MA/PgDip Journalism: News / Broadcast / Sport
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MA/PgDip
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
How long will I study?
One year
Overview
Do you want to become an incisive and ethical journalist? Are you interested in understanding how to tell great news or sports stories online, in print, on radio or on television? Whatever your professional goals, this NCTJ accredited MA in Journalism will give you the practical skills you need to achieve them.
Designed to provide you with a thorough grounding in professional journalism in the UK, you’ll gain the skills you need and learn how to work within the industry codes of conduct. These skills will enable you to become a well-respected and forward-thinking media professional. What’s more, you’ll be able to align your interests with your programme by choosing the pathway that interests you most – whether that focus is online or in the broadcast media; news or sport.
Based at our state-of-the-art MediaCity campus, you’ll be immersed in a world of media greats, including national broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV. What better way to sharpen your journalism credentials and set yourself up for success?
When you graduate, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism, or an MA degree if you choose to complete a personal project. The course aligns with and builds on the NCTJ Diploma (separate exam fees apply) – a qualification highly sought after by UK editors.
This course combines the high standards for which Salford has become known in the industry with the rigour of the full NCTJ programme. This includes the necessary aspects of British law and the Teeline shorthand desired by editors in UK newsrooms. Students who intend to work outside the UK, or for organisations not based here, might be better suited to our MA in International Journalism for Digital Media, which explores how foreign correspondence professionals are taking advantage of digital technology to reach diverse audiences.
Follow us on X and read Salford Now to find stories created by our students.
International applicants: Please check the international intakes page for the latest information and application dates.
You will:
- Learn from leading academic staff with a wealth of real-world journalism experience
- Study at our state-of-the-art MediaCity campus, adjacent to reputable media organisations such as the BBC and ITV
- Undertake practical placements, giving you the tools and training you need to establish yourself as a media professional
- Study for the Diploma qualification from the National Council for Training of Journalists – for more than 70 years the benchmark of UK journalism
- Graduate with a portfolio of work for employment or further study
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
You want to have a career as a professional journalist and study in MediaCity
You want to gain the NCTJ Diploma to boost your employment opportunities
You want to learn from experienced media professionals
How you learn
Future careers
Employment
With our location in one of the UK’s most established media hubs, combined with our close links to a variety of media organisations across Salford and Greater Manchester, our news, sport and broadcasting journalism graduates have a strong record of successfully gaining employment within the industry.
Many of our students have gone on to secure professional roles with national broadcasters, such as the BBC, Sky and ITV, as well as leading UK print and online media publications for companies including Bloomberg, the Manchester Evening News and the Cavendish Press national news agency. Read Freya Chappell’s story about how she went from education to an Output Producer at Sky News.
With media becoming increasingly important in today’s digital age, there’s never been a more exciting time to pursue a career in professional journalism. And with the skills and practical experience you’ll gain throughout your time with us, you’ll be well positioned for a longstanding career in whichever specialism you choose.
Further study
Graduates showing strong academic and research skills can pursue a further academic research path through our doctoral (PhD) programmes on a full-time or part-time basis subject to a satisfactory proposal.
Career Links
During the course, you will get the opportunity to undertake industry placements in your chosen specialism area. This gives you valuable experience of working in newsrooms, having content published or broadcast, and the chance to establish useful links with professionals. Our placement partners include the BBC, ITV (Granada Reports), the Manchester Evening News and Bolton News, and locally-based news agencies.
Modules
In today’s fast-paced industry, becoming a successful journalist is about more than being able to write well. It’s about using all the tools available to you to tell compelling stories and understanding the rules and ethics that govern modern media outlets. It is vital you have the practical experience and confidence to help you stand out from the crowd.
Our Journalism masters programme is designed to give you the tools you need to hit the ground running. From learning the skills and professional standards expected of the 21st-century journalist to researching and conducting interviews, this course offers the perfect springboard into the world of professional journalism.
