This research-focused programme develops your cultural understanding, and critical analysis. It introduces the content production skills needed for global media industries.

Our Media and Journalism MA is for graduates and experienced journalists planning to progress to a PhD or take the next step in their career.

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.

How to apply

Quality and ranking

Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
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 145 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainability – QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
Top 5 city for affordability in the UK – QS Best Student Cities 2026
World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student city – QS Best Student Cities 2026
89th in the world - TIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026

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

If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.

Media and Journalism was highly recommended to me by numerous students, specifically because of the variety of modules and being able to tailor it more for your own career direction.

Next: Course details

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 therefore 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 research project.

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.

Media and Journalism modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Researching Media, Journalism and Communications	20
Multimedia Journalism 1: Newsgathering, Production and Dissemination	20
News and Media Analysis	20
Media and Journalism Research Project	60

Optional Modules	Credits
Freelancing in Media and Communications	20
Multimedia Journalism 2: Global Innovation	20
Cultures of Data Visualization	20
News and Journalism	20
Digital communication for cultural institutions and organisations	20
Digital Politics, Communication, and AI	20

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

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

Assessment methods

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

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

academic staff
personal tutors and research supervisors
our University Student Services Team
student representatives
peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

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

Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes

Previous: Overview Next: Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:2 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

Qualifications from outside the UK

Select your country

English Language requirements

Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Pre-Master’s and English Language courses

Need an alternative route to study this course? Our International Study Centre offers Pre-Master’s degrees and English language courses to prepare you for study.

Explore these courses

Previous: Course details Next: Careers

Your future

We'll equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in Journalism.

Careers

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 expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Previous: Entry requirements Next: Facilities

Facilities

Throughout the Journalism Master's you'll have access to a range of specialist facilities.

These include:

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 the Old Library Building (OLB).

Previous: Careers Next: Fees & funding

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Qualification: MA Full time
Home students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £11,400
International students Full time: 12 months	Tuition fees (per year) £27,100

Qualification: MA Part time
Home students Part time: 24 months	Tuition fees (per year) £5,700

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

matriculation
registration
tuition (or supervision)
library access
examination
re-examination
graduation

Find out more about:

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

Previous: Facilities Next: How to apply

How to apply

Before you start

Start Dates

The course starts in September.

Deposit

All International students

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.

International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026

You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.

Programme codes

Qualification: MA Full time
Full time: 12 months	Programme Code: 4075F

Qualification: MA Part time
Part time: 24 months	Programme Code: 4075P

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

\ Apply Online

Previous: Fees & funding Next: Get in touch

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Barbara Henderson\ Degree Programme Director\ School of Arts and Cultures\ Email: pgmch@ncl.ac.uk

General enquiries

For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Application enquiries

If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.

If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Live chat

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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Choosing a university is a big decision. If you've got questions about a particular course, student life or the city of Newcastle, why not chat to our friendly students or graduates!

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Media and Journalism MA

Overview

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

What you'll learn

Modules

How you'll learn

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Pre-Master’s and English Language courses

Your future

Careers

Further study

Our Careers Service

Facilities

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Scholarships

What you're paying for

Search for funding and scholarships

How to apply

Before you start

Programme codes

Using the application portal

Open days and events

Overseas events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

General enquiries

Application enquiries

Live chat

Chat to our students

Keep updated

Social media