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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our MA Journalism will equip you with professional skills in journalism. You'll cover topics from news and non-fiction to brands and content.
You will develop skills in digital and multi-platform journalism. And you'll study the changing models of journalism including:
 branded content
 not-for-profit journalism
 big data scraping
 social media crowdsourcing.
You'll have regular networking opportunities and visits to newsrooms, media and journalism summits. So you’ll benefit from a degree that responds to the industry.
Journalism is one of a group of courses run by the Oxford International Centre for Publishing (OICP), which has a high international standing. OICP is supported by two advisory boards made up of high profile figures from across the journalism and publishing industries.
Our location in the beautiful city of Oxford is home to many media professionals. And there are more published writers per square mile here than anywhere else in the world.
Modules
Compulsory modules
The Practice of Journalism (20 credits)
Topics covered on this module include:
 The Business of News
 Politics, Governance and Media
 The Art of the Interview
 News and where to find it
 Essential Skills in News Writing
 Working with Figures
 Approaches to Features writing
 Introduction to Multimedia
 Interacting with and engaging your audience
And the module features a Live News Day where you can gain experience of working in a simulated newsroom environment
Journalism and Technology (20 credits)
Topics covered on this module include:
 Premiere Pro
 Shooting, framing and sequencing stories
 Editing video
 Captions, graphics and audio processing
 SEO, substackand branding
Media Law and Ethics (20 credits)
Topics include:
 Regulation –IPSO, Ofcomand the legal systems governing UK media
 Defamation
 Court Reporting
 Laws protecting court reporting
 Inquests and door knocks
 Reporting on protected characteristics
 Cancel culture
 Inequality and diversity in UK media
Media, Power and Public Affairs (20 credits)
Aspects of Media, Power and Public Affairs taught on this module may include:
 Propaganda
 The Monarchy and the media
 The role of the media and government
 Truth and outrage in contemporary journalism
 Whistleblowers
 Tabloids, Broadsheets and Digital Media
 Conglomerations
 Democracy, class and mainstream media
Optional modules
• Digital and Data Journalism (20 credits)
• Lifestyle Journalism (20 credits)
• Brand Publishing (20 credits)
• Craft of Storytelling (20 credits)
• Multimedia Journalism (20 credits)
Optional modules
Optional placement
The supervised work experience module is part of the two-year placement mode for international students. The sandwich year gives students the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge and practical publishing skills gained in their previous modules while embedded in an industry environment for up to 52 weeks.
Students studying this mode must complete 180 credits including the compulsory modules before they can progress to the work placement module.
There is no guarantee of a work placement for students studying on the sandwich mode. Securing a placement is the responsibility of the student and throughout the course you’ll be supported with your applications including CVs, cover letters, interview preparation and networking connections.
Optional modules
Dissertation or Major Project
The Dissertation or Major Project is the defining and essential component for the award of the MA degree. It is a major in-depth investigation of a subject, theme or issue significant to the study of journalism through research and extended written work (15,000 words or equivalent for major projects).
The Major Project is a practical application of technologies, commerce or enterprise and results in a defined artefact and an analytical report (5,000 words) that places the work in the context of contemporary journalism. For example, your work may be a project with a focus on the practical elements of either a printed or electronic publication. Alternatively, your artefact might be a business proposal for a new web platform or media start-up.
Learning and teaching
This degree is built upon a scholarly foundation which integrates industry expertise:
 Lectures offer the knowledge and framework for study that will enable you to achieve learning outcomes.
 Seminars encourage discussion with tutors and peers to test your understanding and ability to apply ideas, to develop transferable skills, and to encourage deeper learning.
 Practical workshops give you the opportunity to test, clarify, and apply your skills.
 Studio modules enable hands-on activities and the development of project work in our dedicated suite of Mac computers equipped with industry standard software.
 Moodle is used to offer extra resources and learning materials.
 Field trips enable you to experience what you have learnt. They will also develop academic understanding.
 Publications offer the chance to write and edit copy, and put into practice multimedia skills.
 Student presentations provide opportunity for self-evaluation and feedback from visiting professionals.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
Entrants to the programme should possess the following minimum qualifications:
 a second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in any subject; or
 an appropriate professional background and experience in the media. This should be evidenced by an appropriate CV which outlines your professional experience to date from either working directly in journalism and media or a related function.
Applicants should also demonstrate a commitment to work in the media industries. This attribute is usually evidenced through the application and personal statement. But also through work experience or voluntary work in the media or fulfilling a journalism-related function in a non-media organisation, or at interview.
Two references, these may be, for example, two academic references, or one academic reference and one from an employer.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English then we will require IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
The programme draws on a variety of industry-facing learning and teaching methods to support your learning and deliver the range of knowledge and skills required for your academic progression and future career.
The programme offers an academically rigorous and professionally relevant education. Emphasis is placed on writing and commercially relevant journalism throughout the course. You will graduate with a portfolio of content, featuring a variety of media formats, relevant to roles across the industry.
This course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and you'll have the opportunity to take the NCTJ exams at the end of the academic year.
Assessment
The assessment strategy is designed to take a holistic view of the programme, and to ensure that assessment methods are varied and challenging. The following are possible types of assessment:
 Essays on academic or research topics
 Business reports and case studies
 Project work across areas such as news stories, live reporting, and long-form reporting
 Presentations in role
 Pitches of new ideas and concepts
 Podcasting and video reports
 Role plays using professional scenarios
 Teamworking assignments.
The aim is to support students in the creation of an effective portfolio of content, across media formats, to facilitate their career progression.
Formative assessments are included in each module to ensure that you receive regular, clear guidance on your work and advice before you reach a summative assessment point.
Research
Your study is grounded in up-to-date knowledge of the media, taught by experienced professionals, researchers, and scholars in their fields.
The curriculum develops from a foundation of theory and skills, from multimedia to media law, and towards a focus on strands of journalism and authorship.
The programme offers a local, national and international context for your studies, alongside an understanding of the cultural importance of the media.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates from the Oxford International Centre for Publishing have established an enviable reputation in the creative industries and they are extremely successful in obtaining good jobs fast. Evidence from our alumni suggests that our graduates have agile careers and are able to enter the industry at a higher level than would otherwise have been possible. The Centre has its own vacancy list of jobs in journalism, publishing and the creative industries and runs an annual Working in Publishing Day, attended by many employers.
The Centre is supported by two advisory boards in journalism and publishing who support, advise and help us shape our degrees. The Journalism Advisory Board is made up of professionals from broadcasting to multinational technology companies, consumer magazines to local and national newspapers.
You will be taught by staff who have a variety of research interests and extensive indusry expertise in the media.
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