FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How often do the courses run?

All our courses run once a year, commencing in late-September.  Courses for 2005/6 will commence on Monday 19 September 2005.

How long are the courses?

The Postgraduate Diplomas last for nine months, and the full-time MA courses for one year. The MA in Creative Writing (both pathways) last for two years.

What are the employment prospects after the course?

The employment rate of our graduates is very good, with the vast majority moving on to careers in journalism, publishing and new media. Please see the Alumni section for further details.


Are the courses accredited?

The PG Dip in Broadcast Journalism is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council BJTC). The PG Dip in Periodical Journalism is accredited by the Periodicals Training Council (PTC). The PG Dip in Television Current Affairs Journalism is due to receive full accreditation from the BJTC shortly.

What are the entrance requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters courses? Do I need to have a degree in journalism?

You must have a degree equivalent to a Bachelor. We take graduates of many different subjects - you are not expected to have a degree in journalism or a media-related subject. Normally, you must also have some relevant work experience in journalism, publishing or new media.

Can I do the course part-time?

Courses currently offered part-time are the PG Dip in Broadcast Journalism, the Masters in Electronic Publishing, and the MA in Creative Writing (both pathways).

Will I get any work experience on the course?

Yes. Students on all courses usually undertake up to three periods of work experience, each lasting for between two and four weeks - during the Christmas holiday, at Easter, and during the summer.

How many places are available on each course?

There are approximately 34 places on the Newspaper Journalism course; 36 places on Magazine Journalism; 34 full-time and 4 part-time places on Broadcast Journalism; 26 places on the TV Current Affairs Journalism; 75 places on International Journalism; 30 places on Publishing Studies; 14 places on each pathway of Creative Writing; and 30 on Electronic Publishing.

When will I hear about my application?

Applications for the PG Dip in Newspaper Journalism and the PG Dip in Magazine Journalism are not considered at until the application deadline has passed. Applications for the courses in Broadcast Journalism, TV Current Affairs Journalism, International Journalism, Publishing Studies, Creative Writing and Electronic Publishing are looked at on a "rolling" basis, and the Department will normally contact applicants within 4 weeks of receiving their application. All applicants are contacted by post, whether or not they are successful.

What are the course fees?

Please see individual course pages for details of the fees for 2005/6.