MA in Journalism

Media has established an integral role in the digital world where it has become much more than just the gatekeeper of news and entertainment. Similarly, journalism was early concerned with print and broadcast but now has branched across social media as well as web platforms. Voicing issues that the general public is facing has become a crucial characteristic of a journalist’s role in the contemporary society. Journalism comprises gathering and presenting news and information to the audience through varied different ways, including articles, reports, broadcasts, or online content. For those who have completed their Bachelor in Journalism, opting for a master’s degree in this domain can help you delve deeper into the intricacies of Journalism. Through this blog, we will take a look at what an MA in Journalism consists of, the eligibility criteria one needs to fulfil as well as the top universities you can pursue it from!

Course Level	Post Graduation
Full-Form of (M.A.) in Journalism	Master of Arts in Journalism
Duration	2 years
Examination type	Semester

Course Overview

Studying a Master of Arts or MA in Journalism, students get to learn about the principles of Journalism, communication models, types of mass media, how technology impacted media as well as the basics of report writing, data journalism, amongst others. Since a journalism career is a practical-oriented one, this postgraduate degree incorporates a balance between theoretical knowledge as well as fieldwork. The course structure of this program is designed in a manner to facilitate the interdisciplinary nature of media and journalism, which also includes, the study of social science, communication, literature as well as language studies.

Subjects Covered in MA In Journalism

Though the coursework of an MA in Journalism might vary as per the degree program as well as the institution, we have compiled a list of some major subjects that are constituted under this postgraduate course: 

• Media Society Culture and Religion
• Communication: Process Models and Theories
• Evolution of Journalism, Mass Communication and Technological Revolution
• Journalism Concepts and Practices: Newsgathering Techniques and Developing Stories Ideas
• Development Communication
• Media Law and Ethics
• Economic Business and Data Journalism
• Social Media and Mobile Journalism
• Advertising Public Relations and Corporate Communication
• Television News and Programme Production
• Digital Media and Multimedia Journalism
• Print Journalism and Broadcast Journalism

Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from any leading university across the globe, applicants must satisfy some general prerequisites. Though every institution has its own specified set of eligibility requirements for this course, take a look at the basic criteria that one needs to qualify in order to apply for an MA Journalism:

• The student must have passed XIIth class from a recognized board.
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institute. 
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores are required to pursue an MA in Journalism abroad if English is not your native language.
• GRE/GMAT scores are also required at some institutions along with a few years of relevant work experience.

Also Read: Journalism Courses After 12th

Top Universities Offering MA in Journalism

There are numerous academic institutions that offer an MA in Journalism to students across the globe. To help you further in your research, given below is a list of leading educational institutes that are renowned for their master’s degree in Journalism:

• University of Leeds, UK
• Kingston University, UK
• Dublin City University, Ireland
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
• University of the South Pacific, Fiji
• University of Roehampton, UK
• The University of Melbourne, Australia
• Monash University, Australia

Career Prospects After MA in Journalism

After completing an MA in Journalism, there are ample career opportunities to explore, be it in print, broadcast or digital media. There are plentiful job profiles available in news channels, radio, advertising agencies, news agencies, public relations organisations, amongst others. Take a look at the following prospects that you can avail after completing your postgraduate degree in this domain:

Art Director

Art directors are responsible to create overall design, images and visual styles for newspapers, magazines, movie productions, product packaging and television production. Further, they also conceptualise the artwork and layout and direct designers to formulate the production as per the client’s requirements.

Check Out What A Career in Art and Drama Entails!

Content Writer

Amongst the most popular career profiles for MA in Journalism graduates, a content writer create articles, blogs and all kinds of written content as per the company’s needs and requirements. Some of the other job responsibilities might also include editing, proofreading and uploading content, amongst others. 

Take A Look At How to Be a Content Writer?

Journalist

Since MA in Journalism essentially trains candidates for a career in this domain, graduates can choose from an array of fields, be it broadcast, print, or online media. The key role of a journalist includes creating, writing or distributing news or other current trending news and information to the public. Majorly, the typical employers in the field of journalism are newspaper and magazine, TV channels, radio etc.

Photojournalist

Another popular job profile for MA Journalism graduates is that of a Photojournalist who is tasked with the role of telling stories through photographs. Photojournalists generally travel throughout the world working across different conflict zones as well as areas facing different issues, and try to depict their stories with the help of photographs.

Other than above-mentioned job roles, given below is a list of popular job roles that students can pursue after MA in Journalism:

• Film Director
• Public Relation Officer
• Radio Jockey
• Video Jockey
• TV Broadcaster
• Digital Media Professionals
• Screenwriters
• Anchors
• Cartoonist
• Sports Journalist

Also Read: Career in Sports Journalism

Scope of MA Journalism

Students may choose to pursue an M.Phil. in Journalism after earning an MA in Journalism. Students can choose to enroll in further PG diploma journalism and public relations courses or continue their journalism Ph.D. programme.

FAQs

Thus, we hope that this blog has helped you gain clarity about what an MA in Journalism degree is, its constituents as well as the scope it entails. If you are planning to study a master’s degree in Journalism or any Media-related field, take the help of our experienced counsellors at Leverage Edu and we’ll help you find a suitable course and university that can equip you with the necessary knowledge and exposure to establish your career in this domain.