International Journalism MA

Course overview

This course offers a thorough grounding in journalism studies and introduces debates in the field. It covers a range of topics including the impact of digital technologies on journalism practice and the relationship between journalism and politics.

You'll be introduced to the practice of research, undertaking an independent research project. You'll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules. The content of the course modules is informed by the research interests and practice of academic staff who teach them.

The course is designed to cater for students who wish to study journalism at Masters level, perhaps for the first time, and graduates who have a background in journalism.

Please refer to the application deadlines.

Course details

Core modules will lay the foundations for your understanding of the theory and ongoing research in the world of global journalism, and how journalism shapes – and is shaped by – global political, social, economic and cultural issues. Then you’ll critically explore how this affects journalistic practice, considering issues like regulation and ethics as you build skills in news research and writing.

On top of this, you’ll build specialist knowledge through your choice of optional modules. These can include topics such as climate communication, media and politics, gender studies, and media and race. The optional modules allow you to focus on topics that suit your own interests or perhaps reflect your career plans.

Throughout the course, you’ll also be preparing for your dissertation through the Dissertation and Research Methods module. Your dissertation is a major independent research project on a topic of your choice, which you submit at the end of the course.

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll complete the course over two years, instead of one, taking fewer modules each year.

Have a look at some student work produced on this course.

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read MA International Journalism (Full-Time) in the course catalogue.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read MA International Journalism (Part-Time) in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods including lectures, group learning and project work, seminars, tutorials and workshops.

Independent study is crucial to this degree, as an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the subjects introduced in lectures and seminars, and to develop your skills in analysis and research. You can anticipate spending at least 20 hours per week on independent study associated with your modules.

You'll be taught by active researchers in the field of communication and media. The research interests and practice of your tutors inform the content of the course.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We also use different forms of assessment including essays, exams, news stories and reports. Optional modules may also use methods such as case studies and source analysis, depending on the modules you choose.

Applying

Entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Communication and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Communication and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with application deadlines throughout the year.

If you don’t receive an offer in a particular stage, you’ll be notified that either your application has been unsuccessful, or that it’s been carried forward to be considered in the next stage.

If you intend to apply for funding, we advise you to submit an application for your chosen course as early as possible and at least one month before any scholarship deadline.

Please see our How to apply page for full details and for application deadlines for each stage.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

• Your degree certificate and transcripts, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying

• Your most recent CV

• If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language qualifications.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Media and Communication

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: mediapg@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,000 (Total)

International: £27,250 (Total)

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Head of School Masters Scholarships

We offer scholarships to applicants holding an offer to study a Masters at the School of Media and Communication in the form of tuition fee waivers.

To find out how to apply and to see all funding opportunities, visit our scholarship and funding opportunities page.

Career opportunities

This course will give you a wide range of knowledge, as well as advanced skills in research, critical analysis and communication that will serve you well in a wide range of careers.

Graduates have found success in a range of careers including national and international journalism, public relations roles for government, international and not-for-profit organisations.

You’ll also be well prepared to continue with research in this rapidly evolving field at PhD level and in an academic career.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.