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MA Journalism and Media Communications with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

  • Employment prospects: Graduates have gone onto work in a variety of media roles such as Press, Social Media Analysts, and Journalists for organisations including BBC, Mail Online, Subway and Euromonitor.
  • Teaching excellence: Learn from our industry-experts, award-winning lecturers who are experienced in web, print, design, journalism, and PR (see key staff section).
  • Research: Benefit from advanced research study led by our expert research-active teaching staff.
  • Entry requirements and key information
    • We require at least 2:2 (or equivalent).
    • International students should have an English language assessment of IELTS 6.5, or equivalent with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 6.0 in all other bands. 
    • Should you not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English may help you to achieve this level. 
    • More information about English language qualifications are available on our international pages.  

    Institution code

    		 H36

    School of study

    		 School of Creative Arts

    Course length
  • Full Time, 2 Years
    		•

    Location
  • University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
    		•
  • Employability

    Careers

    Employability is central to everything we do. This MA opens up a wide range of opportunities, from PR, corporate communications, marketing and advertising to work in magazines and web publications. Your creative and critical thinking, as well as the analytical, research and communications skills gained through this course, are all highly valued in a wide range of industries. 

    What job can I get?

    Recent graduates are working internationally on The Expat and Raffy magazines in Malaysia, in social media management in California, in tourism and media in India, as well as in corporate communications and with the UK local radio. 

Professional Accreditations

This course is partnered with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), giving you access to networking and tailored speaker sessions, as well accreditation upon graduation. The University is also an Academic Member of the British Society of Magazine Editors which provides expert speakers and information on the latest trends in this area. 

PRCA logo

About the course

This programme provides students with a professional critical insight into the media industry. Students will study a range of modules taught by research-active experts. Modules are assessed through a variety of both traditional, such as essays, presentations, and critical reviews alongside non-traditional such as podcasts, pitching and case study simulations which aim to assess and develop transferable skills and subject knowledge.  

This Advanced Research award prepares students for conducting and communicating independent research whilst providing students with the opportunity to further hone and advance personal research, analysis, and communication skills. The degree is aimed at applicants aspiring careers in research and communications whether you embark in digital marketing analytics, journalism or research within academia. 

Why choose this course?

  • To gain a broad range of communication and digital media skills, as well as valuable networking skills and contacts. 
  • Benefit from our prestigious partnership with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).
  • You’ll have supportive industry speakers and expert lecturers widely experienced in the world of PR and communications.
  • Gain insights into emerging trends in the fast-changing digital media world.  
  • You want your skills to be valued by a wide range of media and related industries. 
  • Opportunity to develop advanced research skills in preparation for PhD or career involving research. 
  • You’ll develop your practical and experiential skills through working on a media project with clients such as charities, non-profit organisations and even the University.

What will I study?

You’ll have weekly two-to-four-hour workshops for each module. Plus, there can be online activities too. You’ll be supported by regular one-to-one supervision by academics from the University’s Media Group. 

Modules include Corporate Communication, PR and Advertising; Writing for Magazines; Sports Journalism; and Media Production as well as modules on research methodology. You’ll have a range of options for your final project. This can be a dissertation on a media subject of your choice, a short work placement, the one-year placement or a larger media research project, depending on your chosen route. 

For Media Production you’ll create multimedia – podcasts, designs and promotional strategies – for online magazines. You’ll pitch and measure a campaign and use social media to promote your work. Writing for Magazines will give you the practical skills to write articles for online and print audiences. You’ll produce webinars on the business model of magazines. Plus, you’ll learn how social media and blogging are enhancing the magazine experience. 

Our module Sports Journalism will give you a key understanding in the exciting practices of sports journalism, from interviewing top stars to reporting on breaking sports stories. You’ll also create news bulletins and write news features. 

Two modules on research methods and critical and theoretical debates will equip you with advanced research skills and transferable communications skills. These include interviewing, identifying a story and building connections; vital skills for PR and corporate communication roles. 

There is an additional Advanced Media Research (30 Credits) and the Media Project (60 Credits) instead of the dissertation or long placement. 

  • Level 7
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Research Methods 1: Critical and Theoretical Debates15 CreditsCompulsory
    Media Research Methods B15 CreditsCompulsory
    Sports Journalism30 CreditsOptional
    Media Research Methods A15 CreditsCompulsory
    Advanced Media Research30 CreditsCompulsory
    Media Project60 CreditsCompulsory
    Media Production30 CreditsCompulsory
    Intercultural Awareness in Media15 CreditsOptional
    Corporate Communications30 CreditsCompulsory
    Media Production30 CreditsCompulsory
    Mobile Journalism15 CreditsOptional
    Journalism Skills and Reporting30 CreditsOptional

    • Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    MA Journalism and Media Communications with Advanced Research Download
    Programme specifications
    MA Journalism and Media Communications Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    		 Yes

    University of Hertfordshire’s MA in Journalism and Media Communications has shaped me to become a more independent, and thoughtful individual. It has given me the leverage, and confidence, to pursue a career at one of the top publications in my country. The course is suitable for those who seek to explore different facets of the media industry. Apart from its core journalism, I have gained valuable knowledge in areas such as public relations, film and design.

    Hannah Mohd Rafee

    MA Journalism and Media Communications graduate

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

    Find out about how we support our students

    You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.