Course Overview
Course summary
This course offers a hands-on curriculum that allows you to develop your core journalistic skills in print, online and social media management.
You'll learn to master a broad variety of media formats from writing and reporting to social media and video. Besides writing, the course emphasises contemporary digital skills that will place you in high demand in an ever-changing world of content creation and distribution. These practical skills are underpinned with training in media law, ethics and regulation.
Whether your passion is current affairs, arts and culture, investigative features, travel, fashion, sport – or you are still deciding, our aim is to help you to find your first job in journalism.
We assist students to get work placements during the course, provide career advice, arrange media networking events and keep in close contact with potential employers.
This MA has been accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), which means we provide industry-backed journalism training for online, TV and radio. Our students regularly win BJTC awards, and the course has been awarded the BJTC award for excellence in teaching.
Our teaching staff are highly experienced journalism professionals, and our graduates have gone on to work with a variety of leading media organisations including BBC TV and Radio, BBC News Online, CNN, ITN, Russia Today, Al Jazeera, the Financial Times, Rolling Stone, and Cosmopolitan magazine and many other media houses in Britain and around the world.
There is a strong emphasis on learning through 'hands-on' practice, in small class groups. Most of your assessed coursework will be 'real' journalism assignments and you will take part in a number of mock news days.
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.
You'll 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 is 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.
This MA can be taken as a part-time course (daytime) over two years studying two days a week after initial more intense orientation weeks.
Westminster is a leading provider in this academic discipline and is ranked top 15 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Top reasons to study with us
- Fantastic location – While mainly being taught at our broadcast studio facility at Harrow Campus, modules are also delivered from our Regent Street campus, allowing you to cover stories from the heart of London
- Showcase your journalistic skills – You’ll 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
- Learn from experts – You’ll be taught by experienced journalists on our teaching team along with other media professionals who are invited as guest speakers or to critique your work
- Hands-on journalism practice – With a strong emphasis on learning through 'hands-on' practice in small class groups, most of your assessed coursework will be 'real' journalism assignments and you’ll take part in a number of mock news days
- Professional facilities – a new £1m newsroom is set to open in September 2022. This includes state-of-the-art TV, radio and podcasting studio facilities and a new editing suite
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you'll study on this course. Please note: Not all option modules will necessarily be offered in any one year.
Core modules
Advanced instruction in digital storytelling techniques. Students will output news and longform journalism to a range of multimedia platforms, specifically social media (now core to journalism), and mobile platforms. This module includes a series of all-day newsdays which are held within the newsroom and broadcast suite. Students will practice professional news gathering, live reporting and production. They will each take on specific newsroom roles. It also includes instruction in voice coaching, a trip to Parliament, and video presenting skills. It is a requirement for BJTC accreditation that all students receive these elements, regardless of pathway.
20 credits
This module explores the digital tools that are used to build and design compelling interactive content. Students will work in editorial teams to produce content for a new digital magazine edition, content-driven app or CMS-based website. Students are invited to select the best tools for the output and get instruction in the design of interactive magazine digital editions, app development and website creation.
20 credits
An exploration of the factors that influence journalistic practices in Britain and around the world. There is a detailed discussion of the theory and contexts of media law, ethical issues, regulation, and voluntary codes of conduct that must be followed by journalists. Additionally, there is also a discussion of public affairs – local and national government. To comply with the course accreditation from the BJTC it is essential that students pass the law, ethics, and public affairs test assignment to be able to graduate. Any student who fails at the first attempt can do a referral test, but that mark will be capped at a pass.
20 credits
You'll be taught the professional skills to research, write, and produce multimedia journalism. The module will evaluate concepts and techniques in different fields and for different platforms of news journalism. Techniques for audio and video editing will be addressed and stories will be output for a news website and social channels on mobile and desktop devices. This module includes a series of all-day newsdays which are held within the newsroom and broadcast suite. Students will individually and in groups practice professional news gathering, live reporting and news production. It also includes instruction in voice coaching in small groups, trips to court and City Hall, and video presentation skills which are requirements for BJTC accreditation for all students, regardless of pathway.
20 credits
This module will allow you to acquire all the editorial skills you need to be a professional online and print journalist. It will examine critically how feature ideas, reviews, interviews and profiles are generated and evaluate how features are 'packaged' for different digital platforms, audiences and markets. You'll be encouraged to 'pitch' your ideas to media outlets.
20 credits
Independent research to produce an in-depth journalism project. Those doing a print output will be required to produce a portfolio of articles of up 8,000 words (+/-10%) based on a theme and appropriate multimedia outputs. Those doing an online portfolio will be asked to produce a portfolio of 6,000 words (+/-10%) based on a theme and appropriate multimedia outputs. A video documentary would be from 15-20 minutes in length. An audio documentary would be between 15-20 minutes in length. All students write a 2,000 word (+/-10%) critical essay where they reflect on their practical work in the module and work placement(s) lasting a minimum of 15 days.
60 credits
Optional modules
The theory, practice and techniques of investigative journalism. This module examines how investigative journalism differs to other forms of communication. It examines a full range of techniques and looks at legal, ethical, health & safety and regulation issues.
