Summary
- Faculty of Performance, Media & English
- School
- Birmingham School of Media
- Duration
- Full Time: 1 year
Part Time: 2 years
- Fees
- For information please contact the faculty:
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279
Email: media@bcu.ac.uk
Overview
This is the right course for anyone who has experience in the news or web industries, or for a journalism graduate. However, applications are welcome from those who have experimented with the potential for journalism and new media.
The MA in Online Journalism offers the chance to explore the organic growth of journalism as it embraces online technology. It emphasises enterprise, community, and experimentation, as well as the core skills in newsgathering and production.
Online journalism is shaping the future of news and those on this course will be embarking on an exciting career in this burgeoning sector.
Key Facts
The PgCert/PgDip/MA Online Journalism is part of a wider suite of postgraduate programmes within the Birmingham School of Media.
All the courses seek to develop reflective professionals in the media, creative and cultural industries, who can operate at the forefront of the academic discipline and of professional practice.
The content and approach of the curriculum focuses strongly on enterprise skills, engagement with new communication technologies and promoting innovation.
The Course Director is one of the foremost experts on online journalism and this is one of the first Master’s level qualifications in this new and highly relevant area of the media.
This postgraduate degree is ideal for those who have experience in any media production industry, or for journalism graduates. It will also appeal to anyone who has experimented with journalism and new media and who has a passion for the industry.
Course Outline
Course Structure
As this is an emerging sector in media, this course will offer the opportunity to explore the innovative and, at the opposite end of the spectrum, dreadful ways that news online has been approached.
Students will have the freedom to experiment themselves in the genre and must be prepared to fail and be self critical about their own and their peers’ work.
As part of the course, students will be required to work with major news organisations so they can identify and address some of the central issues facing journalism today.
A number of challenges are being faced by the media as it looks to online content and students on the course will investigate such themes as how audiences can be engaged online and how it can be funded. Questions surrounding the issue of using the power of networks to make better journalism will also be explored.
Modules
The Birmingham School of Media is renowned for its excellent facilities and resources that are available for all its students. This is complemented by high quality teaching from tutors who are all experienced industry professionals.
Students can expect close contact with their tutors during the course, so that staff can closely monitor individuals’ progress on the course.
Learning will also comprise contact with experts in a range of news organisations and start-ups, with whom the School has strong partnerships.
The course offers tuition in all practical areas of online journalism, including writing for the web and using content management systems; blogging and microblogging; podcasting; online video production; mapping; Flash interactivity; Computer Assisted Reporting (CAR) and using social media for newsgathering; creating data mash-ups; building content management systems and social networking and online distribution strategies.
UK media law and ethics is also integral to the course programme.
Teaching is in small groups and students will be required to run their own live news website and blog, as well as engage with such social media sites as Twitter and other networked elements.
The taught postgraduate phase of the course will comprise modules in enterprise; newsgathering and production; and experimentation. The Master’s component entails a substantial piece of independent production and study, although there is no dissertation to be completed.
| Online Journalism |
Enterprise |
| (30 credits) |
(30 credits) |
| Multimedia Newsgathering, Production and Distribution |
Production Lab |
| (30 credits) |
(30 credits) |
| MA by Practice |
| (60 credits) |
Assessments
Assessments usually emphasise scholarly or professional practice through which the key learning objectives are tested. Three weeks are set aside for assessment work.
Placements
All students on the course will be expected to undertake an ongoing “consultancy-style” role with a news organisation, which must amount to at least 15 days of work.
A number of major broadcasters, national and regional news organisations in the UK and internationally have already expressed an interest in working with students on this course.
After your studies
Further Studies
For anyone interested in taking their research interests forward into an MPhil or PhD speak to the course director about your particular area of expertise.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the MA in Online Journalism will not only have the skills to be online journalists, but will be able to help shape the future of journalism, whether in a print, broadcast or online organisation.
As journalists, the highly-skilled practitioners will be able to find stories from alternative sources, verify the information and tell them using a range of platforms – and with the involvement of the community.
Those graduating from the course to enter the online profession will have a greater understanding about the future of online journalism.
Having built-up and maintained a number of valuable contacts while on the course – not least through the consultancy experience – graduates will be ready to take their skills into the workplace, either in a strategic capacity or establishing a news start-up.
The Birmingham School of Media enjoys close ties with the regional and national press, and broadcast media.
How to apply
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have proven experience in journalism or media production (for example, video, audio, web production or print). Good spoken and written English are vital. IELTS level 6.5 is a minimum. You should have evidence of your passion for new forms of journalism, along with a strong and inquiring mind and a tendency not to take no for an answer!
Application Details
Please apply direct to faculty:
Online Application Form
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279
Email: media@bcu.ac.uk
For general information about applying to study at Birmingham City University, please refer to the Making your Application section.
International enquirers may contact the International Office for further help and advice.
Fees Notes
For information on postgraduate fees please contact the faculty: Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279 Email: media@bcu.ac.uk
Further Information
Birmingham School of Media
Birmingham City University
City North Campus
Perry Barr
Birmingham
B42 2SU
Telephone: +44 (0)121 331 7279
Fax: +44 (0)121 331 6501
Email: media@bcu.ac.uk