Program Overview

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Journalism (Distance Learning) MA

Overview

Gain the skills, knowledge, and qualification you need to succeed as a digital journalist on this online distance learning course.

Key Information

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Study Mode and Duration

• 1 year full-time by distance learning
• 2 years part-time by distance learning

Start Date

• September 2025
• January 2026

Course Information

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Course Highlights

• Learn the professional skills and knowledge needed in the era of digital news and media
• Apply your skills and boost your CV with at least 10 days of work experience with a publisher or communications company
• Use the latest professional software including Photoshop, Indesign, and Premier Pro
• Learn from teaching staff who have professional experience with titles and organisations such as the Financial Times, News International, and Portsmouth News
• Start in September or January (full-time only in January)

Accreditation

Our course has been accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The NCTJ accreditation lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work as a journalist when you graduate.

Work Towards Your NCTJ Diploma

On this course, you'll take assessments to qualify for the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

Ideal Skills and Qualities for This Course

As well as meeting the entry requirements, you'll need to have excellent English skills, be inquisitive and approachable, and have a desire to become a journalist or communications professional.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

MA Journalism Entry Requirements

• A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject.
• Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered.
• Not from the UK? If you're applying as an EU or international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
• Selection process: All applicants will be invited to attend a workshop, which will include an NCTJ story writing task.
• English language requirements: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

Fees subject to annual increase.

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
  • Full-time: £9,100
  • Part-time: £4,550 per year
• EU/International students (including Transition Scholarship):
  • Full-time: £9,100
  • Part-time: £4,550 per year

All fees include the NCTJ Diploma examination fee.

Funding Your Studies

Find out more about how to fund your studies, including scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Journalism Diversity Fund

You may also be eligible for a bursary from the Journalism Diversity Fund.

Loans, Scholarships, and Bursaries

Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject-specific loans.

Fees and Funding for Master's Courses

Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries, and more.

Modules

All Years

• All modules
• NCTJ Diploma

Core Modules

• Media Law and Regulation (L7) - 15 credits
• News Reporting - 15 credits
• Research Methods for Practitioners - 30 credits
• Government, Power, and the Media - 15 credits
• Investigative Journalism - 15 credits
• Portfolio - 15 credits
• Writing and Producing News for A Digital Audience - 15 credits

Optional Modules

• Dissertation - 60 credits
• Major Project - 60 credits
• Mandatory skills modules – 47 credits
• Elective skills options – 35 credits

How You'll Spend Your Time

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week (full-time) or 17.5 hours a week (part-time) studying for your Journalism Master's.

Teaching

Most of this course is delivered through live online sessions on set days and times of the week. To build in flexibility, most of these live sessions, where appropriate, are recorded to allow you to catch up.

Career Development

When you complete the course successfully, you'll have the skills and knowledge to communicate important issues to the public in the digital world. You'll also have a portfolio you can use to demonstrate your talents to potential employers.

Roles you could work in after the course include:

• Journalist
• News editor
• Social media manager
• Press officers
• Communications officer

Typical employers may include:

• Online and print newspapers
• Broadcasters
• Magazines
• PR agencies
• Corporate communications agencies

Supporting You

You'll get face-to-face support from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include:

• Personal tutor
• Student support advisor
• Creative skills tutors
• IT and computing support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Library support
• Support with English

Apply

Ready to Apply?

• Start this course in September 2025
• Start this course in January 2026

After You Apply

Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.

You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.

Learn more about how we assess your application.

Admissions Terms and Conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules, and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.