Journalism

This National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) accredited programme provides comprehensive training in the skills needed to enter the journalism profession internationally.

You will learn future-facing skills from award-winning and highly experienced journalists and trainers in our bespoke £6.5m media centre with newsrooms, audio, and audio-visual studios.

You will undertake reporting exercises in courts, councils and other areas, and learn to use industry-standard software. You will study the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks that govern journalism. Public affairs, shorthand, court reporting, mobile reporting, analytics, data journalism, the theory and context of journalism, and a major dissertation, are also key parts of this intensive programme.

The programme incorporates the dual qualification of the NCTJ Diploma, which is recognised for excellence in many countries. You will have access to the learning resources and global network of the Washington-based Global Investigative Journalism Network. These networks, along with the experience gained through your placement, will help you embark on an exciting career in print, online or broadcast journalism, or a growing number of related fields.

For full course details please see "Course Web Page" below.

Year one

Reporting in a Digital Age 1
This module introduces students to foundational skills in newsgathering and reporting, feature writing, research, and basic sub-editing and design using desktop publishing software. Students will produce a portfolio of journalistic work that will be presented on pages that they themselves create. They will be encouraged to look critically and analytically at a wide range of journalism. The module will use a range of appropriate and effective teaching methods and forms of assessment.

Media Law - General Reporting
This module offers a critical, academic and practical introduction to the broad range of legal topics relevant to those working in journalism. It covers the legal system, defamation and an introduction to court procedure and contempt of court. It also deals with matters such as copyright, privacy, breach of confidence and professional codes. The module prepares students for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) professional law exam in Essential Media Law. It will feature class simulations to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in reasoned legal decision-making pertinent to their work.

Media Law - Court Reporting
This module offers a critical, academic and practical introduction to the legal system, court procedure, restrictions on court reporting and contempt of court. The module will demonstrate how the relevant legal principles and codes of practice/conduct are applied in practice. It will feature class simulations to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in reasoned legal decision-making pertinent to their work. The module prepares students for the National Council for the Training of Journalists professional Court Reporting exam.

Reporting for Audio Media
This module provides to an industry standard, theoretical and practical knowledge of audio news reporting for radio and online platforms, in its professional institutional and regulatory contexts. Students are instructed in the practice of newsgathering and production techniques. They will work on both individual, and group projects in a live, real-time news scenario.

Journalism and Society
This module introduces MA Journalism students to current issues and debates in the study of news and journalism in the UK, Ireland and, locally, in Northern Ireland, providing them with the intellectual framework within which to think about and develop their MA Dissertation proposal. The module is not blended.

Public Affairs
The module introduces students to the structures and operations of government, and to economy and economic development, in the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), Republic of Ireland and the European Union. There is also a focus on some of the major institutions of global governance such as the UN, WTO and IMF. The module will be delivered using traditional lecture format and assessed by a class test and a practical journalism assignment.

MA Dissertation
This module will allow students to undertake a sustained piece of independent work. Having agreed a topic with an appointed supervisor that will offer scope for combining academic, personal and professional elements, students will produce a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words or an agreed equivalent in another format. Students on appropriate MA programmes will be encouraged to liaise with industry personnel and tutorial support will be given on a regular basis by the supervisor.

Reporting in a Digital Age 2
This module allows the student to put into practice the skills acquired in the previous parts of the course. It will allow them develop their skills further by focusing on in-depth journalistic projects. This will refine their skills in journalism practice and production in preparation for the work place and/or further study. They will work individually to produce an in-depth investigative feature of a high standard. They will then use this and additional articles produced by students to edit, design and produce their work in print or on-line. The module will use a range of appropriate and effective teaching methods and forms of assessment.

Reporting for Audio-Visual Media
This module provides to an industry standard, theoretical and practical knowledge of audio-visual news reporting in its professional, institutional and regulatory contexts. Students are instructed in the practice of newsgathering and production for radio, television and other audio-visual platforms using appropriate hardware and software. It is based in an appropriate and effective learning and teaching environment.

To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University's General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

These vary depending on the course and are detailed online.

If English language is not your first language this course requires a minimum English level of IELTS 6.0, or equivalent. Visit ulster.ac.uk/englishrequirements for more details on English language requirements.

For full entry requirements please see "Course Web Page" below.

Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster any time of year. We advise that you submit your application two weeks prior to your course start date to ensure sufficient time to review your application and, should you be made an offer, complete all necessary enrolment admin.

To start an application, you must create an Ulster University account. Do not worry. You don't need to complete your application in one go. We understand that this is a big decision. Our admissions team are on hand to help you with both the form and any documentation that you may need as part of your application.

Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).

Attendance

Semesters 1 and 2; attendance can be 9-5 at least 3 days a week. Semester 3 is spent on placement, and completion of the dissertation.

Year of entry: 2020/21

Postgraduate Information Session 26 March 2020
Register at: ulster.ac.uk/pg-information-events

Past students have won top awards in Ireland and the UK and hold senior positions in news organisations. The course incorporates the NCTJ Diploma, which equips trainee journalists with the knowledge and skills for professional entry-level journalism. Graduates go on to careers in print, online and broadcast journalism, as well as further study.

Accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) for print, online and broadcast journalism.