Program Overview

MSc/PgDip Digital Journalism

The MSc/PgDip Digital Journalism is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the digital media landscape. The program is delivered by the University of Strathclyde and is available on a full-time or part-time basis.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Application deadline: 31 August
• Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time. PgDip: 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time

Course Overview

The program aims to produce high-quality, fresh-thinking graduates who have a passion to communicate and can articulate their ideas through effective storytelling. Students will learn how to devise, launch, produce, and market an online publication, work in the University's simulated news environment, and report externally using mobile media.

Course Content

The course comprises core and optional classes, including:

• Multimedia Journalism: introduces students to the professional demands of multimedia journalism, equipping them with the techniques needed to create effective digital packages.
• Digital Media Ethics: provides students with an understanding of key ethical issues, practices, and norms of the digital media environment.
• International Media Law: teaches students the specific industry legal framework that applies in digital journalism.
• Journalism Portfolio: enables students to build on the skills learned in Semester 1 and put them towards a comprehensive portfolio that will showcase their skills and abilities to prospective employers.
• Elective classes: include Entrepreneurial Journalism and Innovation, Media & Health, Media Analytics, Communicating Science and the Environment, and Communication & Media Theory in an International Context.

Learning and Teaching

The course is delivered by lectures and seminars, during which a range of teaching and learning strategies are used. These include formal talks, discussions, presentations, role-playing exercises, and discussion of recorded material.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary according to the nature of the module. Academic subjects are generally assessed by written essays, case studies, and presentations. In practical journalism modules, students produce individual multimedia journalism packages, portfolios of their own work, and a group online news site.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, or professional experience demonstrating ability to study at Masters level.
• English language requirements: Please check the University's English requirements before making an application.

Fees and Funding

• MSc: £9,550 (full-time), £4,775 (part-time)
• PgDip: £6,367
• International students: £21,550 (MSc), £14,637 (PgDip)

Careers

Graduates of the course are employed at organizations such as the Herald and Times Group, the Press and Journal (Aberdeen), BBC, STV, DC Thomson, and the Daily Record. Job roles include magazine journalist, magazine features editor, newspaper journalist, newspaper digital editor, freelance journalist, online journalist, digital copywriter, digital content creator, digital content editor, social media manager, communications officer, and public relations officer.