Course summary
This course is the result of a unique collaboration between DMU and one of the country’s most respected broadcasters, Channel 4. It will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge for a successful career in investigative video journalism. Designed by industry experts, the course addresses skills such as in-depth research, handling complex data, understanding financial information, and working undercover. After a thorough grounding in media law, regulation and ethics, you will receive tuition in various investigative techniques, including using the Freedom of Information Act, data journalism and financial journalism. You will also be taught how to use specialist camera equipment, and how to plan, shoot and edit your own material with a view to making industry-standard, broadcast-quality journalistic films. This is supplemented by a survey of the academic study of journalism, all of which is intended to help you flourish as a practitioner. The connection with Channel 4 helps the course tutors identify potential work experience placements, and professional mentors for students. Recent graduates have gone to work as directors, presenters, reporters and researchers with national and international news and current affairs broadcasters, including the BBC and Channel 4. Key features Study for an MA that has been endorsed by and developed in collaboration with Channel 4. This means that you will receive industry-standard teaching from expert academics and professional journalists. Specialise by studying a course that is solely aimed at producing investigative video journalists. Experience a wide range of teaching styles and environments, from traditional lectures and seminars to intensive skills workshops, news days and studio work. Choose to independently produce a piece of investigative journalism suitable for broadcast by one of the mainstream outlets as part of your final semester project. Benefit from our academics’ extensive experience as journalists, filmmakers, media consultants and producers to develop the skills you need to launch your career. Study on a course that is suitable for both established professionals and graduates wanting to break into the field.
Modules
Block 1 Introduction to Practical Investigative Journalism and Media law Block 2 Investigative Journalism: Skills and Theory Block 3 Advanced Practical Investigative Journalism Block 4 Investigative Journalism: Global Perspectives and Industry Blocks 5 and 6 Investigative Journalism Final Project
Assessment method
You will experience a wide range of teaching styles and environments, from traditional lectures and seminars to intensive skills workshops, news days and studio work. As a postgraduate student, you will be increasingly responsible for developing your own professional practice and working with other course members to produce pieces of journalism. You will be working collaboratively with undergraduate students and other postgraduate students from our portfolio of related journalism courses including on events. This is an intensive programme and you should be aware that full-time engagement will be expected throughout. There will be a diverse range of assessments, including traditional essays, presentations, case studies and reports, as well as continuous assessment of professional practice. These culminate in your final project or dissertation. Contact and learning hours You will normally attend at least 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions per week. As part of this, you will be expected to produce substantial amounts of journalism outside of class. You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.
Entry requirements
Candidates should normally: have the equivalent of a British honours degree (2.2 minimum); have an excellent standard of English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for international applicants); be able to demonstrate a commitment to a career in journalism through involvement in student media, online blogging or broadcast; be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and awareness of current affairs, and also a minimum of one week’s work experience in a professional newsroom. Exceptionally, applications may be accepted from non-graduates. It is anticipated this would apply to mature entrants with acceptable and relevant work experience, for example journalists qualified/experienced in other fields.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9700 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9700 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9700 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9700 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9700 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9700 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18100 | Year 1 |
| International | £18100 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
De Montfort University
The Gateway
Leicester
LE1 9BH