-time (2 years) formats.

Course Schedule:

• Full-time: The full-time program runs over two semesters from September to May.
• Part-time: Part-time students can choose to study shorthand in either their first or second year.

Modules:

Core Modules:

• Practical Journalism Now: Multimedia Skills and Employability (60 credits): This module includes a two-week work placement outside the University and provides hands-on experience in various skills like researching, writing, interviewing, editing, video, podcasting, mobile journalism, data journalism, newspaper design, social media, and editorial analytics.
It leads to the NCTJ Essential Journalism exam and e-portfolio. Shorthand exams at 60, 80, and 100 wpm count towards the NCTJ diploma.

MA Students Choose Either:

• Practical Journalism Project (60 credits): This module offers a practical journalism project in a working journalist role, including academic research and a journalism portfolio.
It takes place between May and September after core teaching concludes.
• MA Journalism Dissertation (60 credits): This module involves independent academic research in a chosen area of interest, culminating in a dissertation.
Students receive supervision and guidance to frame a hypothesis and conduct research. It takes place between May and September after core teaching concludes.

Optional Modules:

• Feature Writing (30 credits): This module focuses on feature writing techniques, covering idea generation, research, copywriting, pitching, and analyzing different feature writing styles.
• Journalism Specialism (30 credits): Students explore a range of specializations like sports journalism, fashion journalism, foreign correspondence, arts and culture journalism, social affairs, or visual journalism.
It emphasizes developing research, writing, reporting, and digital skills to produce professional outputs within the chosen specialization.

Optional Placement Year:

• Professional Placement (120 credits): Students on a masters program that incorporates professional placement can apply their knowledge and skills in a relevant work environment.
This module allows students to develop employability and professional skills.

Assessment:

The Journalism PgDip/MA is assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.

Coursework:

• Essays
• Portfolios of journalism
• Presentations
• Dissertation or work-based research project (for MA students)

Exams:

• The NCTJ diploma is assessed through exams.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Workshops, lectures, student-led seminars, guided research.
• Faculty: Practicing journalists with a wide range of experience and insider knowledge about working in the current journalism industry.
• Guest Speakers: High-profile guest speakers from various media organizations.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Journalism, publishing, advertising and marketing, film, television, radio, arts management, new media, business, and teaching.
• Facilities: The journalism department has a dedicated newsroom equipped with iMacs, professional newswires, news channels, and industry-standard software like Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Premiere Pro.

Home 2025/26 MA full time £12,400 PGDip full time £5,825 MA part time £6,820 PGDip part time £3,204 ELQ (Equivalent Lower Qualification) fee 2025/26 PGDip full time £7,180 International 2025/26 MA full time £20,700 PGDip full time £20,700 MA part time £11,385 PGDip part time £11,385 Home 2024/25 MA full time £11,900 PGDip full time £5,600 MA part time £6,545 PGDip part time £3,080 ELQ (Equivalent Lower Qualification) fee 2024/25 PGDip full time £6,975 International 2024/25 MA full time £19,900 PGDip full time £19,900 MA part time £10,945 PGDip part time £10,945 If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years. If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including: Alumni discount Progression Scholarship

Kingston University

Overview:

Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.

Services Offered:

Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Guidance and resources for academic success.

Career Services:

Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Wellbeing Services:

Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Library and Learning Resources:

Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.

Student Union:

A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:

Active Student Union:

Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.

Location Advantages:

Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.

Key Reasons to Study There:

TEF Gold Rating:

Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.

Future Skills Focus:

Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.

Strong Industry Links:

Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.

Diverse and Inclusive Environment:

Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Study:

A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.

Research:

Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.