During trimester one, you’ll focus on gathering and reporting news, gaining an awareness of the legal and ethical obligations and professional frameworks of the industry. As you move into trimester two, you’ll specialise in the area of journalism that interests you most – whether that’s broadcast or online; news or sport. What’s more, you’ll develop a strong portfolio of work that you can share with potential employers.
Throughout the programme, there is regular shorthand tuition – a traditional skill still valued by the modern news industry, including broadcast organisations. You will be expected to achieve a shorthand speed of 100 words per minute.
No matter the pathway you choose, all of your modules will align with the requirements for the NCTJ Diploma, allowing you to complete an industry qualification alongside your MA or PgDip. Students are also encouraged to achieve the NCTJ Gold Standard Diploma (candidates must achieve A-C grades in every NCTJ subject taken, including the mandatory modules, and pass 100 words per minute shorthand). Separate exam fees are charged by the NCTJ to complete the Diploma.
Students who earn a place on the MA/PGDip programme are eligible to apply to the NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund which awards bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds who need help funding their NCTJ journalism training.
An offer for this programme may also provide eligibility for support with university fees from the Stationers’ Company Postgraduate Bursary Scheme. Bursaries under this scheme are offered to UK residents holding offers for specific programmes, including all pathways of MA Journalism at the University of Salford.
Sound interesting? Learn more about what each module includes in our course breakdown below.
Asian Media Awards
The University of Salford is tremendously proud to have been the premier partner for the Asian Media Awards over the last ten years and is determined to play its part in inspiring the next generation of Asian talent to consider and pursue a career in the creative industries.
MA Journalism: Broadcast
Law and Government for Journalists – 30 credits
You will learn that incisive and ethical news gathering and reporting are underpinned by a sound knowledge of UK media law and an understanding of the workings of central and local government. You will gain a broad comprehension of the legal and political processes which enable journalists to operate more effectively.
News and Ethics – 30 credits
This module is designed to help you to become effective news gatherers and to be able to write accurately, fluently and incisively in news reporting, while being acutely aware of the ethical obligations and professional standards expected of the 21st century journalist and laid down in industry codes of practice.
Audio Journalism – 15 credits
You will analyse the main legal, social and ethical issues relating to audio journalism in the UK and production within the changing media landscape, including an introduction to podcasting.
You will develop technical abilities to record and edit audio and to assemble features for short- and long-form broadcast, together with the presentation and technical studio skills needed to create a range of audio outputs for assessment. This will also assist with preparation for NCTJ exams.
TV and Video Journalism – 15 credits
You will build a knowledge of and a facility in TV and video journalism techniques, in particular script writing, production and interviewing. You will develop presentation and technical studio skills and programme-making for television as well as shooting and editing video outputs for assessment. This will also assist with preparation for NCTJ exams.
Professional Practice (MA Journalism) – 20 credits
You will contribute to live weekly newsdays in rotating roles to create real world outputs in a range of formats and on a variety of topics working in our newsroom and studios with students across MA Journalism.
You will create a portfolio of your strongest contributions to be assessed at the end of the module.
Major Project (MA Journalism) – 60 credits
This is a piece of independent work that will build on the practical, intellectual and research skills of trimesters one and two. It provides an opportunity for you to follow your own interests, demonstrate your strengths and produce a rigorously researched and clearly written/produced portfolio of original journalism that is capable of achieving publication/broadcast for a relevant media organisation.
This is a student-led project which is produced under supervision (supported by tutorials) and builds on the learning outcomes of your chosen pathway.
MA Journalism: News
Law and Government for Journalists – 30 credits
You will learn that incisive and ethical news gathering and reporting are underpinned by a sound knowledge of UK media law and an understanding of the workings of central and local government. You will gain a broad comprehension of the legal and political processes which enable journalists to operate more effectively.
News and Ethics – 30 credits
This module is designed to help you to become effective news gatherers and to be able to write accurately, fluently and incisively in news reporting, while being acutely aware of the ethical obligations and professional standards expected of the 21st century journalist and laid down in industry codes of practice.
