Introduction
MA Journalism (War and International Human Rights) focuses on the study of war reporting and international human rights. It provides an opportunity to analyse the role of the news media and journalism in conflicts, peace efforts, and human rights.
This challenging postgraduate programme offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience in print, broadcast and online media, and is designed to help students develop the practical and intellectual skills necessary for a career in the media. The final project enables students to focus on a specific area of journalism, war and international human rights.
The School of English and Journalism maintains close working relationships with the BBC and Lincolnshire Echo newspaper. On campus, there are opportunities to gain experience in community radio, a multiplatform website, student newspapers, television, and magazines.
How You Study
Students can learn in lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. This will incorporate ‘Newsday's which replicate industry newsrooms, along with visits to local arts organisations where appropriate.
Teaching usually takes place on two full days per week. Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options.
Contact Hours
Owing to the nature of postgraduate programmes, a significant proportion of your time will be spent in independent study and research. Research students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however, the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme. For taught programmes, weekly contact hours may vary depending on the individual module options chosen and the stage of the study.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
Modules
Advanced Research Methods (Core)
Essential Reporting (Core)
International Human Rights (Journalism) (Core)
Journalism Production (Core)
Law and Institutions (Core)
MA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation (Core)
Specialist Journalism Production (Core)
War and the Media (Core)
How You Are Assessed
Assessments are a mixture of essays, presentations, portfolios of journalism, broadcast media packages, and timed examinations. However, it should be noted that assessments can be varied from time to time to reflect changes in good practice in both academic and vocational disciplines.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Students are required to do a ten-day work placement as part of the course. The information is given as part of the Specialist Journalism Production module.
Scholarships
There are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2021-22
First or second class honours degree or equivalent professional experience.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Key research areas in the department include:
War and the Media
Journalism and Conflict Resolution
International Human Rights for Journalists
Core Broadcast
Core Writing
Law and Institutions
Research and Professional Placement
Final Project or Dissertation
Guest Speakers
During term-time, prominent journalists give guest lectures to audiences of undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School. Recent speakers have included John Pilger, Nick Davies, William Lewis, Libby Purves, Dorothy Byrne, Angela Rippon, and Martin Bell.
Days Taught
Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options. Full-time students should expect approximately 12 hours of contact time per week and should be prepared to undertake at least two hours of self-study for every taught hour.
Career and Personal Development
Core modules are designed to support and prepare students for a career in journalism. There are a number of opportunities to gain relevant experience by working for campus media, including the community and student radio stations, a multiplatform website, and the student newspaper.
