University of Portsmouth United Kingdom

Journalism MA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode Online
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Journalism at the University of Portsmouth is your pathway to becoming a skilled and ethical journalist in today's dynamic media landscape. You will explore the critical role of journalism in a democratic society, learning to write for digital audiences, understand media law and regulation, and employ investigative techniques to uncover public interest news and data stories. This postgraduate degree is designed for aspiring journalists and communications professionals who want to develop the advanced skills and critical understanding necessary to navigate and shape the future of news reporting and public discourse.

This online Master's degree is studied full-time over one year, allowing you to balance your learning with professional development. You will engage with core modules covering investigative journalism, research methods, and digital news production, alongside practical training in media law and news reporting. The course structure integrates the requirements for an NCTJ Diploma, meaning you can achieve both qualifications simultaneously. You will graduate with a comprehensive portfolio and the professional practice skills needed for leadership roles in newsrooms or communications teams, ready to pursue careers as journalists, editors, or press officers.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA in Journalism program equips students with essential skills for a career in the field. Core modules cover investigative journalism, research methods, digital news production, government and media, media law, and news reporting, culminating in a portfolio. Students can further specialize through optional modules like a dissertation or major project, or pursue a comprehensive NCTJ Diploma which includes mandatory and elective modules in areas such as shorthand, data journalism, and public affairs.

1 Core modules

Investigative journalism Compulsory
Research methods for practitioners Compulsory
Writing and producing news for a digital audience Compulsory
Government, power and the media Compulsory
Media law and regulation (L7) Compulsory
News reporting Compulsory
Portfolio Compulsory

2 Optional modules

Dissertation Elective
Major project Elective
Shorthand Elective

3 NCTJ Diploma

Essential journalism module Mandatory
Essential media law and regulation module Mandatory
Regulation exam Mandatory
Portfolio Mandatory
Court reporting module Elective
Production exam Elective
Data journalism Elective
Video journalism Elective
Writing for a digital audience Elective
Public affairs Elective
Practical magazine journalism Elective
Shorthand Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 12,300.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 12,300.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 912.00 - USD 2,400.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Portsmouth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyAgricultural Services & ExtensionAmusement & Recreation ServicesFilm & Television ProductionForestry & LoggingLivestock & Animal HusbandryMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingMuseums & Cultural HeritageSocial Media & Content Strategy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

National Farmers'​ Union

Sky Group

Why Study Journalism MA at University of Portsmouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Portsmouth in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Journalism MA at University of Portsmouth

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks while enrolled in this degree program.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you need a minimum TOEFL score of 91 overall or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall. Specific section scores are also required depending on the test.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include journalist, news editor, press officer, and communications officer.

What will I actually study in this course?

  • 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

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Journalism MA program has two intake months: January and September, allowing flexibility in your application process.
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