MA Multimedia Journalism

Delivery:
Full time according to Funding Council definitions

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This multi award-winning MA will enable you to cover any news story for the web, television, radio or print. It also offers the opportunity to specialise in areas such as radio and TV documentary, investigative journalism, and digital magazines.

In the ever-changing media landscape, core journalistic skills are more at a premium than ever. The mix of broadcasting and online writing in this intensely practical course sharpens the defining elements of cutting-edge journalism. You will produce live news and broadcast bulletins across the internet, gathering news and feature stories both nationally and locally. Using professional-standard studios and newsrooms, you will be encouraged to take key roles as editors, news editors, convergence editors, and reporters on all of our media outlets.

The ways in which we select our students are socially inclusive, and we have a broad mix of international and UK students studying with us. The course suits new entrants to the profession and those wishing to extend their skills across different media, at home and abroad.

It is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), which means it teaches practical journalism skills to a professional standard.

Learn more about our journalism courses from Dr Karen Fowler-Watt, Senior Principle Academic.

The School of Journalism, English & Communication is delighted to once again sponsor the British Journalism Awards, watch the highlights video.

Key information

Next start date:

September 2019, September 2020

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

1 year full-time

Accreditations:

Broadcast Journalism Training Council

Entry requirements:

For September 2019 entry: A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2019 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in each component of speaking, listening and reading. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

For September 2020 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in each component of speaking, listening and reading. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

Accredited by:

Course details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Download the programme specification (pdf 419kb)

Core units

Multimedia Reporting Skills: Develop your skills in researching and reporting news and current affairs in radio, TV and online formats. The unit will nurture your ability to write fluently, concisely and coherently to deadline, develop contacts and sources using traditional and emerging social media techniques, consider intellectual, ethical and professional issues associated with news reporting and execute depth of research and imaginative presentation. Tasks include researching, interviewing and editing, in professional standard newsrooms and studios.
Journalism in Global Contexts: This unit explores journalism in global contexts, offering insights into the issues relating to gathering and distributing news in - and for - varied news cultures. You'll be challenged to debate the ethical, political, social and cultural dimensions involved in journalism products for national and transnational audiences, which will prepare you to assess journalism in today’s predominantly digital media environment.
Legal & Ethical Context: Gain an understanding of media regulation, issues with press and broadcasting freedoms and approaches to the role of journalism and journalists, along with their ethical dilemmas and professional codes of conduct. You'll learn what you're legally allowed to report in the UK in situations including court proceedings and council meetings and how to avoid being sued, and consider what might be justified for publication in the public interest. This unit continues in Semester 2.
Digital Journalism: Insights and practices of multi-media journalism, using a mix of text, radio and TV. You'll become familiar with multiplatform publishing, collaborating in multimedia teams, and develop competence in producing and analysing evolving styles of journalism in many digital forms.
Professional Placement: A chance to complete work experience at one or more professional news organisations, where you'll develop your understanding of journalistic practices. The placement usually takes place during the Easter vacation and must last a minimum of three weeks. The organisation you work at will be approved by a supervisor, and you'll produce a reflective account of your experience.
Journalism Project: You'll complete a self-conceived piece of independent research and produce an extended journalistic production under the guidance of a nominated supervisor. You’ll critically explore key issues and debates in journalism studies and develop a more specialised understanding in an area of your choice. There will be an opportunity to consider the relationship between journalistic practice and digital technologies. You’ll produce a reflective submission linked to your practical project. You’ll also be integrating, synthesising and extending the skills and knowledge you’ve gained so far and be able to prove you've met the intellectual, technical and personal skills demanded of a Master’s graduate. You can take this unit as distance learning, subject to your supervisor’s approval.

Option units

Choose two of the following option units:

Digital Magazines: Explore the forms and practices of magazine journalism as it evolves in the digital era. You'll examine regular feature reporting, long-form journalism and news photography across multimedia platforms. You'll also gain skills for producing written and visual content, whilst developing an understanding of the challenges posed by digital media.
Documentary Journalism: Examine documentary forms and practices in radio and television. Technical workshops in recording and production techniques are also included, and you'll produce an audio or video documentary.
Media & Crisis: This unit explores the function and role of the media during crises. It will consider how the effects of crises permeate beyond their local and national contexts and the role of news media in shaping public understanding and responses to these events.
Investigative Journalism: The history and practice of investigative journalism, and how it's applied to traditional and online media. You'll gain skills for reporting this way, be exposed to a variety of writings and approaches to the genre and gain insights into the key issues and debates around such journalism.
New Media Innovation: Explore areas where journalism and new media overlap. There's a focus on how new media innovation helps different forms and practices for news production, distribution, consumption and interaction. You'll engage with key issues and debates facing a networked media landscape, where audiences as passive consumers make way for collaborative reporting and crowdsourcing. Ways new media can complement and improve existing journalistic processes will be at the forefront, including data journalism, increased transparency and accountability, mobile news applications and augmented reality. You'll gain an understanding of how to undertake developing online civic media projects for journalistic purposes.

*Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the university’s taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

Placement opportunities

An exciting and valuable part of your studies with us is the opportunity to spend at least three weeks on a professional placement. This takes place during breaks in the course.

The Faculty of Media & Communication has a range of established, high-profile contacts which offer excellent placement opportunities. Organisations our students have previously worked with on placements include the BBC, the Press Association, Sky News, Associated Press and The Independent.

Your application

As part of your application, we want to know about you and why you think journalism is valuable and distinctive in the evolving globalised world, and how you adapt to stress and creative pressures. We are also very interested to know how you think technology links to the work of the modern journalist.

Of course we need to know of any journalism experience you have had or any experience that shows your suitable skills in communication and sharing ideas. A special interest or passionate commitment to international issues or sports can be useful to inspire your journalism.

What we’re looking for

Selections methods

How and when to apply

There is no application deadline for this course. However, if you will need a visa to come to the UK to study, think carefully about the length of time it will take for your visa application to be processed and make sure your visa will be ready in time for the beginning of your course.

Click the green ‘Apply now’ button to submit your application free of charge online through myHub, our application portal. You will create your own myHub account so that you can track the progress of your application. Don’t forget to save your application as you go; you can return to it at as many times as you want before you submit it. For more information visit our How to apply section.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

The normal requirements for embarking upon a postgraduate taught degree are:

A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject
Applicants encouraged to provide details of relevant work experience

If you lack the formal academic qualifications needed to enter a postgraduate or post-experience degree, there are several alternative routes to follow - some based on experience. Contact the Future Students Enquiry team for more information.

International entry requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2019 entry: IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
For September 2020 entry: IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

Bournemouth University International College offers a number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes to prepare international students for postgraduate study at BU. Admission to the degree is guaranteed on successful completion of your course to the required level.

You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our study postgraduate entry requirements page.

Careers

In this course you'll cover radio, television, print and online journalism, which will prepare you for a fast-changing industry where emphasis is placed on multi-media.

Given the range of skills they develop through this course, our graduates have gone on to work across various media and often make rapid progress into senior positions.

Potential job roles

Companies our graduates work for

Industries and areas worked in

Further study

Costs and fees

You can find full information about the deposits required and how to pay your fees in our postgraduate fees and funding section, including details of the Postgraduate Loan (subject to fee status).

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per annum. Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course.

Find out more about living expenses for postgraduate students

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

One set of study-related consumables such as a memory stick/ DVD
Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement.
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team.

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website.
Optional fieldwork travel, outdoor wear and footwear (where applicable)
Text books, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of text books and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.

Repeat units

Deposits

International (non-EU) students need to pay a non-refundable £2,000 deposit to secure their place on a postgraduate course. You will need to pay your deposit by the date stated in your offer letter. The remainder of your fee will be payable on registration/enrolment. There are two exceptions to the non-refundable rule on the deposit:

You fail to meet the academic or English requirements of your offer
You are refused a visa to enter the UK, provided the reason for the refusal is not a fraudulent application.

Financial help available from BU

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that teaching staff can change.

Lynda Smith – Programme Leader

Lynda Smith is Programme Leader of MAMMJ and leads on two of the course’s core units: Multimedia Reporting Skills and Digital Journalism. Lynda brings direct industry experience to BA and MA students. During her 21-year BBC career, she worked in radio, television, online, social media and UGC (user-generated content) and can share valuable insight into the industry. Lynda was part of the BBC News Channel team who took it from a fledgling 24-hour TV station to an award-winning News Channel. As a breaking and rolling news specialist, Lynda has worked as a news producer and headline writer/editor on many major 21st Century events such as 911, 7-7, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and Terror Attacks including Charlie Hebdo, Tunisia and the Boston Marathon. Lynda works as a mentor successfully helping students with their next steps from prestigious BBC training schemes to running news desks abroad.

View Lynda Smith's staff profile

Mathew Charles

Mathew Charles is an award-winning documentary film-maker and senior lecturer in journalism and documentary in the School of Journalism, English and Communication. He is a former BBC correspondent, where he worked mainly for BBC Breakfast and the BBC News Channel. He has reported extensively across Europe and Latin America. In 2003, Mathew was the BBC’s stringer in Guatemala. Mathew has also worked for flagship programmes, Newsnight and Today, and was a presenter on BBC World and BBC Three.

