Course summary
Build essential skills in magazine journalism by learning to produce and write for online and print publications. A highly practical course that prepares you for professional journalism. Our MA also requires you to take up to seven weeks of relevant work experience. This is a course primarily focused on getting you a job in the industry. You will meet and receive advice from leading journalists in various fields and have access to City’s outstanding alumni network. Recent graduates have gone on to work in publications as varied as Sunday Times Culture, The Economist, Cosmopolitan, Time Out, Vice, Stylist and The Independent, as well as hosting hit podcasts and writing bestsellers. This programme covers everything from writing news stories, longform features and reviews to producing profile pieces and multimedia content. You will also leave the course with skills in magazine design, subbing, law and digital publishing. Part of the course will involve creating and launching a new website brand, as well as producing City’s 160-page print alumni magazine.
Modules
The magazine industry has never been more exciting and challenging. This course prepares you for the exciting world of magazines which may be more varied than you imagine - whether it’s writing a feature for a glossy men’s magazine or a lifestyle website, podcasting an interview, or researching and crafting a story for the newsdesk of a business-to-business publication. All of our MA Journalism students must undertake underpinning core modules: Journalism Ethics (30 credits) - You put practical journalism in an ethical context with case studies and there are discussion groups in the second term. Journalism Portfolio (30 credits) - You’ll be taught all the skills that make a great journalist – how to research, interview, report and produce content (news and features) across digital and print. Editorial Production (30 credits) - You learn print and multimedia production packages, culminating in the production of a print magazine (XCity) and website (xcityplus.com). UK Media Law (15 credits) - You learn the basics of UK Media Law to enable you to work in a UK newsroom. The Magazine Business (15 credits) - You are given a solid grounding in all aspects of the print and digital magazine industry through master classes given by industry professionals. You learn about photography, illustration, typography and graphics. Final Project (30 credits) - This module provides you with the opportunity to put into practice all the professional and theoretical skills learnt on the course in the generation of a series of features totalling 5,000 words, or an equivalent multimedia project. Electives modules: Choose one of the following three modules, and 2 core electives from across the department:
- Political Headlines (15 credits) - You learn the structure of British Government and how it works; and you meet journalists who report and present it
- Data Journalism (15 credits) - You will learn up-to-the-minute journalism skills using statistics and data to provide and substantiate stories
- Podcasting (15 credits)
Assessment method
All MA Journalism courses at City are practical, hands-on courses designed for aspiring journalists. As a result, much of your coursework will be journalistic assignments that you produce to deadline, as you would in a real news organisation. Assessment is part of learning, and course assessments vary to reflect the learning being achieved. They include workshop exercises, studio work, oral presentations, essays, reflections, exams and production (making journalism products), and different forms (written, oral, visual, aural), as well as being individual and team-based.
Entry requirements
You should hold an upper second class honours degree or the equivalent from an international institution. You should also have a minimum of four weeks’ work experience in magazines or newspapers. Student journalism or self published journalism, such as a good quality blog, is also considered relevant and may be enough to secure a place on the MA.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £22733 | Year 1 |
| International | £22733 | Year 1 |
| England | £11361 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11361 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11361 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11361 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
City, University of London
Northampton Square
City of London
EC1V 0HB