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MA Journalism

Falmouth University - Offered by CEG Digital, United Kingdom
Overview Course Requirements Syllabus
MA Journalism
Next enrollment cycle May 2024 See all cycles
First Year Fee KES 1,132,256
Course Accredited By PC
2 Years Online Postgraduate Degree

In a rapidly evolving digital era, models of journalism production and distribution are constantly changing. Today’s journalists need to think radically, learn to adapt and exploit new forms of news media and be fluent with key creative tools used to produce compelling news content in various formats - text, video, photo + LIVE news. 

Throughout this programme you will critically engage with media ‘disruptors’, develop understanding of the changing relationship of journalist and audience and gain insight into the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, big data and ‘churnalism’. You should find yourself tested and asked to aim high as you become equipped to work independently from anywhere in the world.

Taught by leading journalists who are experienced in handling the benefits and challenges of working in an international context, this course gives you the opportunity to cultivate an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. As you focus on data journalism, social media and impactful storytelling, this programme aims to facilitate innovators grounded in the best journalism standards.  

You will:  

  • Develop your skills as a creative and technically agile non-fiction storyteller in order to work independently as a journalist.
  • Learn how to create compelling news for dissemination across multiple content platforms with global audiences in mind.
  • Discover how to thrive and innovate in the international digital news and communications industries.
  • Exploit social media and data journalism tools, developing a critical understanding of the shifting political, social and industry environments in which journalists must operate around the world

With Falmouth Flexible, you access your course content, interactions with other students and tutors, and learning resources, through Canvas, an easy-to-use online platform. 
You can access the course wherever you are in the world, and you can stop, pause and rewind lectures whenever you want. 
Learning activities 

  • Engaging learning activities will help you apply theory to practice. They could include: 
  • Concise online presentations to introduce key concepts 
  • Small group and class discussions and crits to facilitate interaction and dialogue 
  • Online critiques to test assumptions, ideas and to receive feedback from peers and tutors 
  • Individual and group tutorials throughout the course 
  • Independent study 
  • Self-evaluation and peer feedback. 

Assessments All assessments are taken and submitted online.
Assessment methods for the MA in Journalism can typically include:
• Written assignments (no examinations)
• Portfolios of editorial work, presentations, projects, reflective journals, critical essays, reports and a final project.

Enrollment Cycles

  • May 2024
  • September 2024
  • January 2025

Entry Requirements

An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification.
Experience of producing journalism, either in the industry or another context, in a paid or voluntary role, collaboratively or independently. Examples could include (but are not limited to) a university website, community website or personal blog.
If your first language is not English, you'll need to take one of the following tests to verify your proficiency:

  • IELTS - minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
  • TOEFL iBT (online test) - minimum of 88 overall and at least 21 in all 4 components
  • LanguageCert (online test) - a High Pass from the ESOL B2 Communicator test in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2 parts)

We also accept a range of equivalent recognised English language qualifications. Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award

Module one Creative Professional Practice (30 credits)

In this module you will explore key political, regulatory and creative pressures currently affecting journalists to help orientate your practice.

Within this critical context, and drawing on analysis of best practice, you will develop your skills in news-gathering, verification and ideas generation (notably via basic data journalism), using current methods and applications.

Module two The Mobile Journalist (30 credits)

This module requires you to critically examine the most effective digital news content produced by global news brands and cutting-edge news ‘disruptors’ to inform your own extensive engagement with key digital apps (focusing on advanced data journalism tools) to create compelling news video, audio and LIVE events stories.

You will also engage in critical discourse around the many impacts digital media have had on professional norms, methods and expectations.

Module three Journalism Innovation and Enterprise (30 credits)

This module will challenge you to generate your own brand and distinctive product, service or platform.

Drawing on scholarship and business analysis, you will critically evaluate examples of innovation – in storytelling formats, production and distribution – across formats.

This will inform your own creative enterprise, supported by mentors, tested through a pitch process and underpinned by study of copyright, data protection and other relevant legal constraints.

Module four Audiovisual Storytelling (30 credits)

This module focuses on developing your expertise in the content formats used by mobile multimedia journalists.

Individually and in groups, you will shoot and edit video, record and mix audio and combine media with graphics and text, creating our own multimedia toolbox, contextualising your practice through critical reflection.

A legal/regulatory strand focuses on the tension between privacy, defamation and free expression as it impacts practice.

Final major project (MA only)(60 credits)

Your studies culminate in a major project, in which you will conceive, plan and execute a substantial journalistic artefact or product/service on a platform of your choice, supported by a reflective critical analysis.

You will be encouraged to follow ‘story beats’ you may be developing for future professional practice – this could include climate and environment, international affairs, big data, lifestyle and more.

The output can be journalism or enterprise activity, or a combination of both, guided in conception and development by lecturers and leading industry professionals.

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