Professional Practice (Journalism) – 30 credits
You will contribute to live weekly newsdays in rotating roles to create real world outputs in a range of formats and on a variety of topics working in our newsroom and studios with students across MA Journalism. You will create a portfolio of your strongest contributions to be assessed at the end of the module.
Digital and Social Media Journalism – 15 credits
You will develop an advanced understanding of digital and social media journalism and the skills needed to create multimedia content to a professional standard for a range of platforms for an assessed portfolio. You will employ a range of lawful and ethical newsgathering techniques and news writing skills for online and social media publication. You will develop essential skills such as interactive content creation, subbing headline writing and SEO.
Major Project (MA Journalism) – 60 credits
This is a piece of independent work that will build on the practical, intellectual and research skills of trimesters one and two. It provides an opportunity for you to follow your own interests, demonstrate your strengths and produce a rigorously researched and clearly written/produced portfolio of original journalism that is capable of achieving publication/broadcast for a relevant media organisation.
This is a student-led project which is produced under supervision (supported by tutorials) and builds on the learning outcomes of your chosen pathway.
You will also take one 15 credit module from a list of optional modules which may include:
Audio Journalism – 15 credits
You will analyse the main legal, social and ethical issues relating to audio journalism in the UK and production within the changing media landscape, including an introduction to podcasting.
You will develop technical abilities to record and edit audio and to assemble features for short- and long-form broadcast, together with the presentation and technical studio skills needed to create a range of audio outputs for assessment. This will also assist with preparation for NCTJ exams.
Developing Audiences – 15 credits
You will focus on developing audiences for digital journalism across a wide range of formats and platforms, including features, infographics, audience analytics, print design and layout, and new technologies such as AI for journalists. This will support the creation of a mixed media assessed portfolio of online and social media outputs, a written feature and print pages.
Specialist Journalism Practice – 15 credits
This module will concentrate on several specialisms valued by employers: war reporter, international affairs and politics, business and finance, social affairs, health and science, and photojournalism. It will focus on building practical and professional portfolios and on setting up foundations for Major Project practice-as-research in semester three. The last four weeks of the module will be field work in a chosen specialism.
Sport News – 15 credits
You will develop sport journalism skills, particularly in a live environment, together with an advanced understanding of the role of journalists within sport and the different audiences for sport across delivery platforms. This will support the creation of an assessed portfolio of mixed-media sport outputs with rationale.
TV and Video Journalism – 15 credits
You will build a knowledge of and a facility in TV and video journalism techniques, in particular script writing, production and interviewing. You will develop presentation and technical studio skills and programme-making for television as well as shooting and editing video outputs for assessment. This will also assist with preparation for NCTJ exams.
MA Journalism: Sport
Sport Journalism – 15 credits
The exciting field of sports journalism encompasses everything from football matches and rugby games to global Olympic events. You will learn essentials skills for writing clear and concise sports copy, interviewing players and officials, and producing match reports for print and online sports publications.
Law for Journalists – 15 credits
You will learn that incisive and ethical news gathering and reporting are underpinned by a sound knowledge of UK media law. You will gain a broad comprehension of the legal processes which enable journalists to operate more effectively.
News and Ethics – 30 credits
This module is designed to help you to become effective news gatherers and to be able to write accurately, fluently and incisively in news reporting, while being acutely aware of the ethical obligations and professional standards expected of the 21st century journalist and laid down in industry codes of practice.
Sport News – 15 credits
You will develop sport journalism skills, particularly in a live environment, together with an advanced understanding of the role of journalists within sport and the different audiences for sport across delivery platforms. This will support the creation of an assessed portfolio of mixed-media sport outputs with rationale.
Professional Practice (Journalism) – 30 credits
You will contribute to live weekly newsdays in rotating roles to create real world outputs in a range of formats and on a variety of topics working in our newsroom and studios with students across MA Journalism. You will create a portfolio of your strongest contributions to be assessed at the end of the module.
