Program Overview

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MA Journalism

Course Description

This is a flexible Master’s degree in Journalism which allows you to pick modules to focus on your interests and aspirations. You are introduced to the role of journalism in democracies and the impact journalism and news media has on peoples lives and societies. Your research, critical thinking and research skills will be developed culminating in a thesis or practice based project.

Highlights

• You will be a curious individual who question the world we live in and want to interrogate why society operates as it does
• You will be taught in our purpose build journalism facilities which include radio studios, a television studio, video editing suites, Mac suites and a newsroom featuring the latest software
• We offer three undergraduate journalism courses

Focus on What Matters to You

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to specialise in the areas that interest you.

You will examine key debates and current affairs, national and international and look at the impact upon societies. There are options to tailor the study to your interests. Your thesis or practice based project can be on a topic, subject of genre of journalism of your choice.

A Blend of New and Traditional Skills

There has never been a more exciting or challenging time to study journalism.

You are encouraged to critically view news and current affairs nationally and internationally. This will develop your skills in analysing and synthesising information and presenting your own arguments.

There are optional modules in:

• Data Journalism and Data Science, which will help you understand data analysis and how it is applied by journalists
• Investigating Journalism and Politics enables you to examine the relationship between journalism and politics and critically explore notions of power and influence in the reporting of politics, nationally and internationally
• Audience Studies offers a critical introduction to the ways in which the media engages with audiences

What You Will Study

You will study modules such as:

Core Modules

• Global Challenges in Journalism
• Project Modelling and Methods
• Master’s Thesis in Journalism
• Major Journalism Project
• Transforming Journalism
• PGDip Independent Study

Optional Modules

• Audience Studies
• Freelance Journalism
• Digital Skills
• Investigating Journalism and Politics
• Data Journalism and Data Science
• Work experience in Journalism

How You Will Learn

We use a range of approaches to enable your learning. These include lectures, seminars, tutorials, debates, workshops and guest speakers from the media industry. In addition, there is an emphasis on self-directed study, as you would expect for a masters.

We have a blended learning strategy, which means that in addition to face-to-face teaching, you can also find materials for all modules on the virtual learning environment, which will support your independent work.

How You Are Assessed

There are a variety of ‘summative assessments’ towards the end of each module, such as essays, oral presentations, reports that draw on qualitative and quantitative data, and critically reflective pieces.

As well as the summative assessments, we will ask you to undertake regular small-scale tasks — such as asking you to explain theories and concepts or asking you to produce a small piece of journalistic content. We’ll provide feedback on these activities to help you evaluate your own strengths, weaknesses, abilities and talents: a critical part of masters-level study.

Who Will Teach You

Dr Maria Urbina Montana

Programme Leader

Maria Urbina Montana is a Senior Lecturer in Journalism. Her research interests focus on news media and Latin American politics, particularly social media, nationalism, and neoliberal change in Chile and the Southern cone. She has been...

Careers

This MA provides great preparation for a career in journalism or communications. You could go on to work for local, regional, and national newspapers, the BBC or independent radio, specialist magazines, and a wide variety of online businesses.

Alternatively, you could work in PR and marketing roles for public, private or third sector organisations, thanks to your advanced writing skills, knowledge of traditional and digital forms of communication, and your ability to gather and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.

The intellectual and research skills you can gain on this Masters — particularly if you write a thesis — can also be ideal preparation for a PhD in journalism; something we offer at Derby.

Entry Requirements

You will need a 2:1 undergraduate degree or relevant experience.

English Language Skills

If English is not your first language you will need to have passed the International English Language Teaching System (IELTS) at the overall level IELTS 6.5, including a minimum score of 5.5 in each test category.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)

• UK: Full-time £9,720 for the full course, Part-time £1,080 per 20 credits
• International: Full-time £16,900 for the full course

International Student Scholarships

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• UK students: Apply directly to the University.
• International students: Apply directly to the University.

If you'd like support with your application, you can contact one of our trusted local representatives.

Additional Information About Your Studies

Teaching Hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Included in Your Fees

• Access to the Equipment Centre which stocks a huge range of cameras, audio equipment, and accessories which are available for booking by students at no cost
• Various field trips, for example; Alton Towers, Shrovetide Football, the Bradford National Media Museum and Escape rooms
• Mandatory trips to media companies or other interesting organisations. Previous trips have included visiting BBC Radio Derby, the Derby Telegraph, the Nottingham Post and BBC News and Sport at Salford

Mandatory Costs Not Included in Your Fees

• Some equipment including storage drives (approx. £10) and external storage drives (approx. £50 - £100) for camera use

Optional Costs Not Included in Your Fees

• It is useful but not essential to have a smartphone (£50 - £750)
• Some students choose to buy accessories for the phone such as external microphones (approx. £10 - £15) and tripods (£5 - £25)
• Some students also find it useful to purchase their own laptop for use in the field but this is not required (from £150)
• It is also possible that you will want to travel to cover particular news stories - as this is not required by the course, the cost is not covered in your fees