Magazine Journalism - MA / PGDip

Modules

Magazine Journalism Skills and Digital Production (60 credit points) - You will learn how to write for publication, carry out research, interview and edit your own and that of others. In video production you will be taught how to record using our mobile journalism kits. You will explore photography and design in sessions on visual journalism and work with InDesign and Photoshop to create magazine front covers and layouts. These skills come together in our practical news days and news weeks.

Media Law (20 credit points) - You will acquire a full understanding of the scope and effect of media law. You will be taught to recognise the danger areas in publication, evaluating risk and amending or eliminating content. You will also gain an appreciation of the impact of reporting restrictions.

Business of Magazine Project (60 credit points) (this module is taken by MA students only) - In this module you will explore the publishing business, gaining an in-depth understanding of its commercial demands. You will work in a group to pitch magazine brand ideas to an industry panel and also create your own, individual commercial magazine concept, including writing a business plan and designing a dummy magazine.

Optional modules

You will also study two optional modules. In the first half of the year, you will choose either Journalism, Ethics and Society or Social Media. In the second half of the year you will choose either Public Affairs for Journalists or Visual Journalism.

Journalism, Ethics and Society (20 credit points) - This module explores a range of ethical dilemmas, with a view to facilitating a responsible awareness of the role of the journalist in society. You will gain an insight into the key concepts regarding the production and practice of journalism. You will also develop a critical awareness of discourses pertaining to the changing form and functions of contemporary journalism within society.

Social Media (20 credit points) - This module provides an insight into key concepts, theories and practice of social media as it is deployed in contemporary journalism. It combines practical exploration with consideration of theory and academic discourse.

Public Affairs for Journalists (20 credit points) - This module will develop your understanding of the basic features, structures and operations of local and central government. You will continue to develop your journalistic skills as you learn about where to find information and interviewees on political stories.

Visual Journalism (20 credit points) - This module addresses the changing role of visual storytelling through an exploration of documentary photography and new forms of visual multimedia. You will be exposed to a range of multidisciplinary material and developing communication technologies which enable journalists to create visual stories.