Overview
The Media and Journalism MA is designed for new graduates and experienced journalists. If you’re planning a career in journalism and related occupations, or to progress to a PhD, this course is for you.
It provides an international context and is suitable for students from across the globe.
The course is flexible and you can tailor it towards professional media and journalism practice or academic engagement. You don’t need a media background to join this course.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn alongside and collaborate with professional journalists.
We work with a range of organisations to support high-quality journalism. You’ll hear from and work with experts and innovators and explore advances in journalism. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment and develop new ways to do journalism.
You’ll also work with internationally renowned academics in media, culture, and journalism studies.
You can take part in projects to expand your knowledge and skills. This includes our Civic Journalism Lab in which we bring in industry professionals to discuss all aspects of journalism.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
This journalism Master’s covers key areas of knowledge and professional practice which reflect the way journalists work today. However, journalism’s role in society, how we do journalism, and careers in journalism are constantly transforming.
This course is designed to be a ‘laboratory of inquiry’. It prepares you to negotiate these changes, as you progress through your career in journalism, media or professional communication. It also prepares you for further doctoral study and a career in research and academia.
Semester 1 focuses on understanding of media in regional, national and global contexts. Through independent research, you develop theoretical, critical and methodological understanding of the field. You’ll begin to consider your own areas of interest and expertise. You’ll also apply this understanding to creative projects. This advances your skills in multimedia journalism production.
Semester 2 focuses on individuality and creativity. You’ll choose the knowledge, research and journalistic skills you want to develop further. You’ll work with a research supervisor to begin producing a dissertation. You’ll select optional modules that complement this process and work holistically to advance your expertise.
In Semester 3, you’re immersed in advanced research practice. Working with your research supervisor, you finalise your dissertation.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
The one-year course is divided into three semesters. You’ll have assignments to complete and submit during the intervening weeks.
We also have a series of challenging guest lectures, master classes and workshops from experts and innovators in journalism.
We adopt a student-centred policy in learning and teaching. You’ll complete a combination of compulsory and optional modules through:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical workshops
Depending on your module choice, you will study three or four modules per semester. You’ll work independently and collaboratively to:
- read widely
- take part in discussions
- develop topics for investigation with advice from tutors
- develop projects and presentations
- lead seminars
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your future
Careers
We’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in Journalism. Our graduates have gone onto work as journalists for institutions such as:
- Bauer Media
- BBC
- People’s Daily, China
- Various regional newspapers
Our graduates have also gone on to gain employment in a variety of other industries, such as:
- Public Relations
- Marketing
- Recruitment
- Teaching
- Broadcasting
As an MA Media and Journalism student at Newcastle University, you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills. These range from presentation and research skills, to team-working and project management, which are highly sought after by employers.
Further Study
This Media and Journalism MA provides a route into PhD level study.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
European Journalism Training Association
This course is recognised by the European Journalism Training Association. The European Journalism Training Association (EJTA) is a non-profit organisation that works intensively with other European associations and organisations in the media and education fields. It was established in Brussels in 1990. It groups about 80 journalism centres, schools and universities from about 30 countries across Europe. They work together to improve journalism education in Europe, enabling members to collaborate on exchanges and teaching and research projects, and meet regularly to exchange ideas and information. A key aim of EJTA is to stimulate European co-operation in journalism education and lifelong learning between non-profit training centres, and to develop a professional approach towards journalism training.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Throughout the Journalism Master’s you’ll have access to a range of specialist facilities, including:
- cameras
- voice recorders
- audio and video-editing software
- a computer-editing suite which includes Adobe CS 6
We’re developing new facilities, including mobile studio equipment and editing suites. The technical support team can be found in in the Old Library Building (OLB)
Read more about how to find the Old Library Building
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant professional experience in:
- the media
- broadcast journalism
- print journalism
