Professional standards

You study for a master's degree that includes elements of history, politics and law while simultaneously studying for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Diploma in Journalism. This includes qualifications in news writing, media law, public affairs and shorthand. You also learn a dazzling array of multimedia production skills, giving you the confidence to take on journalism assignments in television, radio, print and online.

The NCTJ is the nationally recognised training body for professional journalists. Its qualifications are respected by employers throughout the UK.

The MA is also fully accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.

Journalistic expertise

You'll be taught in a state-of-the-art modern newsroom, with TV and radio and studios, by tutors who continue to practise journalism at the highest level. They include reporters and columnists and former editors of national newspapers, radio and television stations and magazines.

'The centre's teaching is augmented by frequent masterclass visits from network broadcasters, foreign correspondents, newspaper and magazine editors and web publishers. Their professional expertise is complemented throughout by excellent academic teaching and debate led by leading historians, political scientists and lawyers.

Versatile training

The course embraces convergent, multi media skills from the beginning. Teaching is through lectures, seminars and newsroom tutorials.

You learn about the history of journalism, its love-hate relationship with political power and its ability to influence and reflect popular culture.

You also study the ethics of journalism and specialist techniques including investigative reporting, feature writing, live broadcasting and writing for the web.

At every stage of the course you have opportunities to put your vocational and academic learning to use in regular newsroom exercises and work placements in the news industry. There are also frequent opportunities to question visiting professional journalists and to hear their views on the editorial, ethical and commercial issues that affect working journalists.

Diverse assessment

Journalism is demanding as well as fun and your progress is assessed throughout the degree programme by methods including newsroom exercises and tests and observation of your technical and team-working skills.

Theoretical and academic analysis is taught through traditional lectures and seminars. Practical teaching takes place in the newsroom.

You sit a combination of academic and vocational exams, submit essays and portfolios of journalism and make seminar presentations.

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