Investigative Journalism MA

Course overview

This pioneering new course, launched in 2008, provides you with the essential skills for a first job in print or broadcast journalism, together with innovative and in-depth research and investigation techniques.

 

The course:

  • teaches advanced research skills including computer-assisted reporting, the effective use of public records and databases, the Freedom of Information Act, and other complex information
  • provides case studies of high-profile investigations and the skills to investigate issues of public concern, miscarriages of justice, and companies, organisations and individuals within an ethical framework
  • offers you the opportunity to complete a real-life investigation aimed for publication or broadcast
  • is taught by leading investigative journalists, including: David Leigh, investigations editor of The Guardian and Professor of Reporting at City; Gavin MacFadyen, director of the Centre for Investigative Journalism based at City; Heather Brooke, Freedom of Information expert and Visiting Professor at City; Rosie Waterhouse, formerly of the Sunday Times Insight team and Newsnight, and; Melanie McFadyean, City lecturer and freelance journalist

 

Course content

Topics will range from business and financial journalism and investigations into individuals, organisations and corporations to miscarriages of justice. You will also be taught the basic essential skills required by the media industry such as producing news and feature material, interviewing, production, law, structure of government and ethics.

Modules

The course is made up of seven compulsory modules, plus the MA Project.

Investigative Reporting 1

This module aims to provide you with a framework for undertaking an investigation, and with the basic methodologies and practical contexts of investigative reporting, such that you can plan an investigation. You will learn investigative technologies and investigative techniques such as FoI requests, you will develop a critical awareness of the ethical issues involved with investigations, you will look at case studies, and you will choose an area to investigate.

Investigative Reporting 2

This module aims to build on your understanding of the framework for planning, researching and writing or filming an investigation. The advanced investigative research skills gained will be valuable assets and will enhance your employment prospects in all forms of journalism, including business and financial journalism. Topics will range from investigations into individuals, corporations and organisations to miscarriages of justice.

Journalism Practice

This module will equip you with the journalistic skills to work effectively in the print or broadcast industry. By the time you finish this module, you should have reached a standard high enough to allow you not only to carry out your journalistic duties with technical and professional fluidity, but enabling you to reflect on the nature of your work and its impact on a variety of audiences. You will be able to spot a story, angle it, research and write it at speed and to a deadline for a print publication or broadcast outlet.

Journalism and Society

This module aims to highlight the importance of cultural and political context in the conduct of journalism. It promotes a critical awareness of the range of cultural/political milieu in which journalists in Britain work, and reveals how concepts such as censorship, news management and propaganda affect journalism. It is also designed to enable you to exchange their own experience, knowledge and culturally-informed viewpoints.

Media Law

This module provides the crucial legal theory you require for effective work as journalists. It aims to develop in you a detailed understanding of the law in the UK as it affects journalists. Lectures cover the English legal system, defamation and slander, contempt of court, reporting restrictions, relevant Acts and other legislation affecting the work of journalists.

Public Administration

The module gives you a basic knowledge of government structures (at local, national and European levels) as they relate to the work of a journalist. It aims to introduce you to contemporary political science perspectives on British government, provide you with an understanding of the key issues in government today relating to journalists, and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how elections are organised and reported.

Editorial Production

This module will vary according to the Journalism pathway you are following (from Broadcast, Magazine and Television Journalism). For further details of the Editorial Production modules for each of these pathways, please see our Modules page.

MA Project

The MA project is intended to offer a more flexible and practical alternative to the traditional dissertation as the final stage of the MA. It brings together your knowledge and skills in a final work that is of professional quality, and that is relevant and significant to media professionals in the your chosen area.

 

Teaching and assessment

Tutors

 

Employment

This course aims to prepare you for a first job in any form of journalism, including newspapers, magazines, online and the broadcast media. Course graduates will be especially valued in jobs which require rigorous, in-depth and advanced research and investigative skills.

 

See where graduates of the 2008/9 MA in Journalism are working now.

 

See also our leading alumni in all fields of journalism.

 

 

How to apply

Entry requirements

  • Applicants should have at least a good second-class degree in any subject, and preferably mathematics or economics at GCSE or A level. Consideration will also be given to mature applicants with substantial work experience in journalism.
  • All applicants must be able to demonstrate commitment to journalism through relevant work experience, including regional newspapers, magazines, online, broadcast or student journalism. You don't need a set number of weeks of work experience, but we advise you to get as much as possible, both before and after submitting your application
  • For those students whose first language is not English, an IELTS English language test score of at least 7.0 is required

How to apply

Please submit the following:

 

1. One application form. You can download a pdf file of our application form (pdf) or apply online following the links below.

 

2. Two references. We prefer you to submit one academic reference, and one reference from a journalism-related work placement.

Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your references reach us no later than 1 March 2010.

 

3. A copy of your degree transcript. We require one of the following: an original transcript; a copy certified by your university; and electronic scan of your transcript. If you have not yet graduated, you will be required to submit your degree transcript as soon as it is available. You will not be able to register as a City student without having supplied your degree transcript.

 

4. Details of your work experience in journalism. Either include these on a separate sheet with your postal application, or copy and paste the details into the "Personal Statement" section of the online application form.

 

5. The following two articles. Either include these with your postal application, or copy and paste them into the "Personal Statement" section of the online application form

  • Article 1: write no more than 250 words on what attracts you to investigative journalism, and a subject you would like to investigate
  • Article 2: interview someone interesting in your local area. Based on this interview, applicants should write a 250-article.

Application forms

Selection process

1. Application deadline

Monday 1 March 2010 for submission of postal applications and all supporting documents (references, articles, etc.)

It is your responsibility to submit a completed application, including references and articles specified above, by the application deadline. We do not accept applications submitted after the deadline.

2. Consideration of your application

Your application will only be read and considered after the deadline has passed.

3. Interviews

Interviews will take place in April 2010. Further details will be posted here as soon as they are available.

4. Offers

You should expect to hear whether or not you have been selected for a place on the course in early May 2010.

Return address

Please return your application form and/or supporting documents, marked "Investigative Journalism 2010", to: Admissions, Graduate School of Journalism, City University London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK.

 

Fees & bursaries

Tuition fees

The fees for 2010/11 are available here.

Bursaries

A number of bursaries are offered by media organisations, charitable trusts and occasionally by City University London. Check our bursaries and scholarships page for further details.

 

News

 

further information