StudyQA — Master: Journalism — Kingston University

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Description Contents Requirements Funding More

You can choose to study either for a nine-month Postgraduate Diploma or carry on for a full year to achieve your MA. Both options are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) the hallmark of excellence in journalism training, recognised throughout the media industry as the best indication that new recruits have the fundamental skills and knowledge to become multi-media journalists. You will take the NCTJ's exams as part of your chosen course. Kingston is one of only two universities in London with an NCTJ-accredited postgraduate MA/Postgraduate Diploma.

All our tutors are practising journalists with a wide range of experience and contacts in newspapers, magazines and online.

What will you study?

You will develop a range of professional and practical skills to equip you for a job in journalism, including news and feature writing, public affairs, media law and shorthand. You will have the opportunity to write for and edit an online edition of the journalism department's award-winning newspaper (Publication of the Year, Guardian Student Media Awards 2010). You will also undertake at least one industry work placement. The course will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills and give you the chance to carry out independent academic research.

Core modules

Court Reporting
Hands-on Journalism
Journalism and Power
Journalism in Context: Law, Ethics and the Industry
Shorthand (Postgraduate)
MA Journalism Dissertation
Practical Journalism Project

Optional modules

Feature Writing
Journalism Specialism:Arts and Entertainment
Specialist Journalism: Business
Specialist Journalism: Sport

What you need to apply for this courseWe normally expect candidates to have:a good honours degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent in an essay-writing subject, demonstrating high standards of literacy; and/orevidence of substantial and demonstrable professional commitment to journalism.InterviewsWe normally invite applicants for an interview with the course director or another senior member of the teaching team. International students based overseas can arrange for an interview by email or telephone.Prior learningApplicants with prior qualifications and learning may be exempt from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with the University's policy for the assessment of prior learning and prior experiential learning. Contact the faculty office for further information. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Discount for Kingston University alumniAll alumni of Kingston University, who have been awarded a bachelors degree are entitled to a 10% discount on their tuition fees.The alumni discount of 10% applies to home, EU and overseas fee payers.NCTJ bursariesThe NCTJ offers bursaries under its Journalism Diversity Fund to students applying for NCTJ-accredited courses who can demonstrate a commitment to journalism and who meet the fund's criteria.Kingston graduates Ali Ali, Melissa Allison-Forbes, Christina Michael and Nicola Roots have been awarded full bursaries from the scheme to continue their postgraduate studies at the University.Humanities bursariesBursaries are available from the School of Humanities for students working on the Kingston University Press (KUP), Ripple magazine or other related activities (find out more and apply after you have enrolled).Annual Fund postgraduate scholarshipsThe Development Office offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for UK and EU students.They are available for all courses (except teacher training/PGCE courses) and will pay 50% of the fees (up to £3,000 for the 2013/14 academic year) for a one-year full-time or two year part-time masters programme.International scholarshipsThe International Office offers awards totalling £200,000 every year, with each international scholarship worth £3,500. These are open to prospective full-time postgraduates in any subject area on a one-year taught masters degree based at Kingston University.You might also be eligible for an international loyalty bursary if you are an overseas Kingston University alumnus or have a family connection with the University.

Accreditation

Many of our courses are accredited by independent professional bodies which could enhance your career prospects. Accreditation for this course is detailed below.

Both the MA and the Postgraduate Diploma are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

NCTJ accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in journalism training, providing a world-class standard that is recognised throughout the media industry as the best indication that new recruits have the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to become multi-media journalists and can operate effectively in a busy newsroom.

To maintain this gold standard, we need to be sure students and employers are not short-changed. That means ensuring an NCTJ-accredited course does exactly what it says on the tin by delivering vocational training to a high standard that everyone who cares about the quality of journalism understands and values.

The new industry standard for accredited journalism courses was introduced in 2007. The standard sets a benchmark based on exam results and also stresses the need for courses to focus on skills convergence and multimedia journalism. The first results tables were published in 2008.

Major changes to NCTJ qualifications have been made in recent years and the newspaper industry has united in its support for the training body.

You will take the NCTJ exams in parallel with your MA assessments. The course covers the syllabus for the seven examination papers of the Preliminary Certificate: