Course summary
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.
- broadcast/newspaper journalist
- press sub-editor
- publishing copy-editor/proofreader
- public relations officer
- market researcher
- writer.
- 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
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
Assessment is 100% coursework, with additional in-class writing exercises and portfolio requirement. Unassessed written work.
How to apply
International applicants
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.
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £10800 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £10800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £10800 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £10800 | Year 1 |
| International | £19830 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700