Broadcast Journalism (Taught)

Course summary

This course is suitable for students with a good degree, looking to become well-rounded broadcast journalists. You will have a keen interest in TV, radio, social and digital news and current affairs plus sport, lifestyle and national and international politics. Though this course is not just about presenting on screen or on air, you must be prepared to present your material on camera or mic, and write and direct material for others to perform. The MA in Broadcast Journalism is about visual and audio communication of topical information, and requires a desire to communicate through essential team working. City provides an alumni network second to none in the UK broadcast industry; and provides possibly the best employment opportunities of any postgraduate broadcasting course in the UK. With an exceptional national and international reputation, MA Broadcast Journalism produces award-winning journalists. Students study cutting-edge multimedia journalism, preparing them for work in radio, television, mobile, social, and digital production. The emphasis is on practical skills: finding, researching, writing, newsgathering, interviewing, presenting, reporting, self-shooting/recording, and editing content.

Modules

All of our Broadcast Journalism MA students must undertake core modules in Ethics, Rules and Standards and a Final Project. As a Broadcast Journalism student you will take a module in Newsgathering for TV and Radio; a module in Newsdays and Studio Production; and a module in Data Journalism. You can pick 2 elective modules from our journalism department to complete your studies. Core Modules Journalism Ethics (30 credits) You put practical journalism in an ethical context with case studies and there are discussion groups in term two. Final Project (30 credits) You bring your skills together to make a film/radio feature or documentary, depending on the course you have chosen. Newsgathering for TV and Radio (30 credits) You learn the theory of finding and producing news for TV and radio. You take a weekly news and current affairs test; and learn how to write basic copy for broadcast news. Newsdays and Studio Production (30 credits) You undertake 15 news-days where you cover a designated area and produce a local news programme. You also look at longer form production like documentary and feature making. Politicial Headlines (15 credits) You learn the structure of British Government and how it works; and you meet journalists who report and present it. UK Media Law (15 credits) We will look at (amongst others) defamation, privacy and data protection, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, and copyright.

Assessment method

All MA Journalism courses at City are practical, hands-on courses designed for people that want to become 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.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

Broadcast Journalism Training Council

Entry requirements

A 2nd class Honours degree in any appropriate subject. Applicants should hold an upper second class honours degree, or the equivalent from an international institution. Consideration may also be given to mature applicants with substantial work experience in radio and/or television journalism. Students whose first language is not English are advised to apply for the International Journalism MA, which is designed specifically for students from outside the UK. Applicants must demonstrate a knowledge of TV and/or radio news and current affairs. We expect a high standard of general knowledge relating to politics, international news, sport and entertainment. You should also have work experience in a local radio station or similar. As well as new graduates, we also welcome applications from mature applicants with substantial work experience in radio and/or television journalism.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU	£22733	Whole course
International	£22733	Whole course
England	£11361	Whole course
Scotland	£11361	Whole course
Wales	£11361	Whole course
Northern Ireland	£11361	Whole course