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.

Work placement / study abroad
A placement of three to six weeks in a professional newsroom is part of the course. Students are assisted in securing a placement which in the past have included BBC NI News, BBC NI Sport, Downtown/Cool FM, U105, Belfast Telegraph, The Irish News and Q Network. We cannot guarantee that these employers will provide placements each year.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page".

Year one
• Reporting in a Digital Age 1
• Media Law - General Reporting
• Media Law - Court Reporting
• Reporting for Audio Media
• Journalism and Society
• Public Affairs
• MA Dissertation
• Reporting in a Digital Age 2
• Reporting for Audio-Visual Media

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

Entry Requirements
At least a 2.2 at degree level in any discipline. Other equivalent professional experience will be considered if you do not have a degree.

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

Start Date: September 2024

Career options
Reporter, sub-editor, production journalist, video journalist, social media editor, online community manager, content creator, press officer, public relations officer, copywriter, audio journalist, presenter, news reader, media complaints officer, communications specialist, sports reporter, specialist reporter, researcher for documentaries/current affairs/policy and other positions where strong research and presentation skills are required.