MA Journalism & Media Communications MA

About the course

The MA in Journalism & Media Communication aims to bridge theory and practice in a dynamic interplay; the programme works to develop a wide ranging portfolio of skill-sets. Staff teaching on the modules will be drawing synergies between various Media subjects. There will also be a focus on current media practice and the technologies of convergence exploring the impact of digital environments on the communications industries.

The course aims to develop professional and academic skills in the area of Journalism and Media Communications by combining theory and practice. Therefore, the programme will explore how to make communication more effective in professional settings by looking at magazine journalism and its associated business models, internal and external corporate communications, the impact of technology on the communications industries, and developing an understanding of ethical responsibilities and current legislation for media professionals.

During the course you will develop the theoretical knowledge as well as the practical writing and technical skills necessary for operating effectively in a professional media environment. This programme will enable you to work in a variety of occupations from Marketing Communications and PR to magazines and web publications. Employability is a key characteristic of the programme, so you are given choice of taking an optional work placement instead of a dissertation.

NEW in 2013/14: To offer more flexibility and to allow particularly international students to explore journalism and media production on a global scale, we now offer a new module ‘Trends in International Journalism’, which gives students the opportunity to develop a deeper insight into the theoretical and cultural framework of media and journalism.

Structure of the programme

Modules may change year by year. In 2013-14 we will be offering:

• Option 1: Trends in International Journalism
• Option 2: Writing for Magazines & Understanding the Magazine Business
• Corporate Communications, PR and Advertising Practice
• Communications Technologies
• Media Research Methods 1: Critical and Theoretical Debates
• Media Research Methods 2: Advanced Research Skills

You will also have the opportunity to choose one of the following final projects:

Researching and writing a 14,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice

OR

Working on an extended project with a portfolio of work and a 2000 word report

OR

A 20-25 day work placement in a media-based environment + discussing the outcome in a presentation and a reflective report.

For all of the above, you will be supported by regular one-to-one supervision with an appropriate member of staff.

Whilst this programme has a strong professional orientation, you are also expected to engage in academic activities to extend your skills in critical thinking and problem solving; interpersonal and mediated communication; writing processes and styles as well as collaborative working practices and research methods in this area.

Why choose this course?

In the media industry we are witnessing the advent of a new paradigm. It is one that thrives on inter-disciplinary collaboration. In this new world, social media, public relations and magazine stories rub shoulders, complement and indeed, often deliberately, inspire each other. This calls for a new breed of communications professional - the 'multi-skilled practitioner'. This new paradigm focuses on how best to create content and increasingly involves engaging audiences and media practitioners in dialogue. In this contemporary media environment social media, PR and magazine journalism are increasingly overlapping and this MA programme aims to address these synergies.

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Work Placement

This module will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and put into practice the knowledge and skills developed over the year. Students will be typically be expected to have spent a minimum of 20-25 days on an internship or on a work experience placement. After completing the work placement, students will write a 3.500 word report and give a short presentation reflecting on his or her experience.

Professional Accreditations

The Mass Media Communications group is made up of academics who have professional experience of print, web design, journalism and PR and this will lend the programme a currency and employability edge that will attract students. In addition, the MA will seek professional recognition with the Periodicals Training Council (PTC), the lead body for best practice in training and development and people management for the magazine and business media industry.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Communications Technologies

  This module provides students with a detailed understanding of the contexts and practice of print based magazine publishing and web design for on-line publishing. The course will examine key questions regarding copyright and legal issues, internet technologies and the production process. In particular, it focuses on a learning a range of technical skills including basic text formatting, editing and manipulation of images for print and web, content management systems, blogs, video/podcasts and social networks. These techniques and tools are located within the context of current debates on 'new media', communication and society.

• Corporate Communication, PR and Advertising Practice

  In the first part of the module, students are introduced to corporate communications, its historic development from classic PR to an integrated approach and the challenges of the future. After discussing different models and organisational structures of Corporate Communications, the module looks at the way in which companies develop a reputation and Corporate Identity as well as aspects of strategic planning. We will then focus on the internal aspects of corporate communications, such as employee relations, in-house magazines and company websites. Subsequently, we will explore the classic marketing mix and analyse the benefits and disadvantages of individual tools, before having a closer look into the areas of sponsorship and event management. Subsequently students will develop their own corporate communications strategy and learn about aspects such as creative and media implementation as well as budget planning. Finally, we talk about the ethical aspects of corporate communications and relationship management.

