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Journalism (Distance Learning) at University of Portsmouth - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Overview Whether it's providing the public with trusted information, holding leaders to account or countering "fake news" and misinformation, journalists have a key role to play in a democratic society. Gain the skills, knowledge and qualification you need to succeed in roles such as journalist, news editor, press officer and communications officer with this online Journalism Master's. Course highlights

  • Learn the professional skills and knowledge needed in the era of digital news and media in areas such as video editing, media law, data analysis and people management
  • Apply your skills and boost your CV with at least 10 days of work experience with a publisher or communications company
  • Use the latest professional software including Photoshop, Indesign and Premier Pro
  • Learn from teaching staff who have professional experience with titles and organisations such as the Financial Times, News International and Portsmouth News
  • Start in September or January (full-time only in January)
Accreditation Our course is the only online journalism programme to be accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). The NCTJ accreditation lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work as a journalist when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who haven't done an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs. Careers and opportunities When you complete the course successfully, you'll have the skills and knowledge to communicate important issues to the public in the digital world. You'll also have a portfolio you can use to demonstrate your talents to potential employers. Roles you could work in after the course include:
  • journalist
  • news editor
  • social media manager
  • press officers
  • communications officer
Typical employers may include:
  • online and print newspapers
  • broadcasters
  • magazines
  • PR agencies
  • corporate communications agencies
Work experience and career planning To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, we'll help you secure at least 10 days of work experience with a publisher or communications company. We can also help you identify further placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and build your portfolio. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Modules

Core modules

  • Government, Power and the Media (15 credits)
  • Investigative Journalism (15 credits)
  • Media Law and Regulation (L7) (15 credits)
  • News Reporting (15 credits)
  • Portfolio (15 credits)
  • Research Methods for Practitioners (30 credits)
  • Writing and Producing News for a Digital Audience (15 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits) or Major Project (60 credits)
Shorthand module You can also choose to take a no credit option of Shorthand where you'll learn Teeline in a bid to reach 100wpm. NCTJ Diploma modules Mandatory skills modules – 47 credits
  • Essential Journalism module (22 credits)
  • Essential Media Law and Regulation module (10 credits)
  • Regulation exam (3 credits)
  • Portfolio (12 credits)
Elective skills options – 35 credits You must complete credits from the following options:
  • Court Reporting module (7 credits) – to take this, you must also be learning shorthand
  • Production exam (7 credits)
  • Data Journalism (7 credits)
  • Video Journalism (7 credits)
  • Writing for a Digital Audience (7 credits)
  • Shorthand (14 credits)
- Public Affairs (7 credits)

Assessment method

  • essays
  • a portfolio
  • written assignments
  • online exams
  • presentations
  • reflective practice
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Professional bodies

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

  • The National Council for the Training of Journalists

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered. All applicants will be invited to attend a workshop, which will include an NCTJ story writing task.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5.
PTE Academic65An overall score of 65 with a minimum of 65 in each skill.
TOEFL (iBT)9191 with a minimum of 24 in Reading, 23 in Listening, 25 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.
Cambridge English AdvancedCambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 176.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 176.
Trinity ISETrinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £4550 Year 1
International £4550 Year 1
England £4550 Year 1
Northern Ireland £4550 Year 1
Scotland £4550 Year 1
Wales £4550 Year 1
Channel Islands £4550 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £4550 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

Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice. For further fee information please see the corresponding University of Portsmouth course page or visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding
Journalism (Distance Learning) at University of Portsmouth - UCAS