Program Overview

MA Journalism

Overview

The MA Journalism program at Oxford Brookes University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing media landscape. The program focuses on multiplatform journalism, authorship of news and features, and the development of industry-standard expertise in digital and multiplatform news and features production.

Course Structure

The program consists of four compulsory modules and a range of optional modules. The compulsory modules cover the practice of journalism, journalism and technology, media law and ethics, and media, power, and public affairs. The optional modules allow students to specialize in areas such as data journalism and investigation, TV newsroom operations, lifestyle journalism, and brand publishing.

Learning and Teaching

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and studio modules. Students also have the opportunity to participate in field trips to local, national, and international newsrooms, media and journalism summits, and other relevant events.

Assessment

The assessment strategy is designed to take a holistic view of the program, and to ensure that assessment methods are varied and challenging. Students are assessed through a range of methods, including essays, business reports, project work, presentations, pitches, and role plays.

Field Trips

The program includes field trips to local, national, and international newsrooms, media and journalism summits, and other relevant events. These trips provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and make industry connections.

Study Modules

• The Practice of Journalism: This module covers the fundamental skills and knowledge required for a career in journalism, including finding news, conducting interviews, and engaging audiences through multimedia.
• Journalism and Technology: This module explores the impact of technology on journalism, including the use of social media, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling.
• Media Law and Ethics: This module covers the legal and ethical frameworks that govern journalism, including defamation, court reporting, and media regulation.
• Media, Power, and Public Affairs: This module examines the relationship between media, power, and public affairs, including the role of propaganda, the monarchy, and government in shaping media narratives.
• Data Journalism and Investigation: This module teaches students the skills required to develop as a data journalist, including data analysis, visualization, and storytelling.
• TV Newsroom Operations: This module provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a TV newsroom, including writing, reporting, and producing news programs.
• Lifestyle Journalism: This module covers the practical aspects of lifestyle writing for a range of multi-platform publishers and brands.
• Brand Publishing: This module explores the role of brand publishing in the media landscape, including the creation of branded content and the use of social media for brand promotion.
• Craft of Storytelling: This module teaches students the techniques involved in writing and shaping narratives across all forms of fiction and non-fiction.
• Audio Storytelling: This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills in audio storytelling, including podcasting and radio production.

Research

The program is grounded in up-to-date knowledge of the media, taught by experienced professionals, researchers, and scholars in their fields. The curriculum develops from a foundation of theory and skills, from multimedia to media law, and towards a focus on strands of journalism and authorship.

Careers

The MA Journalism program at Oxford Brookes University equips students for a range of careers in the media industry, including journalism, public relations, content marketing, and humanitarian journalism. The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in other creative industries.

Entry Requirements

• A second-class honors degree, or equivalent, in any subject
• An appropriate professional background and experience in the media
• A commitment to work in the media industries
• Two references, which may be academic or professional
• IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component (for international students)

Tuition Fees

• Home (UK) full-time: £10,250 (Masters), £9,250 (Diploma), £5,125 (Certificate)
• Home (UK) part-time: £5,125
• International full-time: £17,950

Funding and Scholarships

The university offers a range of funding opportunities, including the Postgraduate Master's Loan and the NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund. Students can also apply for scholarships and bursaries to support their studies.