MA
Journalism
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Why study MA Journalism at Goldsmiths
Accredited with distinction by the Professional Publishers Association, this practical MA gives you the essential skills to work as a journalist for multiple audiences across myriad platforms.
- Journalism is about the world outside. It’s about the story and the people who make it. It’s about being on top of the zeitgeist. And being on top of the deadlines.
- The Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies has been ranked second in the UK for 'world-leading or internationally excellent' research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and 16th in the world (third in the UK) in the 2024 QS World Rankings for communication and media studies.
- This MA gives you the practical skills to work as a journalist at the highest level in print and online. We will learn what news means, and where it comes from. We will give you the ability to write compelling features and interviews. We’ll also be focusing on the kinds of questions you need to ask – of the individual, the state or the organs of power. And we address how the new digital world has transformed the way we go about journalism, adding new platforms and new technical skills.
- The programme is practice-based so you’ll be creating magazines and working on our local news website while you’re here. EastLondonLines is a live news site run from the Department of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies and covering a large area of East and South London. Working on ELL as a journalist will give you unrivalled hands-on experience of being part of an editorial team, finding and breaking news stories and features, and using digital tools like data and video.
- You will work in a small group both during your editorial control period of Eastlondonlines and on your digital and magazine project because working in such teams is common professional practice. Underpinning the practice-based work are more theoretical modules essential to give background – these cover media law and ethics, politics and public affairs, and journalism in context.
- You’ll discover how different mediums dictate how you create a story and how to adapt your style of writing to reflect the nature of the platform, from print newspapers to digital features. Join us and discover how to express yourself concisely, grab the attention of readers and think on your feet in this swipe-left-and-right world.
- This degree is part of our School of Journalism. Find out more about what we do and other degrees we teach.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Terry Kirby.
Length
1 year full-time
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard and have evidence of some journalism (or equivalent) experience.
Fees
Home - full-time: £12520
International - full-time: £23660
Department
Media, Communications and Cultural Studies
The MA has accreditation from the Professional Publishers Association, with the highest accolade of a 'distinction'. This is given by the PPA to reward programmes of the highest overall quality that achieve a distinction level in the majority of categories in the accreditation process.
What you'll study
The programme is divided into a series of modules that cover the key practical skills and theoretical background. There are no optional modules or alternate pathways.
Practice modules are largely assessed by portfolios of your work, while theory modules are all assessed by essays or written research work.
You'll study the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| News | 30 credits |
| Journalism in Context | 15 credits |
| Media Law, Regulation and Ethics | 15 credits |
| Power, Politics and Public Affairs | 15 credits |
| Features | 60 credits |
| Journalism Production | 15 credits |
| Journalistic Practice (Digital Methods) | 15 credits |
| Critical Social Media Practices | 15 credits |
Guest speakers
Additionally, a wide range of journalists and those associated with the media are invited to speak to and network with students through various strands of our guest speaker programme - whether it is through the Asking the Right Questions module, Wednesday morning guest speakers or Thursday evening Media Forums.
Recent speakers have included Owen Jones and Felicity Lawrence of the Guardian, Patrick Strudwick of Buzzfeed and alumna Tabby Kinder from the Lawyer. Others have included Geoffrey Dobbs of the D Notice Committee and Guy Parker, chief executive of the Advertising Standard Authority.
Student work
EastLondonLines
EastLondonLines is an independent news website run by the School of Journalism in the Department of Media and Communications. The site runs throughout the year and students on all journalism programmes spend time working on the site, gaining valuable experience and building up their CVs. You work under the supervision of School academic and technical staff.
It began in November 2009 as a means of giving students an opportunity to work as professional journalists in a real life environment. The area covered by the site is a large, diverse, multi-cultural and vibrant part of London, ranging from inner city Hackney in the North to Croydon on the southern borders of London and provides exciting and varied journalistic challenges.
London Multimedia News
Journalism students also contribute to London Multimedia News, which collates London based news stories with a radio and sound focus and are able to take part in broadcasts through our radio and television studios.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard and have evidence of some journalism (or equivalent) experience.
See the 'How to apply' section below for details of what you will need to include in your application.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 7.0 with a 7.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.5 to study this programme.
If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
How to apply
Apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system
Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
There is no deadline for applications, however applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Applications are considered in stages, based on when you apply.
- Applications received by 31 January will be considered for a February interview day.
- Applications received by 31 March will be considered for an April interview day.
- Applications received after 31 March are considered on an individual basis once the April interviews are completed.
- We may hold further group interview days during late spring and summer if there are places available.
Interviews
Applicants who are considered suitable for the programme based on their application will be shortlisted to attend an interview. Overseas applicants who can’t attend an interview day are interviewed by Skype.
On group interview days, you are given a tour of our facilities, as well as a presentation with the opportunity to ask any questions about studying journalism at Goldsmiths. You’ll then be tested on your knowledge, and given the chance to write something for Eastlondonlines, the news website we run by students from the department. You will also have a one-to-one interview.
Portfolios
We will usually ask to see a portfolio of your work, which should include evidence of published journalistic work, either in undergraduate student journalism or in the professional arena. You can also include evidence of journalistic or media work experience that has not resulted in published work.
Some applicants may be considered without a portfolio if they can pass some written tests, interview well and meet other selection criteria.
Personal statement
In your personal statement, we’re looking for evidence that you understand the programme and what studying at Goldsmiths is all about. We’d also like you to demonstrate that you have an understanding and passion for journalism and what being a journalist involves. You should cite your journalistic influences and media sources, as well as any relevant work experience in the field. You should also outline what you hope to achieve from the programme.
Find out more about applying.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £10350
- Home - part-time: £5175
- International - full-time: £20460
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Football Writers Association (FWA) Bursary
The aim of the FWA Bursary is to encourage those students who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the industry.
Scott Trust Foundation Bursary
UK applicants for this programme are eligible to apply for the Scott Trust Foundation Bursary, which consists of:
- a bursary covering full tuition fees
- £5,000 subsistence allowance
Find out more about funding opportunities for MA/MSc Digital Journalism programmes. and use the Goldsmiths scholarships finder below to find out what other funding you may be eligible for.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Professional accreditation
The MA Journalism is accredited by the Professional Publishers Association, with the new, highest accolade of a 'distinction' awarded to us. This is now given by the association to reward programmes of the highest overall quality that achieve a distinction level in the majority of categories in the accreditation process, which cover all aspects of the programme.
The inspection team commended the programme as 'exceptional' and said we produced 'highly motivated' students who were given 'excellent opportunities to produce real live journalism on Eastlondonlines', received 'formidable feedback' and a high level of day-to-day support in their studies. They also believed that we had achieved the right balance between introducing new digital techniques and teaching traditional core practices. And they were incredibly complimentary about the students themselves and the work they produce.
