Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) MA

Program Overview

Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) MA

Overview

The Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) MA is a highly practical, well-rounded course that produces multi-skilled broadcast journalists. Accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), the course is designed to replicate the demands and pace of broadcasting today.

Course Structure

You will study five core modules and a Final Journalism Project, which can be a TV or radio documentary or a digital project. You will also study one optional module. You will learn through a rich mix of teaching styles including tutorials, seminars, workshops, case studies, group projects and independent research, with the course consisting of around 70 per cent practical work and 30 per cent theory.

Core Modules

• Digital Journalism Production
  • Advanced instruction in digital storytelling techniques. Students will output news and longform journalism to a range of multimedia platforms, specifically social media (now core to journalism), and mobile platforms.
  • 20 credits
• Media Law, Ethics and Regulation
  • An exploration of the factors that influence journalistic practices in Britain and around the world. There is a detailed discussion of the theory and contexts of media law, ethical issues, regulation, and voluntary codes of conduct that must be followed by journalists.
  • 20 credits
• Multimedia News Reporting
  • You'll be taught the professional skills to research, write, and produce multimedia journalism. The module will evaluate concepts and techniques in different fields and for different platforms of news journalism.
  • 20 credits
• Broadcast News
  • This module focuses on radio and television news and involves the output of a daily news bulletin in our radio and TV studios. You'll learn to recognise, order, write, edit and present stories for radio and TV.
  • 20 credits
• Documentary: Storytelling for Impact
  • This module will develop your practical production skills further into making documentary radio and television. Instead of reacting to immediate events as you do in broadcast news, documentary requires a more considered approach to the subject and offers time to research and dig into the topic.
  • 20 credits
• Final Journalism Project
  • Independent research to produce an in-depth journalism project. Those doing a print output will be required to produce a portfolio of articles of up 8,000 words (+/-10%) based on a theme and appropriate multimedia outputs. Those doing an online portfolio will be asked to produce a portfolio of 6,000 words (+/-10%) based on a theme and appropriate multimedia outputs. A video documentary would be from 15-20 minutes in length. An audio documentary would be between 15-20 minutes in length. All students write a 2,000 word (+/-10%) critical essay where they reflect on their practical work in the module and work placement(s) lasting a minimum of 15 days.
  • 60 credits

Optional Modules

• Digital Magazine Publishing
  • This module explores the digital tools that are used to build and design compelling interactive content. Students will work in editorial teams to produce content for a new digital magazine edition, content-driven app or CMS-based website.
  • 20 credits
• Investigative Journalism
  • The theory, practice and techniques of investigative journalism. This module examines how investigative journalism differs to other forms of communication.
  • 20 credits
• Podcast Production
  • In this module you'll learn about the different facets of podcast making, exploring genres (e.g. journalistic/investigative, personal storytelling, fictional narrative, sports, comedy, interest groups) and the production techniques required for specific formats.
  • 20 credits
• Travel Journalism
  • A critical exploration of travel journalism. You'll analyse broad range of coverage and will apply their reporting and writing skills. You'll analyse the market for features and practice how to liaise with the travel industry.
  • 20 credits

Course Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). Applicants who don’t meet the minimum criteria but have relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants are required to include a link to one sample of their own published work in their personal statement. This could be a sample of writing (in English), video or audio output (e.g. a blog post, a published news article, YouTube video or similar).
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in speaking and writing.
• Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

Fees and Funding

UK

• UK tuition fee: £10,900 (Price per academic year)
• Paying your fees: If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments.
• Alumni discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount.
• Funding: There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

International

• International tuition fee: £18,000 (Price per academic year)
• Paying your fees: If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments.
• Alumni discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount.
• Funding: There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Facilities

• Melvyn Williams Broadcast Suite: As part of this course, you will have access to our Broadcast Suite. Opened in 2022 with a £1.2+ million investment, the suite is a multifunctional space designed to meet the needs of modern multi-platform journalism.

Teaching and Assessment

• How you’ll be taught: Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• How you’ll be assessed: Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories: Practical and Coursework.

Research Groups

• Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI): Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.

Supporting You

• Student Hub: Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
• Study support: Workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills.
• Personal tutors: Support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student advice team: Provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas.
• Extra-curricular activities: Volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more.

Course Location

• Harrow Campus: Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.