Masters in Journalism in UK: A Complete Guide

Why study Masters in Journalism in UK?

Doing your journalism masters degree (M.A in Journalism or MJ, Masters of Journalism) in the UK is like the holy grail of the mass communication sector. The nation is home to some of the best journalism masters UK as well as renowned news outlets such as the BBC, the Guardian, the Telegraph, and more. Here are the top 5 reasons why the UK should be your ultimate masters in UK destination:

1. Esteemed Universities: The UK houses some of the best and brightest minds in the journalism field. And they all stem from the prestigious universities within this union of countries in Europe. Fun fact! Out of the 200 best journalism schools in the world, 23 of them belonged to the UK, according to the QS World Rankings 2023! The University of Liverpool, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge have a long history of producing some of the best journalists in the world. These universities also offer scholarships in UK for international students.

2. A global hub of journalism: The UK is known to be a global hub for the relay of information and news, as well-renowned outlets such as BBC, Reuters, and the Guardian function directly from within. The country also provides global coverage.

3. English is the primary language: Being proficient in english, the almost universal language, is a boon. Most schools around the world now provide English education. Since the UK is a mainly English-speaking country, you wouldn’t have any problems with getting used to the information relay that happens. The accent, however, may take some getting used to.

4. The accreditation standards: UK universities are governed by the stringent educational bodies NCTJ and BJTC, which are some of the most rigorous accreditation professional bodies in the world. Therefore, graduating from a UK university can provide you with more global recognition.

5. Support for international students: The UK student market is becoming easier to access for international students. The universities also provide scholarships in UK for international students. The assistance when it comes to coursework, as well as visa, can help students transition better to UK life.

Masters in Journalism in UK: Admission Process

Obtaining a masters in journalism is a fairly straightforward process. Considering the cost of living in UK as well as the best journalism masters in UK beforehand can help give you a better understanding of the entire procedure. Let’s first look at the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

International students need to consider certain eligibility criteria for their studies abroad. International students can already be burdened by the cost of living in UK as well as selecting the best journalism masters UK. Therefore, this list aims to make it easier for them by making a repository of all the criteria needed to apply to a university in the UK:

1. Undergraduate degree from a recognized college: Students looking for masters journalism scholarships in UK for international students need first to have an undergrad degree from an accredited university in the field of journalism or subjects related to it and a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4. Students would do well with a portfolio carrying all their relevant experiences. 

2. Language Proficiency - English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT are all eligible and required for your admission to a UK university. 

• Minimum IELTS requirement - 6.5 - 7
• Minimum TOFEL score - 90 - 110

3. Work Experience - Though not mandatory, having work experience can help you get the best journalism scholarships in UK for international students. Work experience of 1-2 years is crucial and gives your admins reassurance about the quality of the candidate.

4. Research Proposal - If you are a student heading into a research-heavy course, as some of the best journalism masters UK tend to be, you need to submit a proposal of the research you’d be conducting within the country.

5. UK Student Visa - Students looking to become the best journalism masters UK need to sort out their passport and UL student visa permit before their date of travel.

6. Specific program requirements - For example, if you are planning on pursuing a multimedia course in the UK, the university might ask you for proof of experience in some of the areas of your interest.

Admission process

If you have made up your mind about pursuing your masters in journalism in the United Kingdom, you better get well-versed with the admissions process.

1. Research - Research all the available best journalism masters UK programs and shortlist the ones that pique your fancy more. Ensure you read thoroughly about their curriculum, faculty and credits.

2. Eligibility - Ensure all the eligibility criteria mentioned above are met.

3. Prepare application materials

• Application form - Most universities have online application forms and portals you can access and apply to for masters programs.
• Letters of Recommendation - Collecting valid LoRs (normally 2-3) from employers and/or professors who can speak for your qualifications will be more than enough.
• Statement of Purpose - Most universities require students to write SoPs to clarify why exactly they want the university and what their goals with the degree are. 
• Resume and Portfolio - These documents highlight firsthand our experience in your field of interest.

4. Submit Application: Once all the application materials are collected and submitted after considering the cost of living in UK, submit your application, including the application fee.

5. Visa: Once you receive a favourable response from your university, start the student visa process immediately and prepare for arrival

Cost of study for Masters in Journalism in UK

Before moving to another country, one must take various factors into consideration, such as the cost of living in UK, their budget, student-friendly neighbourhoods and accommodations one can easily find at amber. Let us dive in and dissect the sort of money you would be looking for when moving to the UK for masters in journalism.

Tuition Fee for Masters in Journalism in UK

On average, a masters of journalism course lasts somewhere around 1-2 years. The tuition fee, on average, ranges from £20,000 to £30,000, which is definitely not a cheap affair. However, many universities offer scholarships in UK for international students, so the cost of living in UK may not hit you as hard if you get one.  

