Course description
Course Summary
Journalism is a dynamic global industry and there is an increasing need for suitably qualified, flexible and multi-skilled entrants who are equipped to be effective practitioners within a rapidly changing, converging international media context.
MA International Journalism addresses the global shifts in the journalism industry by contextualising different forms of journalistic practice within a framework of technological, political and cultural change. It also sets out to equip students with sufficient generic skills to adapt to future journalism industry developments.
This intensive post-graduate journalism programme aims to produce produce imaginative, creative reporters, producers and sub-editors who are capable of producing professional-quality content across one or more journalism formats for international and global media. You will gain cutting-edge skills in reporting and production in our digital multi-media newsroom. Our particular appeal will be to students looking for advanced skills in writing and sub-editing for global journalism outlets, such as news agencies. In recent years we have witnessed the democratisation of many formerly closed societies and the opening up of their media systems. Such systems need well-informed journalists, but very often the infrastructure needed to produce such journalists is lacking. Simultaneously, you will gain a thorough critical understanding of this shifting, dynamic industry so you are well-positioned to anticipate and navigate legal, ethical and professional changes.
Course Details
This strongly vocational programme is distinctive in allowing students to develop their own journalistic practice at the same time as learning about the impact of technological change, cultural developments and political issues on different forms of journalism global. Particular attention will be paid to the global versus the local, which will be examined through practical assignments, media ownership, the legal context, issues pertaining to journalistic ethics, and the role of journalism in the international political process.
The programme builds on the success of the School of Arts' postgraduate provision by providing a broad-based programme, within a credit framework, offering you the opportunity for specialisation. It consists of a common core of study in journalism, with an offer of specialist study in print/online or broadcast journalism, which will facilitate student entry into different aspects of the industry. This is particularly relevant in the context of a converging media industry requiring multi-skilling and the ability to adapt to new media environments. The programme will be delivered by a combination of academics based at Brunel (who also have considerable journalistic experience) and visiting journalists and legal experts working in key positions within the media industries. You will greatly benefit from the School's excellent links with the journalism, broadcasting and publishing industries, and will be offered the opportunity for work placement.
Content includes:
* news writing and reporting;
* UK, European and international institutions;
* global news analysis;
* journalistic practice ;
* journalism ethics and placement;
* major journalism project.
Special Features
* Multi-skilling in journalism technology;
* an emphasis on writing and sub-editing for global journalism;
* specialist activity for informed career choice;
* journalism practice contextualised within a framework of technological, legal, political and broader cultural change;
* work placement, with experience of real-world journalism, supported by strong Brunel/industry links.
Careers
The programme will appeal to a broad range of candidates with an interest in journalism across all sectors, including print journalism, online journalism, radio journalism, TV journalism and especially in areas of convergence. Our particular appeal will be to students looking for advanced skills in writing and sub-editing for global journalism.
The programme will also cater for students hoping to enter other sectors as media skills play a major part in public relations, marketing, advertising plus non-governmental organisations and the public sector.
