Course Overview
Course summary
Do you want to communicate compelling stories through TV, radio and digital media? The Multimedia Journalism MA (Broadcast) is a highly practical, well-rounded course that produces multi-skilled broadcast journalists.
On this course you’ll gain a broad perspective of a range of multimedia specialisms, and master skills such as news gathering, live reporting, editing and voice work – underpinned with a thorough understanding of media law, ethics and regulation.
Accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), the course is designed to replicate the demands and pace of broadcasting today. Whether you want to go into current affairs, investigative journalism, or arts and culture, you will discover how to develop unique angles and gather your own material. You’ll learn in our state-of-the-art TV, radio and podcasting studios, take part in mock news days, and work on live assignments critiqued by industry professionals. For your final project, you will create a TV or radio documentary or series of digital features.
In terms of location you will have the best of both worlds: based at our impressive media hub in Harrow, you will also spend time at our central London campuses and cover stories in the heart of the capital.
Helping you to land your first job in broadcast journalism is the key aim of the course, and we will do everything we can to boost your employability. You will be taught by lecturers with experience in organisations like the BBC and Sky, and get the chance to showcase your work on our multi-award-winning station Smoke Radio. You will also go on a mandatory work placement for at least two weeks with a media company, which will give you valuable experience of approaching companies and then putting your skills to the test in the real world.
Meet four of our aspiring journalists on London Live’s Student Spotlight.
Top reasons to study with us
- Benefit from the flexibility of studying either full-time (one year) or part-time (two years)
- Get hands-on in our £1.2m Melvyn Williams Broadcast Suite in Harrow, offering a TV-style set, green screen area, podcasting studios and editing suite
- Master topics at the cutting edge of broadcasting such as Open Source intelligence
- Hear from inspiring industry speakers. Previous speakers have come from organisations including: ITN, BBC, Sky News, CNN, Channel 4, Talk Radio, London Live and Times Radio
- Maximise your career prospects at our new employability centre – where you can access training, advice and mentoring – and via our media jobs intranet
- Network with potential employers through our links with Women in Journalism, The Media Society and the Front Line Club
- Follow in the footsteps of successful graduates like Alistair McDonald (senior correspondent at The Wall Street Journal), Katy Scott (Producer at CNN Digital) and Manisha Ganguly (Open Source lead for The Guardian).
Course structure
You will study five core modules and a Final Journalism Project, which can be a TV or radio documentary or a digital project. You will also study one optional module. You will learn through a rich mix of teaching styles including tutorials, seminars, workshops, case studies, group projects and independent research, with the course consisting of around 70 per cent practical work and 30 per cent theory.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
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
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 focuses on radio and television news and involves the output of a daily news bulletin in our radio and TV studios. You'll learn to recognise, order, write, edit and present stories for radio and TV. You'll receive voice coaching to develop your skills as a broadcast journalist.
20 credits
This module will develop your practical production skills further into making documentary radio and television. Instead of reacting to immediate events as you do in broadcast news, documentary requires a more considered approach to the subject and offers time to research and dig into the topic.
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
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
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
The course is designed to prepare you for a career in broadcast journalism, providing you with technical skills and hands-on experience in TV, audio and digital reporting. Our graduates go on to work in journalism and content production as editors, reporters, producers and successful freelancers. Others use the broad multimedia perspective they have gained to work in PR, tech, marketing and other areas of communications.
Gain job search support
Find out about jobs and industry opportunities on Westminster’s bespoke intranet media job site.
3,000 employers
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers around the world.
Get an industry perspective
Spend a minimum of 10 days on placement at a media company as a mandatory part of your course.
Industry links
The course benefits from our links with a range of organisations including:
- BBC 50:50
- BJTC
- Press Association
- Royal Television Society (RTS)
- The Media Society
- The Frontline Club
- Women in Journalism
Graduate employers
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Editor
- Radio producer
- Reporter
- Social media manager
- TV presenter
- Video journalist
Graduates from this course have gone on to work at companies including:
- BBC TV and Radio
- BBC News Online
- CNN
- ITN
- Russia Today
- Al Jazeera
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?
Respected by industry
The course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.
London location
Some modules are delivered in central London allowing students to cover stories in the heart of the city.
Access exceptional facilities
Get hands-on in our £1.2m Melvyn Williams Broadcast Suite which hosts industry-standard TV and audio studios.
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 speaking and 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 speaking and 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.
What our students say
Tereza Tomanova
Multimedia Journalism (Broadcast) MA - 2020
Westminster was a massive confidence boost. Once I completed my studies, I felt I had the necessary experience to go into the real world. Before I started the course, I was not sure what to expect. My course managed to simulate the real world and newsroom so well that I knew I had it in me to be a good journalist.
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: £10,700 (Price per academic year)
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: £17,500 (Price per academic year)
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.
Facilities
Melvyn Williams Broadcast Suite
As part of this course, you will have access to our Broadcast Suite. Opened in 2022 with a £1.2+ million investment, the suite is a multifunctional space designed to meet the needs of modern multi-platform journalism.
As well as functioning as a classroom for workshop activities, the suite comprises a TV-style set, a green screen area, a TV gallery and a podcasting area, as well as Macs on every desk. It is fitted with industry-standard software and hardware throughout, allowing students to create TV, radio and online content in conditions that closely match professional newsrooms in the UK and elsewhere.
The space allows students to work individually or together in a variety of different ways, from creating graphic-led stories for social media feeds to live TV news programmes.
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 two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2024/25
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 (Broadcast) 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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