Taught course

Journalism

Institution
Birkbeck, University of London · School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication
Qualifications
MAPGDipPGCertMAMA
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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any related subject; other qualifications will be considered. Applications are encouraged from those with prior journalistic experience.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

January, October

Course content

Our journalism postgraduate course offers you the opportunity to acquire a fast-track but thorough grounding in practical journalistic skills, a strong working knowledge of the media industry and the principal contemporary theories of media and culture, along with an ability to develop professional writing skills across journalistic genres. Beyond the core skills delivered in the fast-track module, subsequent modules combine professional skills with a more conceptual understanding of how to interpret and communicate ideas in professional media work.

The course equips you with skills relevant to a wide range of professional contexts, and accordingly covers diverse aspects such as web journalism and other online media production, public relations, professional communications, and other skills relevant to the creative industries. You are strongly encouraged to develop your own areas of interest as well as to identify emerging areas of demand in the industry.

We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation.

The MA programme is part of our new Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both.

Highlights

  • We offer a number of bursaries for postgraduate students.
  • This course enables you to attain a high standard of journalistic practice.
  • Graduates in other fields can achieve professional standards of practice and understanding of the journalism industry.
Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in journalism, the media, or public relations. Possible professions include:

  • broadcast/newspaper journalist
  • press sub-editor
  • publishing copy-editor/proofreader
  • public relations officer
  • market researcher
  • writer.

Jobs gained by some of our BA and MA graduates include:

  • Producer, BBC News
  • Research Manager, BBC News
  • Project Coordinator, Sony Interactive Entertainment ltd
  • Marketing Manager, Red Deer
  • Broadcast Journalist, LBC, Classic FM, Capital and Heart
  • Staff Writer, Field Gibson Media
  • Communications Officer, Bristol Water
  • Staff Reporter, European Medical Journal
  • Executive Producer, Mongolian Media Council
  • Business Analyst, GSK
  • PR Director, Notable

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Online learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Online learningis available for this qualification
  • PGDip
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • PGCert
    part time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MA
    full time
    12 months
    • Online learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Online learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Advice Service
Email
studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3907 0700
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