20 credits
In this module you'll learn about the different facets of podcast making, exploring genres (e.g. journalistic/investigative, personal storytelling, fictional narrative, sports, comedy, interest groups) and the production techniques required for specific formats. Students also learn about idea incubation, pitching, marketing and monetisation.
20 credits
A critical exploration of travel journalism. You'll analyse broad range of coverage and will apply their reporting and writing skills. You'll analyse the market for features and practice how to liaise with the travel industry. You'll also analyse the ways travel journalism is being changed by digital publishing, social media, mobile app, blogs and video.
20 credits
Course accreditation
This course is accredited by Broadcast Journalism Training Council, BJTC.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Though this course is designed to prepare you for a career in journalism, it can also lead to a career in public relations, communications, or any other professional pathway which requires effective communication skills and the use of multimedia software.
Our graduates have gone on to work in journalism and content production as editors, reporters, producers and successful freelancers. Graduates have also secured jobs in PR and other areas of publishing.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Develop in-demand skills
You’ll learn a variety of media formats from writing and reporting to social media and video. Besides writing, the course’s emphasis on contemporary digital skills will place you in high demand in an ever-changing world of content creation and distribution.
Graduate success
Our graduates have gone on to work with a variety of leading media organisations including BBC TV and Radio, BBC News Online, CNN, ITN, Al Jazeera, the Financial Times, Rolling Stone magazine, and many other media houses in Britain and around the world.
Hands-on journalism practice
With a strong emphasis on learning through 'hands-on' practice in small class groups, you’ll work on 'real' journalism assignments and take part in a number of mock news days.
Industry links
This course has benefitted from links with:
- BBC 50:50
- Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC)
- Press Association
- Royal Television Society (RTS)
- The Media Society
- The Frontline Club
- Women in Journalism
Guest speakers
You'll also learn from visiting professors and professionals from the media industry who are invited as guest speakers.
The University of Westminster hosts the annual Charles Wheeler Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism.
Work placements
We'll support you in obtaining a placement at a media company in the UK for a minimum of 15 working days.
Volunteering
You can volunteer at our multi-award-winning student radio station, Smoke Radio, based at Harrow campus. You'll also have the opportunity to write for Smoke magazine and the QH university newspaper.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Content editor
- Magazine editor
- Newspaper reporter
- Publisher
- Social media manager
- Video journalist
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- BBC Interactive
- Rolling Stone India
- Sky News
- The Guardian
- The Independent
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leaders
Journalism is an exciting field to work in. Our course teaches students the practical skills they need to thrive in that field.
Steve Hill
Senior Lecturer
Steve is Course Leader and a Senior Lecturer. Steve worked as a journalist for The Independent, Sunday Express, New Statesman, and Computing magazine. He co-authored, with Dr. Paul Lashmar of City, University of London, Online Journalism: The Essential Guide (SAGE 2014). Mobile-First Journalism, with Paul Bradshaw, has just been published (Routledge, 2019).
Steve studied politics at University of the West of England, Bristol and has a Master's in Media Practice. He is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), sits on the committee of the Association for Journalism Education (AJE, UK) and is an external examiner. He was previously a lecturer in electronic publishing at Southampton Solent University.
More about meSee full profile of Steve HillDr Aasiya Lodhi
Senior Lecturer
Aasiya joined Westminster after a sixteen-year BBC career. She has produced numerous flagship radio strands including Front Row, Night Waves and Crossing Continents, as well as radio documentaries ranging across arts, culture and current affairs. Her BBC documentary credits include The Towers of Silence, The Caste Divide and Children of the Whitsun Weddings.
Aasiya has a BA in English Literature from the University of York, an MA in Comparative Literature from SOAS, University of London, and a PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of Sussex. Her academic publications include the co-edited volume Radio Modernisms: Features, Cultures and the BBC (Routledge), and she is currently writing a book on colonial ideology and post-war BBC Radio. Aasiya is Editor, with Abigail Wincott, of the journal RadioDoc Review.
More about meSee full profile of Dr Aasiya Lodhi
Our MA provides a rounded understanding of journalism. From international to local, mainstream to disruptive – we aim to cover it all.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Fantastic location
While mainly being taught at Harrow Campus, only a 20-minute tube ride away from central London, modules are also delivered from our Regent Street campus, allowing you to cover stories from the heart of the city.
Learn from experts
You’ll be taught by experienced journalists on our teaching team along with other media professionals who are invited as guest speakers or to critique your work.
Accredited course
This MA has been accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), which means we provide industry-backed journalism training for online, TV and radio.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). Applicants who don’t meet the minimum criteria but have relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are required to include a link to one sample of their own published work in their personal statement. This could be a sample of writing (in English), video or audio output (e.g. a blog post, a published news article, YouTube video or similar).
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in writing.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1). Applicants who don’t meet the minimum criteria but have relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are required to include a link to one sample of their own published work in their personal statement. This could be a sample of writing (in English), video or audio output (e.g. a blog post, a published news article, YouTube video or similar).
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 7.0 with 6.0 in writing.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,225 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
International tuition fee: £1,985 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about our research groups related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Multimedia Journalism (Print & Online) MA course is part of Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design, based at our Harrow Campus. Teaching will take part at both our Harrow Campus and in central London, at our Regent Street Campus.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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