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MA Investigative Journalism

  • DeadlineStudy Details:

    One year full time

Course Description

This course is the result of a unique collaboration between DMU and one of the country’s most respected broadcasters, Channel 4. It will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge for a successful career in investigative video journalism.

Designed by industry experts, the course addresses skills such as in-depth research, handling complex data, understanding financial information, and working undercover. After a thorough grounding in media law, regulation and ethics, you will receive tuition in various investigative techniques, including using the Freedom of Information Act, data journalism and financial journalism.

You will also be taught how to use specialist camera equipment, and how to plan, shoot and edit your own material with a view to making industry-standard, broadcast-quality journalistic films. This is supplemented by a survey of the academic study of journalism, all of which is intended to help you flourish as a practitioner.

Key features

  • Study for an MA that has been endorsed by and developed in collaboration with Channel 4. This means that you will receive industry-standard teaching from expert academics and professional journalists.
  • Specialise by studying a course that is solely aimed at producing investigative video journalists.
  • Experience a wide range of teaching styles and environments, from traditional lectures and seminars to intensive skills workshops, news days and studio work.
  • Choose to independently produce a piece of investigative journalism suitable for broadcast by one of the mainstream outlets as part of your final semester project.
  • Benefit from our academics’ extensive experience as journalists, filmmakers, media consultants and producers to develop the skills you need to launch your career.
  • Study on a course that is suitable for both established professionals and graduates wanting to break into the field.

Entry Requirements

Candidates should normally:

  • Have the equivalent of a British honours degree (2:1 minimum)
  • An excellent standard of English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for international applicants).
  • Be able to demonstrate a commitment to a career in journalism through involvement in student media, online blogging or broadcast
  • Be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and awareness of current affairs, and also a minimum of one week’s work experience in a professional newsroom.
  • Exceptionally, applications may be accepted from non-graduates. It is anticipated this would apply to mature entrants with acceptable and relevant work experience, for example journalists qualified/experienced in other fields.

Fees

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

Student Destinations

The connection with Channel 4 helps the course tutors identify potential work experience placements, and professional mentors for students.

Recent graduates have gone to work as directors, presenters, reporters and researchers with national and international news and current affairs broadcasters, including the BBC and Channel 4.

 

Module Details

Investigative Journalism Skills and Theories
introduces you to the core themes that underpin the knowledge you need to be an effective investigative journalist. You will study the range of law that affects journalists, including libel, copyright, contempt, privacy and confidentiality, freedom of information and data protection.

Introduction to Practical Investigative Journalism
introduces you to the wide range of skills needed to become an effective investigative journalist. The module combines practical, equipment-based training with a wider focus on core investigative skills.

Investigative Journalism Global Perspectives
builds on the basic theoretical frameworks of earlier modules and applies them to the in-depth study of significant investigations. You will learn how to deal with complex data in investigations and attend talks from visiting speakers on how video investigative journalism is done in other countries around the world.

Advanced Practical Investigative Journalism
pulls together the skills and competencies you have developed throughout the programme. You will undertake advanced work with editing, production and dealing with specialist equipment to produce journalist pieces. Industry experts will be on hand to make sure you understand the current markets for your work and how to pitch and complete ideas.

Final Project
You have a choice of options for your final project. It is expected that you will independently produce a piece of investigative journalism suitable for broadcast by one of the mainstream outlets. However, you can also choose to write a 15,000 word dissertation in lieu of this.

De Montfort University Campus

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