Journalism & Media Communications

Why choose this course?

• you want to gain a broad range of communication and digital media skills
• you want to feel inspired by expert lecturers widely experienced in the communications industry plus as a partner university with the prestigious Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA)
• you're excited to gain valuable networking skills and contacts. You'll benefit from the experience of our expert speakers and gain current knowledge of the PR industry. Find out more about our speaker series, Media Matters
• you want to gain insights into emerging trends in the fast-changing digital media world. You want your skills to be valued by a wide range of media and related industries.

What will I study?

You'll have weekly two-to-four-hour workshops for each module. Plus, there can be online activities too. You'll be supported by regular one-to-one supervision by academics from the University's Media Group.

On the one-year programme, you will study a range of modules covering journalism, corporate communications and media production. These are followed by either a one-month placement within the media industry or a dissertation.

Recent placements have included an influencer agency in Los Angeles, a PR company in London and BBC radio. Students who have written dissertations have explored wide ranging topics. These have included the use of particular body types to sell clothes on Instagram and the imagery of COVID-19 on news sites.

Modules may change from year to year but are likely to include Corporate Communication, PR and Advertising; International Journalism Trends; Writing for Magazines; Sports Journalism; and Media Production as well as modules on research methodology. You'll have a range of options for your final project. This can be a dissertation on a media subject of your choice, a short work placement, a one-year placement or a larger media research project, depending on your chosen route.

For Media Production you'll create multimedia – podcasts, designs and promotional strategies – for online magazines. You'll pitch and measure a campaign and use social media to promote your work. Writing for Magazines will give you the practical skills to write articles for online and print audiences. You'll produce webinars on the business model of magazines. Plus, you'll learn how social media and blogging are enhancing the magazine experience.

Our module Sports Journalism will give you a key understanding in the exciting practices of sports journalism, from interviewing top stars to reporting on breaking sports stories. You'll also create news bulletins and write news features.

Two modules on research methods and critical and theoretical debates will equip you with advanced research skills and transferable communications skills. These include interviewing, identifying a story and building connections; vital skills for PR and Corporate Communication roles.

The one-month placement will allow you to work in the creative industries and develop your professional skills. The University's Careers and Placement Service will help you apply for this one-year work placement. Previous graduates have worked for Sunday Times Travel, Euromoney and Cosmopolitan magazine.

All students gaining 60 credits in the first semester and an additional 60 credits in the following semester will be eligible for a work placement but it cannot be guaranteed. The University's Careers and Placement Service will help you apply for, and obtain, a work placement. For students with visa restrictions, the placement will need to be based in the UK. Students will typically need to secure a placement by the end of April in order to process the necessary paperwork.

About the course

Our MA Journalism and Media Communications is a full-time taught programme with a great record of helping students achieve jobs in the industry. By joining this programme, you'll extend your knowledge and skills in the media. You'll meet students from around the world, forming close friendships and strengthening your international awareness.

You'll benefit from our extensive links with the media industry including, membership of the Public Relations and Communications Association and educational membership of the British Society for Magazine Editors. Be inspired by our guest speakers. Previous talks have included the editor of Marie Claire, an investigative journalist from the BBC and head of a media agency. Plus, we'll invite you to join our small 'afternoon tea' sessions with speakers twice a semester. You'll be supported to find valuable work experience. Previous students have gained placements with the BBC, Sunday Times and a variety of PR agencies.

You'll analyse contemporary intellectual theories of media and communications. You'll cross-examine the synergies between social media, PR and journalism, interrogate current media practices and convergence. Every step of the way, there'll be a strong focus on your future employability. You'll be taught by lecturers with extensive professional experience of journalism, PR, web design, media production and media research. Whatever your background, this MA will enhance your career by equipping you to operate effectively in a professional media environment.

By joining this MA programme, you'll benefit from a diverse and international student cohort within the School of Social Science, Humanities and Education postgraduate community.

This programme has three distinct pathways:

• MA Journalism & Media and Communications - one year
• MA Journalism and Media Communications (Sandwich) - two year
• MA Journalism and Media Communications (with Advanced Research) - two year

Whichever pathway you choose, you'll gain valuable skills in practice and a theoretical understanding of journalism, media and communications management. Our programme is flexible. Students normally choose their pathway when they apply but there is some flexibility to change in the first semester and you can also swap from the two-year to one-year programme in the second semester.

Completion of a four year bachelors degree with GPA 2.4 or above.

Careers

Employability is central to everything we do. This MA opens up a wide range of opportunities, from PR, Corporate Communications, marketing and advertising to magazines and web publications.  Your creative and critical thinking, as well as the analytical, research and communications skills gained through this course, are all highly valued in a wide range of industries.  Recent graduates are working internationally on The Expat and Raffy magazines in Malaysia, as well as in Corporate Communications and UK local radio.

What job can I get?

Recent graduates are working internationally on The Expat and Raffy magazines in Malaysia, as well as in Corporate Communications and UK local radio.

Work placement

This module will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and put into practice the knowledge and skills developed over the year. Students will be typically be expected to have spent a minimum of 20-25 days on an internship or on a work experience placement. After completing the work placement, students will write a 3.500 word report and give a short presentation reflecting on his or her experience.

The MA Journalism and Media Communications (Sandwich) is a two-year programme which includes a 36-week, full-time work placement.  By choosing this programme and taking up a work placement you will gain valuable professional practice and enhance your understanding of media theory.

All students gaining 60 credits in the first semester and an additional 60 credits in the following semester will be eligible for a work placement, but it cannot be guaranteed. The University's Careers and Placement Service will help you apply for, and obtain, a work placement. For students with visa restrictions, the placement will need to be based in the UK.

Students will typically need to secure a placement by the end of April in order to process the necessary paperwork.  Students who do not secure a placement by then will be transferred from the Sandwich programme to the two-year 'with Advanced Research' programme. 

Download the direct application form (PDF - 0.19 Mb)

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When you have completed your pdf application form, please send it to:

admppc@herts.ac.uk

Complex Admissions
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL10 9AB
UK