Cardiff Metropolitan University
Specialist Journalism PgCert
Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - h Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
  • Sep 1, 2024 Full-time - 1 years
  • On campus - h Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
  • Sep 1, 2024 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - h Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
  • Sep 1, 2024 Full-time - 1 years
  • On campus - h Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
  • Sep 1, 2024 Full-time - 1 years
  • On campus - h Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
  • Sep 1, 2024 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - h Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
  • Sep 1, 2024 Part-time - 2 years

Key Course Facts

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23859 £19123 £20996
25-75 percentile range £19362 - £27716 £13372 - £24754 £14943 - £27676
Source: Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) by UK Department for Education Dec 20, 2022
All courses in the UK

Course Description

Want to work as a Film, Music, Fashion or Sports Journalist?

The MA Specialist Journalism at Cardiff Metropolitan University is a master's degree with a practical focus. Designed and delivered by academic staff who are both industry professionals and researchers, the course aims to create practicing Specialist Journalists and prepare them to be industry ready for employment in journalism. Written in collaboration with practicing journalists from the BBC to ensure we teach contemporary journalism for the digital, new media age, this distinctive degree is aimed to support students while they develop their journalistic skills and techniques within a particular specialism, such as: film, music, fashion or sports journalism.

Students at Cardiff Met will not only develop their print and online journalism, but also a wide range of multimedia production skills, learning to self-shoot and edit, record and produce audio, create digital content while sharpening their journalistic instinct, news values and editorial judgment. Students will also study elements of media law, and analyse how ethics, a sense of fairness, impartiality, accuracy and a robust knowledge of regulations and rights play a crucial part in operating within the modern journalistic landscape.

The course has a strong employability focus allowing students to combine journalistic techniques and perspectives with practical vocational skills, which are reinforced by work placements. Whether for professional development purposes, to enhance your freelance career, or as your first step into the world of journalism, the MA will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to be a specialist journalist. We have expertise across a number of fields and our academic community is vibrant and dynamic with strong industry links and guest speakers giving real-world insight to this fast-changing industry.

One of the great strengths of the programme is its flexibility. MA Specialist Journalism can be studied either full or part time allowing you to control the pace and depth of your postgraduate study. Programme delivery is also enhanced by the university's commitment to e-learning.

Grading & Study Time

chart data

We have a variety of approaches to assessment across the degree depending upon the module. All practical modules are assessed through portfolios of journalistic work and accompanying critical essays in which you are required to reflect on your journalism and to contextualise your work. These modules also include class-based formative peer-assessment in the form of practical workshops. These do not count towards your final grade but the sessions do help you grow and reflect as a specialist journalist. Modules also make use of Virtual Learning Environments for assessments and you may be asked to view material online and then to respond to it. You will receive tutor support in class and through our VLE in order to prepare you for each assessment point. We also have library facilities online and at campus.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 5.5
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 6.0
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Specialist Journalism, PgCert, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Applicants should usually have a first or upper second-class honours degree, in a relevant subject. Students that meet the criteria will be invited for interview.

Costs

Tuition Fees Specialist Journalism PgCert

Ireland £1140
England UK £1140
Northern Ireland £1140
Scotland £1140
Wales £1140
Source: UCAS Dec 4, 2023

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Cardiff Metropolitan University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 17 university rankings of Cardiff Metropolitan University

About Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University, also known as CardiffMet, was established in 1976 in the small city of Cardiff, Wales. This university holds more than 1,000 student residence rooms, and it takes pride in that the accommodation here is more than just a place to sleep. Those living on-site have access to frequent and free social events taking place nearby, ensuring that those learning here have just as many opportunities to make connections as they do to succeed academically.

List of 183 Bachelor and Master Courses from Cardiff Metropolitan University - Course Catalogue

  • Student Life in Cardiff - Cardiff Metropolitan University - Living in Cardiff as a student
  • Cardiff Metropolitan University International Video
  • Advice for Cardiff Met Applicants from Nigerian Students

Where is this programme taught

Cyncoed Campus - NOT IN USE
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Broadcast Journalism MA Nottingham Trent University - - - £4650 £8400 - Nottingham On campus Part-time
Journalism MA Kingston University - - - £10900 £17700 - Kingston upon Thames On campus Full-time
News Journalism MA Nottingham Trent University - - - £9300 £16800 - Nottingham On campus Full-time
Journalism MA Birkbeck, University of London - - - £10800 £19830 - London On campus Full-time
Documentary Journalism MA Nottingham Trent University - - - £9300 £16800 - Nottingham On campus Full-time
Magazine Journalism PgDip Nottingham Trent University - - - £3100 £5600 - Nottingham On campus Part-time
Specialist Journalism PgCert Cardiff Metropolitan University - - - £10250 - - Cardiff On campus Full-time
Sports Journalism CertHE University Academy 92 - - - £9250 - - Manchester On campus Full-time
Data Journalism PgCert Birmingham City University - - - - - - Birmingham On campus Part-time
Admission advice for international students