De Montfort University
Investigative Journalism MA
De Montfort University

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Endorsed by and developed with Channel 4 to address industry demand, this course has been designed to address industry demand and to find and educate the next generation of audio-visual investigative journalists.

This course is the result of a unique collaboration between DMU and one of the country’s most respected broadcasters, Channel 4. It will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge for a successful career in investigative video journalism.

Designed by industry experts, the course addresses skills such as in-depth research, handling complex data, understanding financial information, and working undercover. After a thorough grounding in media law, regulation and ethics, you will receive tuition in various investigative techniques, including using the Freedom of Information Act, data journalism and financial journalism.

You will also be taught how to use specialist camera equipment, and how to plan, shoot and edit your own material with a view to making industry-standard, broadcast-quality journalistic films. This is supplemented by a survey of the academic study of journalism, all of which is intended to help you flourish as a practitioner.

The connection with Channel 4 helps the course tutors identify potential work experience placements, and professional mentors for students.

Recent graduates have gone to work as directors, presenters, reporters and researchers with national and international news and current affairs broadcasters, including the BBC and Channel 4.

Key features

  • Study for an MA that has been endorsed by and developed in collaboration with Channel 4. This means that you will receive industry-standard teaching from expert academics and professional journalists.
  • Specialise by studying a course that is solely aimed at producing investigative video journalists.
  • Experience a wide range of teaching styles and environments, from traditional lectures and seminars to intensive skills workshops, news days and studio work.
  • Choose to independently produce a piece of investigative journalism suitable for broadcast by one of the mainstream outlets as part of your final semester project.
  • Benefit from our academics’ extensive experience as journalists, filmmakers, media consultants and producers to develop the skills you need to launch your career.
  • Study on a course that is suitable for both established professionals and graduates wanting to break into the field.

There will be a diverse range of assessments, including traditional essays, presentations, case studies and reports, as well as continuous assessment of professional practice. These culminate in your final project or dissertation.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

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

Candidates should normally: have the equivalent of a British honours degree (2.2 minimum); have an excellent standard of English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for international applicants); be able to demonstrate a commitment to a career in journalism through involvement in student media, online blogging or broadcast; be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and awareness of current affairs, and also a minimum of one week’s work experience in a professional newsroom.

Exceptionally, applications may be accepted from non-graduates. It is anticipated this would apply to mature entrants with acceptable and relevant work experience, for example journalists qualified/experienced in other fields.

Costs

Tuition Fees Investigative Journalism MA

England UK £8500 year 1
Northern Ireland £8500 year 1
Scotland £8500 year 1
Wales £8500 year 1
International £16300 year 1
Channel Islands £9500 year 1
Ireland £9500 year 1
EU £17600 year 1
England UK £9500 year 1
Northern Ireland £9500 year 1
Scotland £9500 year 1
Wales £9500 year 1
International £17600 year 1

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.

University Rankings

Positions of De Montfort University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 26 university rankings of De Montfort University

About De Montfort University

De Montfort University, abbreviated as DMU, was founded in 1896 in the small city of Leicester, East Midlands. This university enjoys particularly strong post-graduation employment statistics, which can be explained by their commitment to work experience placements for all students on any courses. International students are well taken care of here. They receive orientation courses intended to provide advice and guidance on living in the UK, and free English language classes are provided to bring all new students up to speed.

List of 117 Bachelor and Master Courses from De Montfort University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of De Montfort University

undergraduates:
19290
postgraduates:
4010
Total:
23300
  • Welcome to Leicester
  • International student Prabhav talks about his time at DMU
  • DMU students from around the world
  • DMU Vloggers: Arpith’s reasons to study at DMU
  • Joanna’s top five reasons to choose DMU

Where is this programme taught

Leicester Campus
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