Broadcast Journalism MA

Overview

Our accredited MA Broadcast Journalism course will equip you with the necessary skills, knowledge, understanding, and other attributes expected of professional broadcast journalists at the start of their careers. The course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, which represents the broadcast industry including the BBC, ITN, Channel 4 and Global Radio.

From the outset you will develop expertise in newswriting, interviewing, presenting, editing, and online content, as well as deepening your awareness of the legal, moral, and regulatory issues that confront working journalists. You will be encouraged to engage critically with, and make informed judgments on, current professional practices and ethical issues.

You will apply specialised techniques and, at master’s level, plan and carry out a significant project of original research, culminating in a documentary or broadcast portfolio. Recent documentaries have investigated cryptocurrency, media representation and women politicians and a range of podcast series have covered issues including the impact arts and culture can have on improving mental health, people who decide to live off-the-grid, Covid-19 and living through lockdown

Course Details

This master's degree focuses on developing journalistic practice through appropriate theoretical underpinning. You will be supported throughout your learning by a team with years of experience in the broadcast industry – including key employers like the BBC.

An innovative feature of our course is the newsroom setting for all broadcast practice delivery when students lead on conference time, source and report and produce hourly bulletins.

All students will have two new days per week in Term 1 and will also have an assessed news week at the end of their News Journalism module.

Students also produce portfolio content for Journalism & Public Affairs allowing them to put theory into practice and are expected to produce radio packages

Assessment

• Exam: 6%
• Practical: 52%
• Coursework: 42%

Assessment methods will include:

• Written examinations
• Oral presentation
• Written reports
• Coursework
• Logbooks
• Essays
• Case studies
• Literature reviews
• Research proposals

Career Prospects

Jobs

The MA Broadcast Journalism programme has an outstanding employment record, with graduates currently working in roles at the BBC and STV, a host of commercial radio stations such as Radio Clyde and Heart, busy media offices, and a range of high-quality journalism employers.

Further Study

The MA Broadcast Journalism programme may prepare students for further research study at MRes or PhD level. You will also gain PGCert and PGDip awards in this course.

You will require a University degree in any discipline or an equivalent qualification. Mature applicants with other qualifications and experience within the broadcast industry may be considered at the discretion of the Course Leader.