Overview:

Based in one of our multimedia newsrooms, the course is designed to give you experience of working in a professional environment.

This MA has a specific emphasis on the practice of journalism and develops the skills you'll need for employment in the journalism or creative industries.

You will learn how to write advanced news and features, gain an understanding of the scope of the laws affecting journalists, and develop the editorial, interpersonal and self-management skills needed to work within the media industry. You'll examine the journalism business and can specialise in magazine journalism.

You will also study social media and data journalism and explore content creation and the distribution of news via social media. In digital reportage, you will focus on content production within the digital media.

You will gain experience in audio, multimedia, and video journalism, as well as developing basic editing and sequencing skills, and an understanding of audio-visual hardware and software. In your final term you'll choose between either an academic dissertation or a journalism project route – which allows you to produce a print and online magazine, replicating as much as possible the conditions, organisation and pace of the production of a real magazine.

We have several dedicated multimedia newsrooms, fitted with Mac computers, a video suite and a viewing room containing industry-standard software, which are designed to give you the experience of working in a fast-paced environment. You will be taught by a journalism team who have worked for the Guardian, Financial Times, the BBC, and Reuters.

Carrying out work placements is an important part of this course. Not only will you be putting the skills you have learnt on the course into practice, but you will also learn valuable new ones, build a strong CV, and make vital industry contacts.

There are visits to media organisations, such as the BBC, as well as special seminars and workshops held by industry professionals. Roehampton has links with other media organisations, such as Haymarket Media Group, national and regional newspapers, and websites.

This course has been accredited by the PPA.

Career Options

Careers in broadcasting, journalism, publishing, professional writing, public relations, and social media. The MA also functions as a pathway to a PhD for those pursuing a career in academia. You will also gain PGDip award in this course.