• Research Methods 1: Critical and Theoretical Debates B

  This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the theoretical approaches and related critical methodologies which are influential in the scholarly analysis of media texts. Areas covered may include quantitative and qualitative methods (essential differences and complementarities); content analysis and media sampling; interview and survey strategies and interpretation; audience research methods and consumption studies; focus groups and observation in studying culture via archive and online research; technological convergence, new business models and audience fragmentation. There will be an emphasis on the practical application of these theoretical approaches, and you will be invited to assess the strengths and limitations of each.

• Research Methods 2: Advanced Research Skills B

  This module is designed to help you to develop some of the advanced skills necessary for postgraduate study. Topics covered may include, for example:- using search engines and databases; accessing electronic journals; interdisciplinary research; planning and structuring longer pieces of work; writing abstracts; constructing annotated bibliographies; presenting research to an audience; writing for publication. This module will equip you to embark on your Masters final project and any further postgraduate research and you will develop a valuable portfolio of transferable skills relevant to a wide range of graduate careers.

• Writing for Magazines and Understanding the Magazine Business

  This module is designed to give the student a thorough understanding of the magazine industry and how magazines work. Study will cover the distinction between B2B, consumer, customer and in-house magazines. It will also review key types of consumer magazines, including general consumer and specialist consumer, as well as regional and local consumer magazines. It will include an understanding of magazines in terms of market sector and audience. Revenue models, budgets - including editorial budgets - methods of distribution, advertising, marketing, printing processes, circulation and distribution will all be studied. The purpose and nature of magazines as a form of corporate communication, both internal and external, will also be examined.

Optional

• Dissertation/Extended Project

  This module gives students the opportunity to investigate and write/visually demonstrate ideas about an area of individual interest in depth and detail. The emphasis is on independent thought, research and writing, but this will be supported in an agreed programme of supervision. The topic should be appropriate to postgraduate level, and chosen by the student in consultation with his or her supervisor. The dissertation should be 13000 - 15000 words in length, and aim to make a distinctive contribution to work in the relevant field. MEDIA OPTION Students wishing to take the media option to visually demonstrate ideas about an area of individual interest in depth or detail can use a range of multimedia tools from Final Cut Pro to Indesign and Photoshop. Video Essay. The video essay should be 10 minutes in length, be formed from existing footage and (where appropriate) a new soundtrack, narrative voiceover and intertitles edited using appropriate software. It should be accompanied by a written reflective report of 2000 words in length. OR An examination of an idea related to corporate communications to be demonstrated by using a range of social networking tools, print publications or a website. It should be accompanied by a written reflective report of 2000 words in length. OR An examination of an idea related to magazine publishing to be demonstrated by writing a portfolio of articles suitable for a print based or web-based magazine and produced using software tools such as Dreamweaver, Indesign and Photoshop. It should be accompanied by a written reflective report of 2000 words in length.

• International Journalism Trends

  You will be exposed to critical issues facing international journalism and communication practices. In this module we will cover a range of topics including, the role and influence of journalism in public policy debates, and international politics; taking into cognisance the rise of social networks, blogging, the ‘youtube effect' and ‘citizen journalism.’ As a result, we also acknowledge that current international trends show that journalism is more influential than ever before. However, new demands and obligations in terms of the normative role of the media seem to place Journalism as a profession and practice under an intense micro-scopic position. This module will, therefore, critically discuss different media theories and the role of journalism in agenda-setting, influencing global public policy positions & political trends. You will be challenged to critically engage in journalistic trends and practices in light of the changing democratic trends, as seen in the uprisings in the Middle-East, North Africa and other parts of the world. We will explore the political transformations and the role of the media in non-democratic counties. In addition, you will develop a range of journalist skills to enable them to create a portfolio of articles.

• Work Placement

  This module will give students the opportunity to work in a professional environment and put into practice the knowledge and skills developed over the year. Students will be typically be expected to have spent a minimum of 20-25 days on an internship or on a work experience placement.

• Writing for Magazines and Understanding the Magazine Business

  This module is designed to give the student a thorough understanding of the magazine industry and how magazines work. Study will cover the distinction between B2B, consumer, customer and in-house magazines. It will also review key types of consumer magazines, including general consumer and specialist consumer, as well as regional and local consumer magazines. It will include an understanding of magazines in terms of market sector and audience. Revenue models, budgets - including editorial budgets - methods of distribution, advertising, marketing, printing processes, circulation and distribution will all be studied. The purpose and nature of magazines as a form of corporate communication, both internal and external, will also be examined.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,250 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,500 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply