Course summary
Want to work as a Film, Music, Fashion or Sports Journalist? The MA Specialist Journalism at Cardiff Metropolitan University is a master's degree with a practical focus. Designed and delivered by academic staff who are both industry professionals and researchers, the course aims to create practicing Specialist Journalists and prepare them to be industry ready for employment in journalism. Written in collaboration with practicing journalists from the BBC to ensure we teach contemporary journalism for the digital, new media age, this distinctive degree is aimed to support students while they develop their journalistic skills and techniques within a particular specialism, such as: film, music, fashion or sports journalism. Students at Cardiff Met will not only develop their print and online journalism, but also a wide range of multimedia production skills, learning to self-shoot and edit, record and produce audio, create digital content while sharpening their journalistic instinct, news values and editorial judgment. Students will also study elements of media law, and analyse how ethics, a sense of fairness, impartiality, accuracy and a robust knowledge of regulations and rights play a crucial part in operating within the modern journalistic landscape. The course has a strong employability focus allowing students to combine journalistic techniques and perspectives with practical vocational skills, which are reinforced by work placements. Whether for professional development purposes, to enhance your freelance career, or as your first step into the world of journalism, the MA will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to be a specialist journalist. We have expertise across a number of fields and our academic community is vibrant and dynamic with strong industry links and guest speakers giving real-world insight to this fast-changing industry. One of the great strengths of the programme is its flexibility. MA Specialist Journalism can be studied either full or part time allowing you to control the pace and depth of your postgraduate study. Programme delivery is also enhanced by the university's commitment to e-learning.
Modules
Core Modules: •Writing for Magazines 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. •Multimedia Journalism 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.
Assessment method
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £1140 | Module |
| England | £1140 | Module |
| Northern Ireland | £1140 | Module |
| Scotland | £1140 | Module |
| Wales | £1140 | Module |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Western Avenue
Cardiff
CF5 2YB