Mathew is a fellow of the International Journalists’ Programme and received a George-Weidenfeld bursary to work for the main German TV news programme, Tagesschau, in 2011. As part of the bursary, he spent three months investigating the Hamburg cell of the 9/11 terror attacks for an ARD documentary. After leaving the BBC in 2009, Mathew worked as a reporter for CNN. He has also worked as a videojournalist for Euronews, AFP and Global Post. Mathew has been a contributor to the European affairs magazine, E!Sharp, and the website, EUObserver.com. In 2011, Mathew went undercover in Belarus to expose the human rights abuses of the country’s authoritarian regime and was detained by the KGB. Mathew has his own production company and his films have been broadcast on the BBC and other TV channels across Europe.

For his BA, Mathew read French and German at University College, London. As an undergraduate, he spent a year abroad as an Erasmus student at Université de Toulouse-le-Mirail in France, where he studied lettres modernes, and as a DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) scholar at the Freie Universität in Berlin, where he studied political science. He has an MA in Modern European Studies from London Metropolitan University, and a PGCHE from Bournemouth University. Mathew is Programme Leader on MA Multimedia Journalism and also teaches courses in broadcast journalism, documentary, digital storytelling, news theory and comparative politics. He speaks French, German and Spanish.

View Mathew Charles' staff profile

Course changes

Changes in 2019

Date	Changes to this course
25/03/2019	Where the change was made: International entry requirements Change: IELTS requirements for September 2020 entry Previous text: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in each component of speaking, listening and reading.

Changes in 2018

Date	Changes to this course
20/11/2018	Where the change was made: Selection methods Change: Selection methods: The academic team will look at your online application including your qualifications, personal statement and any work experience. Please make sure your application stands out from the crowd and leaves us in no doubt that you want to study at Bournemouth University. Previous text: We’ll be selecting the candidates for this course by looking at the information in your application form. You need to show us your tenacity, strong critical ability and understanding of the purposes of journalism. If selected as a potential candidate, we will wish to explore this further by inviting you for an informal interview which could be in person or by Skype or telephone (depending on your location).
29/01/2018	Where the change was made: Selection criteria Change: Selection methods: We'll be selecting the candidates for this course by looking at the information in your application form. You need to show us your tenacity, strong critical ability and understanding of the purposes of journalism. If selected as a potential candidate, we will wish to explore this further by inviting you for an informal interview which could be in person or by Skype or telephone (depending on your location). Previous text: We'll be selecting the candidates for this course by looking at the information in your application form. You need to show us your tenacity, strong critical ability and understanding of the purposes of journalism. We may wish to explore this further by inviting you for an informal interview which could be in person or by Skype or telephone (depending on your location).
23/02/2018	Where the change was made: Semester 2 Option Units Change: Media & Crisis: This unit explores the function and role of the media during crises. It will consider how the effects of crises permeate beyond their local and national contexts and the role of news media in shaping public understanding and responses to these events. Previous text: Environment, Conflict & Crisis News: Investigate the ‘journalisms of crises’. This includes environmental disasters, war, terrorism and other conflict situations that are an integral part of media coverage. You'll gain insights into the ways journalists report such news, the constraints they work under, and the potential influence their reporting could have on the crisis concerned. The intention is to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and essential journalistic skills required to function in an informed, self-reflexive and safe manner in crisis situations.
23/02/2018	Where the change was made: Semester 3 Core Units Change: Journalism Project: You'll complete a self-conceived piece of independent research and produce an extended journalistic production under the guidance of a nominated supervisor. You'll critically explore key issues and debates in journalism studies and develop a more specialised understanding in an area of your choice. There will be an opportunity to consider the relationship between journalistic practice and digital technologies. You'll produce a reflective submission linked to your practical project. You'll also be integrating, synthesising and extending the skills and knowledge you've gained so far and be able to prove you've met the intellectual, technical and personal skills demanded of a Master’s graduate. You can take this unit as distance learning, subject to your supervisor's approval. Previous text: Dissertation or Journalism Project: You'll complete a self-conceived piece of independent research and produce an extended essay or journalistic production under the guidance of a nominated supervisor. You'll critically explore key issues and debates in journalism studies and develop a more specialised understanding in an area of your choice. There will be an opportunity to consider the relationship between journalistic practice and digital technologies. If you choose the Journalism Project, you'll produce a reflective submission linked to your practical project. You'll also be integrating, synthesising and extending the skills and knowledge you've gained so far and be able to prove you've met the intellectual, technical and personal skills demanded of a Master’s graduate. You can take this unit as distance learning, subject to your supervisor's approval.