Cost of Living in UK

The cost of living in UK can be expensive for many international students who are looking to become the best journalism masters in UK. a student, on average, may spend around  £1000 to  £1500 per month on their day-to-day activities. Let us look at the average cost of living in UK per month:

1. Monthly pass for transportation -  £55 -  £75

2. One-way local transport ticket -  £2 -  £3

3. Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, garbage, water, etc.) -  £140 -  £160

4. Gym/Fitness centre -  £25 -  £35

5. Monthly rent -   £600 -  £1500

Top 3 Universities for Masters in Journalism in UK

The  UK is home to some of the best universities in the world for the field of journalism. Having been the home country of some of the most renowned news and storytellers on the big screen, it could be you who becomes the face of free speech in the United Kingdom after graduating from one of these colleges:

1. University of Sheffield

IELTS Score Requirement - 7.5 or above

Academic Requirements - undergraduate degree with a minimum of 60-69% grades

Fees - £25,600 for overseas students, £11,950 for domestic students, for MA in Journalism

The University of Sheffield was established in 1828 and has risen through the ranks to become one of the best institutions in the journalism field. Sheffield University offers an MA in journalism and invites its students to write real-time accurate news articles on its public-facing news outlet called “The Sheffield Wire”. The university has been accredited by NCTJ and currently offers a full-time 1-year course. If multimedia journalism with hands-on experience sounds like the perfect venture, dig in!

Scholarships - the university offers master's scholarships in UK for international students. There is an International Postgraduate Scholarship 2023 which offers international students scholarships worth up to £2,500. 

Notable alumni

1. Dan Walker - MA in Journalism Studies 1999, famed BBC sports journalist.

2. John O’Leary - former president of the students’ union at the University of Sheffield as well as editor of Uni newspaper and former editor of the Times Higher Education Supplement.

3. Frank Worrall - BA in English literature, writer for The Sun, The Sunday Times, and Mail on Sunday

2. University of Leeds

IELTS Score Requirement - 6.5 or above 

Academic Requirements - an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in journalism or media-related field with at least 60% marks. 

Fees - Tuition fees for the University of Leeds can cost around £25,000 for international students and £11,000 for domestic students. 

The University of Leeds has become a staple in every conversation covering the best journalism masters UK. One has the option to pursue an MA in subjects in journalism and media such as Communication and Media, International Journalism, Political Communication, Digital Media, Film, Photography, and Media, and International Communication, all of which can be relevant for a student looking to pursue journalism. All of the courses are year-long full-time and two-year part-time.

Scholarships - 1. The School of Media and Communication International Excellence Scholarships are meant to support international students and are awarded based on merit. The scholarship deducts 50% from the annual fee for deserving candidates.

2. School of Media and Communication Head of School Excellence Scholarship offers the well-deserving candidate a full-fee waiver.

3. The Leeds Masters scholarship offers financial assistance to under-represented students decided upon by its donators, made up of the university’s alumni.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

IELTS Score Requirement - 7.0 or above

Academic Requirements - you must hold an undergraduate degree at an accredited university while securing competence at the UK GCSE O level equivalent.

Fees: The tuition fee for graduate students in media streams for the upcoming 2024/25 years is £27,480 for both domestic and international students.

LSE has become synonymous with excellence in masters in journalism in UK and offers varied courses in media-related fields. One can pursue an MSc in courses such as Media and Communications and Media, Communication, and Development. Both are two-year-long courses, unlike the other two mentioned above. 

Job Prospects with a Masters in Journalism in UK

Job prospects with a masters in journalism are extensive but differ based on various factors such as the cost of living in UK, the current media landscape, emerging forms of new media, and the varying demand for on-site journalism and more. However, journalists are the need of the hour as fake news is quite easy to spread on the internet, and the quality of well-researched journalism is quite prominent. One can vie for various jobs on the market, being the best journalism masters UK. 

1. Journalism

The classic archetype of the media field is a journalist. Journalists tend to be report from the field of their interest and are known for breaking the latest developments and news. You can pursue positions in online, print, and broadcast journalism roles. A journalist has the option to cover fields of their interest and opt for various forms of journalism such as investigative, feature news or even specialised beats. 

The average salary of a journalist in the UK: £31,161/year (from Indeed.com)

2. Editorial

Graduates frequently land jobs as editors, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and quality of information across numerous media channels. With access to scholarships in UK for international students, funding your education becomes easier than ever.

The average salary of an editor in the UK: £31,838/year (from Indeed.com)

3. Digital Content Creation

Jobs for digital content providers, such as multimedia journalists, video producers, podcasters, and social media managers, are increasingly attainable as an outcome of the growth of digital media.

The average salary of a digital content creator in the UK: £27,113/year (from Glassdoor)

4. Public Relations (PR)

Journalism abilities transition well into PR positions where you can create captivating tales and oversee organisational communication initiatives. In general, as one of the best journalism masters in UK, you can be a great people person. 

The average salary of a PR professional in the UK: £44,373/year (from Glassdoor)

5. Content Marketing

For businesses, creating content is essential. You can use your background in journalism to your advantage in positions involving content strategy, copywriting, and marketing.

The average salary of a content marketing professional in the UK: £31,600 (from Indeed.com)

6. Broadcast

There are positions available for news anchors, reporters, producers, and researchers if you're interested in radio or television journalism.

The average salary of a news anchor in the UK: £24,535 (from Indeed.com)

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In conclusion, a Masters in Journalism from the UK can help you enter a vibrant industry that is always evolving. This programme not only improves writing and narrative skill sets, but also gives graduates the tools they need to succeed in the modern digital age. It equips people to handle the complexity of modern journalism by emphasising ethics and adaptability. This degree equips graduates with the critical thinking skills and practical experience they need to succeed in a variety of media niches. In the end, a Master's in Journalism in the UK helps to create not only individual professions but also informed societies in a time when media influence is crucial.