MSc International Journalism
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
12 - 24 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Our Masters course in International Journalism introduces students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds to the theory and practice of journalism in a global context. The course is internationally-focused and deals with the practice of journalism across a variety of media, cultural and regulatory environments.
Combining practice and theory, this one-year course enables you to tailor your studies by choosing a more industry-focused or academic route, depending on your interests and career ambitions.
The course is delivered by our Division of Communications, Media and Culture (CMC), which has a strong international research profile and extensive industry links, and builds on our existing strengths in teaching and research. In journalism alone, the division has staff from South Africa, Venezuela, USA, China, Ireland, and the UK, including an ex-editor-in-chief of The Scotsman, and a former specialist correspondent for the Press Association and The Independent on Sunday.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 Top 5 in Scotland for Communication and Media Studies (The Complete University Guide 2023)
#2 90% overall student satisfaction for Communications, Media and Culture - Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2021
#3 We're ranked 2nd in Scotland and top 5 in the UK for Communication and Media in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Curriculum
Course objectives
On the MSc International Journalism you will:
- develop advanced research, investigative and analytical skills;
- acquire skills in writing news stories, features and long-form investigative articles;
- develop an understanding of different journalistic styles and their relationship to content;
- acquire the production skills needed to publish news content across multiple media platforms – from print newspapers/magazines to websites and audio and video podcasts;
- develop an appreciation of the cultural, social and political significance of journalism and an in-depth knowledge of the legal and ethical frameworks within which journalists operate;
- acquire an understanding of the different political, regulatory, socioeconomic and cultural contexts in which journalists might be expected to work.
Course details
The MSc International Journalism takes place within the two 15-week semesters and consists of two components; a taught course followed by a dissertation or investigative research project. Students who take the practical project route are given the opportunity to bid for co-supervision by an experienced journalist from the award-winning Scottish investigative journalism news site The Ferret.
Teaching
The course will be delivered through a dynamic blend of lectures, seminars, one-to-one supervisions and practical workshops. You'll also be expected to read widely before classes, prepare regular informal in-class presentations, and conduct independent research.
You will also benefit from a programme of guest talks and masterclasses, delivered by experienced journalists and other media professionals who can explain the rapidly evolving challenges of 'the job' and how these can be overcome. Regular contributors include James Naughtie, the veteran broadcaster and former presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, and Billy Briggs, co-founder and editor of the Scottish investigative website The Ferret.
Assessment
You'll be expected to write essays, produce journalistic articles and other content under professional conditions and take part in class-based formative assessments, including individual and group presentations. Learning will also be assessed in a dissertation or investigative research project. There will also be a continuous, informal approach to assessment in the form of weekly discussions, news quizzes and problem-solving exercises.