Investigative Journalism MA

Investigative Journalism Skills and Theories

introduces you to the core themes that underpin the knowledge you need to be an effective investigative journalist. You will study the range of law that affects journalists, including libel, copyright, contempt, privacy and confidentiality, freedom of information and data protection.

Introduction to Practical Investigative Journalism

introduces you to the wide range of skills needed to become an effective investigative journalist. The module combines practical, equipment-based training with a wider focus on core investigative skills.

Investigative Journalism Global Perspectives

builds on the basic theoretical frameworks of earlier modules and applies them to the in-depth study of significant investigations. You will learn how to deal with complex data in investigations and attend talks from visiting speakers on how video investigative journalism is done in other countries around the world.

Advanced Practical Investigative Journalism

pulls together the skills and competencies you have developed throughout the programme. You will undertake advanced work with editing, production and dealing with specialist equipment to produce journalist pieces. Industry experts will be on hand to make sure you understand the current markets for your work and how to pitch and complete ideas.

Final Project

You have a choice of options for your final project. It is expected that you will independently produce a piece of investigative journalism suitable for broadcast by one of the mainstream outlets. However, you can also choose to write a 15,000 word dissertation in lieu of this.

Teaching and assessments

You will experience a wide range of teaching styles and environments, from traditional lectures and seminars to intensive skills workshops, news days and studio work. As a postgraduate student, you will be increasingly responsible for developing your own professional practice and working with other course members to produce pieces of journalism.

You will be working collaboratively with undergraduate students and other postgraduate students from our portfolio of related journalism courses including on events.

This is an intensive programme and you should be aware that full-time engagement will be expected throughout.

There will be a diverse range of assessments, including traditional essays, presentations, case studies and reports, as well as continuous assessment of professional practice. These culminate in your final project or dissertation.

Contact and learning hours

You will normally attend at least 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions per week. As part of this, you will be expected to produce substantial amounts of journalism outside of class.