University of Portsmouth
Journalism (Distance Learning) MA
University of Portsmouth

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £22481 £20177 £23660
25-75 percentile range £20119 - £25653 £15142 - £24804 £17699 - £30158

Course Description

Overview

Whether it's providing the public with trusted information, holding leaders to account or countering "fake news" and misinformation, journalists have a key role to play in a democratic society.

Gain the skills, knowledge and qualification you need to succeed in roles such as journalist, news editor, press officer and communications officer with this online Journalism Master's.

Course highlights

  • Learn the professional skills and knowledge needed in the era of digital news and media in areas such as video editing, media law, data analysis and people management
  • Apply your skills and boost your CV with at least 10 days of work experience with a publisher or communications company
  • Use the latest professional software including Photoshop, Indesign and Premier Pro
  • Learn from teaching staff who have professional experience with titles and organisations such as the Financial Times, News International and Portsmouth News
  • Start in September or January (full-time only in January)

Accreditation

Our course is the only online journalism programme to be accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

The NCTJ accreditation lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work as a journalist when you graduate. This gives you an edge over students who haven't done an accredited course when you’re applying for jobs.

Careers and opportunities

When you complete the course successfully, you'll have the skills and knowledge to communicate important issues to the public in the digital world. You'll also have a portfolio you can use to demonstrate your talents to potential employers.

Roles you could work in after the course include:

  • journalist
  • news editor
  • social media manager
  • press officers
  • communications officer

Typical employers may include:

  • online and print newspapers
  • broadcasters
  • magazines
  • PR agencies
  • corporate communications agencies

Work experience and career planning

To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, we'll help you secure at least 10 days of work experience with a publisher or communications company.

We can also help you identify further placements, internships, voluntary roles and freelancing opportunities that will complement your studies and build your portfolio.

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

- essays - a portfolio - written assignments - online exams - presentations - reflective practice You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.5.

PTE Academic 61

An overall score of 61 with a minimum of 61 in each skill.

TOEFL (iBT) 91

91 with a minimum of 24 in Reading, 23 in Listening, 25 in Speaking and 24 in Writing.

Cambridge English Advanced

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 176.

Cambridge English Proficiency

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 176.

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Journalism (Distance Learning), MA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered. All applicants will be invited to attend a workshop, which will include an NCTJ story writing task.

Costs

Tuition Fees Journalism (Distance Learning) MA

EU £8200 year 1
England UK £8200 year 1
Northern Ireland £8200 year 1
Scotland £8200 year 1
Wales £8200 year 1
Channel Islands £8200 year 1
Ireland £8200 year 1
International £8200 year 1

Additional fee information

Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.

Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation

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 University of Portsmouth in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Portsmouth in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #55 
    • #401 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

See all 31 university rankings of University of Portsmouth

About University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is located on the United Kingdom’s only island city, Portsmouth. This public university, which was previously known as Portsmouth Polytechnic, forms part of the University Alliance, an organisation whose aim is to promote growth and innovation in the UK by putting an emphasis on links with business and industry.

List of 234 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Portsmouth - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Portsmouth

undergraduates:
18085
postgraduates:
5005
Total:
23090
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Where is this programme taught

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