How is the MA Journalism and Media Studies different from a specialist journalism MA?

Specialist journalism MAs (business, international, investigative) take you deep into one beat. The MA Journalism and Media Studies covers both reporting and strategic communications and gives substantial weight to media research. It suits students who want broad senior capability rather than a single specialism.

Will the MA Journalism and Media Studies prepare me for a PhD?

Yes — the research-methods module and the dissertation produce work at PhD-application standard. Several graduates each year progress to doctoral research in journalism studies, communications or media scholarship at UK and international universities.

Can I take the MA Journalism and Media Studies part-time?

Yes — over 24 months. Online and distance routes support working journalists and communicators with evening tutorials and weekend masterclasses. The dissertation runs across the final six to nine months.

Does the MA Journalism and Media Studies cover platform research and algorithmic media?

Yes — a dedicated strand covers platform governance, algorithmic curation, attention economies and the structural shifts platforms have produced in journalism and communications. The content updates each year as the platforms themselves change.

Is the MA Journalism and Media Studies suitable if my background is in marketing rather than journalism?

Yes — many students come from marketing or PR backgrounds and use the MA to add journalism, research and strategic depth. Applicants without a directly related degree should submit a writing sample alongside their personal statement.

MA Journalism and Media Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Journalism and Media Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for working journalists, communicators and graduates moving into senior roles across reporting, strategic communication and media analysis. The course combines advanced journalism craft with the research-led media analysis senior practitioners increasingly need to operate at director and head-of-function level.

You finish with a substantial published portfolio across journalism and communications, a 12,000-to-15,000-word dissertation on a media-focused question and the analytical depth to lead in either field.

Key Features

Advanced reporting module — long-form, investigative, multi-platform journalism craft.
Strategic communications strand — campaign design, narrative architecture, measurement at director level.
Media research module grounded in current Reuters Institute, Ofcom and Pew scholarship.
Specialist beats rotation across politics, business, culture, science, climate and international.
Industry-led masterclasses from senior journalists, communications directors and media researchers.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a journalism or media-studies topic.

What You Will Learn

The MA Journalism and Media Studies is structured around the analytical and applied depth senior journalists and communicators need — to read media systems with method, produce work that operates at the standard the field demands, and lead teams that do the same.

Advanced journalism craft — long-form, investigative, multi-platform reporting at senior standard.
Strategic communications at director level — campaign design, narrative, measurement, crisis.
Media research — current scholarship on audiences, framing, agenda-setting, network effects.
Comparative media systems — UK in international comparison.
Digital and platform research — algorithmic curation, attention economies, platform governance.
Media law and ethics at senior level — defamation, contempt, privacy, regulator engagement.
Media leadership — editorial and comms function leadership, budget, talent.
Research methods — content analysis, audience research, interview, mixed methods.

Who This MA Is For

Working journalists at UK or international titles preparing for senior or specialist roles.
Communications managers and heads of internal comms ready for director-track development.
Bachelor's graduates in journalism, communications or media studies progressing to specialist postgraduate work.
Career-changers from teaching, NGO work or academia moving into journalism or senior communications.

Career Pathways

The MA Journalism and Media Studies positions graduates for senior journalism and communications roles across UK and international employers. Typical destinations include:

Senior Communications Manager (NHS trust, regulator, charity, FTSE corporate)
Strategic Communications Adviser (campaigning organisation, government)
Public Affairs Manager (consultancy, in-house government relations)
Senior Reporter / Section Editor (national or regional title)
Press & Comms Officer (Lead) (NHS, central or local government)
Media Analyst (consultancy, broadcaster research team)

The MA also opens doctoral routes in journalism studies, media research or communications scholarship.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.