Major Project (MA Journalism) – 60 credits
This is a piece of independent work that will build on the practical, intellectual and research skills of trimesters one and two. It provides an opportunity for you to follow your own interests, demonstrate your strengths and produce a rigorously researched and clearly written/produced portfolio of original journalism that is capable of achieving publication/broadcast for a relevant media organisation.
This is a student-led project which is produced under supervision (supported by tutorials) and builds on the learning outcomes of your chosen pathway.
You will also take one 15 credit module from a list of optional modules which may include:
Audio Journalism – 15 credits
You will analyse the main legal, social and ethical issues relating to audio journalism in the UK and production within the changing media landscape, including an introduction to podcasting.
You will develop technical abilities to record and edit audio and to assemble features for short- and long-form broadcast, together with the presentation and technical studio skills needed to create a range of audio outputs for assessment. This will also assist with preparation for NCTJ exams.
Developing Audiences – 15 credits
You will focus on developing audiences for digital journalism across a wide range of formats and platforms, including features, infographics, audience analytics, print design and layout, and new technologies such as AI for journalists. This will support the creation of a mixed media assessed portfolio of online and social media outputs, a written feature and print pages.
Digital and Social Media Journalism – 15 credits
You will develop an advanced understanding of digital and social media journalism and the skills needed to create multimedia content to a professional standard for a range of platforms for an assessed portfolio. You will employ a range of lawful and ethical newsgathering techniques and news writing skills for online and social media publication. You will develop essential skills such as interactive content creation, subbing headline writing and SEO.
Specialist Journalism Practice – 15 credits
This module will concentrate on several specialisms valued by employers: war reporter, international affairs and politics, business and finance, social affairs, health and science, and photojournalism. It will focus on building practical and professional portfolios and on setting up foundations for Major Project practice-as-research in semester three. The last four weeks of the module will be field work in a chosen specialism.
TV and Video Journalism – 15 credits
You will build a knowledge of and a facility in TV and video journalism techniques, in particular script writing, production and interviewing. You will develop presentation and technical studio skills and programme-making for television as well as shooting and editing video outputs for assessment. This will also assist with preparation for NCTJ exams.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
To gain a place on this MA Journalism: News, Broadcast and Sport course, you’ll have to submit a personal statement and meet our entry requirements when you apply.
Within your personal statement (up to 500 words), we’ll want to understand:
- What motivates you and what current experiences do you have with journalism; whether it’s writing for a local publication or as part of your undergraduate studies, for example?
- How have you been involved and what did you do?
- Do you have any knowledge of the Journalism sector; are there any projects that inspire you?
- What are your future goals?
- Why is the University of Salford and this course the right choice for your future goals?
If you are an international applicant we will want to see a short statement on why you want to study an NCTJ accredited course, and demonstrating an understanding of the requirements and why NCTJ is important.
You should also provide a CV and references (at least one should be an academic reference) provided on letterhead and signed. Suitably qualified applicants will be invited for interview.
Once you’ve made your application to study with us, we’ll contact you and let you know the next steps.
If you intend to work outside of the UK, or for organisations not based here, our MA International Journalism for Digital Media might be a better suited programme.
Standard entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
Degree: 2:1 or above.
Prospective students will normally be required to have achieved a 2:1 Honours degree, but consideration will be given to students with a 2:2 Honours degree with appropriate experience and satisfactory references.
International Students
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 7.0, with no element below 6.5. We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Fees and funding
Please note that the fee includes the cost of your first attempt at each NCTJ exam.
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £10,620 per year |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Aziz Foundation Scholarship
The Aziz Scholarship Programme offers 100% tuition fee Masters scholarships to support British Muslims who wish to advance their careers and bring positive change to their communities by studying at one of their partner UK universities. One of the eligible programmes at the University of Salford is MA Journalism: News/Broadcast/Sports. Find out more about the Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.