Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) MA

There's a strong emphasis on learning through 'hands-on' practice, in small class groups, using our professional standard facilities. Most of your assessed course-work will be 'real' journalism assignments, a preparation for the world of contemporary journalism.
As well as regular classes taught by experienced journalists on our staff, we also invite other media professionals as guest speakers or to critique student work. We support you in applying for work placements, encourage you go to journalism events and network with professionals, and to pursue other journalism experiences. We work closely together with the charity One World Media, for example. One World Media promotes coverage of the wider world and offers bursaries for students who wish to cover a story in a developing country for their final project.
You will have the chance to air your work on Smoke Radio, the University's multi-award-winning internet radio station, or post items onto the MA's own news site, Westminster World.
The course is taught over two semesters, and for the Master's students followed by the largely self-directed final project in the summer. Unlike many other journalism MAs, you can undertake an extensive practical Final Project. This could be a TV or radio documentary or a digital project. Students usually undertake their placements in the period from the Easter break to the end of the course.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
CORE MODULES - SEMESTER ONE:
Documentary Skills: allows you to develop advanced audio and video production and reporting techniques leading to the production of a short TV documentary, plus a radio feature and documentary.
Multimedia Journalism Skills: Part theory, part digital practice, this module teaches students to understand and apply the concepts and techniques underpinning contemporary journalism in a digital environment.
Issues in journalism: You will gain an in-depth working knowledge of media law, explore the relationship between UK public institutions, and evaluate the ethical considerations which are of key concern to journalists.
CORE MODULE - SEMESTER TWO:
Digital Journalism: Developing digital reporting and storytelling techniques for news and long form pieces, be responsible for an editorial project with output for desktop, mobile and social media and understand how to create an audience.
OPTIONAL MODULES - SEMESTER TWO:
* Investigative Journalism: exploring the history, theory and practice of investigative journalism in different parts of the world, as well as carrying out your own investigation.
* Travel Journalism: developing the special skills and techniques of travel writing, and as well as gaining an understanding of how to liaise with and report on the travel industry.
* Online Journalism: teaching in-depth knowledge of digital tools to build and design digital content, and encouraging students to develop an entrepreneurial view.
* Sociology of News: A critical study of the news media in the context of current society; it examines different aspects of how news is created, disseminated and consumed.
* Specialist Journalism: You can explore in depth the role of the specialist correspondent, and develop specialist reporting techniques to provide a number of multi-platform pieces of journalism. Currently we are offering two choices depending on demand: Sports and Health and Medical Journalism. Depending on demand, we create more options; n the past, we offered lifestyle, environmental and business journalism.
Final Projects (MA only)
These are all individual projects:
Final Radio or Video Documentary Project: Researching, compiling and presenting your own investigative thirty minute radio documentary, or twelve minute film, and providing an accompanying critical analysis.
Final Journalism Project: For this project you will produce to a professional standard a themed series of articles in a publishable format, including the use of multimedia techniques.
Online Journalism Final Project: Designing and creating your own personal website, and providing multimedia content.
Course team
Mercedes Bunz and Steve Hill, Joint-Course Leader
Associated careers
Though designed to prepare you for a career in journalism, this course could also lead to a career in public relations, communications, or any other professional pathway which requires effective communication skills, and the use of convergent media.
Related courses
Multimedia Journalism (Print & Online) MA
Documentary Photography and Photojournalism MA
Length of course
One-year, full-time or part-time (day/eve)
Location
Harrow
Additional costs information