Course Content
Core Modules:
This module will provide students with the key skills required to write as journalists and then focus those skills on their chosen specialism.
- Magazine and Production Journalism
This module will apply the skills developed in Writing for Magazines by exploring the language, content, style and structure of magazine, newspaper and online features.
The Specialist Journalist
· Film Journalism
· Music Journalism
· Fashion Journalism
· Sports Journalism
In this module students decide on one specialist subject area, study the nature of journalists’ work in their chosen field, and also produce longer feature articles aimed at specifically targeted audiences.
This module will provide students with the key essential skills to become multimedia journalists and adapt those skills to their specialist field.
- Law, Ethics and Landscape
This module will provide students with an understanding of the changing landscape of contemporary journalism, and develop knowledge and understanding of journalistic law and ethics.
- Employability and Enterprise
As well as a work placement in a relevant media organisation, students will also develop essential skills and knowledge needed for making a successful living in the new media landscape.
- Research Skills in Journalism
This module aims to provide the reflective skills necessary to function as a successful journalist, exploring the processes and skills necessary for undertaking rigorous, credible, ethical and worthwhile research.
Dissertation This module allows students to create a journalistic portfolio from their chosen specialism.
Learning & Teaching
Most modules are taught through group workshops and seminars. Some modules will also include individual tutorials and the dissertation module is delivered entirely through one-to-one tutorials with your supervisor.
In workshops and seminars full use is made of University technology and course materials will be delivered and stored through our Virtual Learning Environment. It will be possible for you to access the Virtual Learning Environment remotely and you will be encouraged to do so.
Most modules are 20 credits and the dissertation is worth 40 credits.
In a 20-credit module you will receive 22 hours of timetabled teaching and you will be expected to conduct 178 hours of independent study. In a 30-credit module you will receive 33 hours of timetabled teaching and you will be expected to conduct 267 hours of independent study. The 40-credit dissertation is mainly conducted with independent study. You will receive 4 hours of tutorial supervision (this includes supervisors looking over your work) and you will be expected to conduct 396 hours of independent study.
Each student is appointed a personal tutor who will be available for academic advice, pastoral support and personal development planning. Tutors also have weekly office hours.
A critical but supportive environment is achieved through a combination of workshops, research seminars and e-learning. You will be introduced to the practicalities of preparing and submitting your work for publication.
Assessment
We have a variety of approaches to assessment across the degree depending upon the module. All practical modules are assessed through portfolios of journalistic work and accompanying critical essays in which you are required to reflect on your journalism and to contextualise your work. These modules also include class-based formative peer-assessment in the form of practical workshops. These do not count towards your final grade but the sessions do help you grow and reflect as a specialist journalist.
Modules also make use of Virtual Learning Environments for assessments and you may be asked to view material online and then to respond to it.
You will receive tutor support in class and through our VLE in order to prepare you for each assessment point. We also have library facilities online and at campus.
Employability & Careers
As well as a career in journalism, the MA is also a great choice for those wishing to enhance their employment and professional opportunities in editorial and publishing careers.
Key journalistic skills and techniques are, of course, central to the degree. However, this degree will also encourage you to develop the valuable transferable skills of autonomy, effective collaboration, self-direction, organisation, initiative and adaptability that are highly regarded in the workplace.
As well as journalism, a Master's degree in Specialist Journalism could also lead to a variety of other careers, such as: teaching, research, public relations, marketing, the civil service, publishing, the media, and employment in the public or voluntary sectors.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Each applicant is considered on their academic merits and their ability to demonstrate an interest and ability in the subject area.
Applicants should usually have a first or upper second-class honours degree, in a relevant subject. Students that meet the criteria will be invited for interview.
International Applicants
Students
whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of
fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full
details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please
visit the International pages on the website.
Selection Procedure:
Application form, CV, submission of a journalistic portfolio and interview (the interview can be conducted via Skype or telephone).
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our
self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at
www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.
Additional Information
Length:
1 year full-time;
2 years part-time
• If you wish, you can simply take individual modules (perhaps just one, or more, depending on your interest)
• If you wish to go further, you might choose to complete a Postgraduate Certificate (three modules chosen from a postgraduate programme)
• Further still, you might wish to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma (six modules from one of our programmes)
• Or you might wish to complete a Master's Degree, submitting a dissertation after completing the seven taught modules.
Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.
Part-time fees:
Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits
Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.
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