MA Community Radio Journalism

• The combination of radio practice, community enterprise, business skills and project management together with higher level critical theory and research skills
• The study and practice of an emerging form of journalistic practice: community radio journalism
• Placements with Siren FM, based at the University, or at another suitable host community radio station in which theory interfaces with practice.

Within the expanding world of access radio nationally and internationally, this course is designed to provide opportunities for students who wish to actively pursue employment in the sector and those who have a passion for the development and growth of the broadcast and audio media world. The substantial growth of access and community radio services over the past two years has created a major opportunity for a programme which can provide appropriate academic and practical skills in the area.

Prospective students who have demonstrable appropriate experience may be able to receive credit for certificate level units.

Semester A – Certificate Level:

• Core Writing – Students will learn the key skills required to write as journalists and then focus those skills on subjects of their choice. The module offers an essential introduction to reporting, researching, interviewing, news values and news writing necessary for employment in all areas of the profession
• Core Broadcast (Radio) – Students will learn the key skills to become broadcast journalists and adapt those skills to their specialist field. This module allows students to experience first hand the differences between the broadcasting and print mediums in an increasingly ‘converged’ media landscape. Radio production provides an excellent means of improving verbal communication skills for all involved
• Core Legal – All aspects of law relating to the media. This challenging module uses real case studies and up-to-date research to provide students with an understanding of the framework within which the industry operates, and the ethical dilemmas involved
• Students doing the full Masters will take Research Methods. This module provides methodological understanding, support and advice on the final project. Students prepare a presentation and a written proposal for a dissertation, a documentary project, or a portfolio of articles. Assessment of this module forms part of the overall project assessment.

Semester B –Diploma Level:

• Specialist Reporting - In this module students decide on a specialist subject area, study the nature of correspondents’ work in their chosen field, and also prepare longer ‘feature’ pieces aimed at specifically targeted audiences. Writing and research skills are relevant to all media platform
• Production (Broadcast) – Students will focus on one medium, producing a radio magazine programme or series. This module provides the requisite technical knowledge and experience of professional practices such as presentational skills and running orders.
• Online Journalism - Explores and critically evaluates online journalism and radio sites and develops models for the best use of Internet resources. It will encourage students to use the web as a means of publication and develops skills in news, feature writing and design applicable to online journalism.
• Work Placement – Students will take up a work placement in one or several different media organisations of their choice and receive prior guidance, together with career advice. Students are encouraged to be flexible, thorough and focused in their approach.

Optional ‘elective’ modules (students to choose one of the following options):

• Arts Reporting: This module deals with the skills of the reviewer, whether it is literature, film, exhibition, TV, events or the creation of other media artefacts.
• Comparative Media History: This module enables the student to appreciate trends and changes within media industries worldwide on a comparative basis between countries and between platforms.

Semester C – Masters Level:

• Dissertation, portfolio of articles, radio documentary, chapters for a book or webpages.

Students spend the final semester during the summer on self-directed learning, having already decided on the form of media product that they will produce. Each person is allocated their own tutor for support and guidance. This final project provides an opportunity to research and make an in-depth study of the student’s chosen subject. Whatever the platform for delivery, this is a challenging piece of long-form work that will attract the interest of future employers and prove that the student can achieve a truly high standard, reflective investigation and product at Masters level.

For those students who choose to stay on to study for a higher research degree, a dissertation provides the ultimate evidence of their ability.

Pru Stubbs studied for a degree in BA (Hons) Media, Culture and Communications at Lincoln, graduating with an Upper Second Class degree. After taking a year out working for Siren in a voluntary capacity, she decided to take the MA in Community Radio as a full-time student.

When asked if she would recommend the course, she said “Yes I would recommend the MA in Community Radio to anyone who was passionate about making a difference in this exciting new area of the media and is passionate about finding interesting telling stories. The reason is because it is the only course I can think of that gives you so much practical experience. It isn't just about theory, it gives you a chance to be a journalist and gain from that experience.”

Pru was thrilled to get 75% for her dissertation ‘Is Multiple Faith Broadcasting in BBC Radio Outdated?’ and has met a lot of professional contacts, gained in-the-field experience and managed to explore a subject that she is passionate about: the future of Faith radio on the BBC.

When asked what would be her lasting memory of her time at the University of Lincoln she answered “My lasting memory will be the people I met. Both the passionate educators (like Alex Lewczuk, Andrew David, Gary Stevens and Barnie Choudhury) and the students they inspired.”

Assessment

Assessment for this programme is mainly assignment-based.

Postgraduate Opportunities

The MA in Community Radio can form the starting point for progression to MPhil or PhD.

For further information about fees, scholarships and bursaries please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding