Journalism (Arts) | MA | University of Lincoln

Sue North - Programme Leader

Sue North is a Senior Lecturer in the School of English and Journalism. She moved into higher education after a career in regional journalism and PR spanning more than 30 years. Sue is also Programme Leader for the University's BA (Hons) Journalism degree.

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Welcome to MA Journalism (Arts)

This Master's is designed to focus on the reporting of the arts for those wishing to enter one of the fastest-growing areas of journalism.

As well as the opportunity to learn the essential craft of reporting for a range of platforms from a hands-on perspective, students will also be able to develop the analytical skills necessary to reflect on developments in the arts. They can learn to appreciate artistic movements and genres and to communicate this to an audience.

The programme emphasises reporting and reviewing the creative arts from the niche - such as sculpture - to the more popular - such as cinema and television -, as well as emerging fields like web-based production.

Students on this programme are expected to complete an assessed work placement as part of the course. Students are responsible for their travel, accommodation, and general living costs while undertaking work placements.

How You Study

Students can learn in lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. This may incorporate 'newsdays' which replicate industry newsrooms, along with visits to local arts organisations where appropriate.

Teaching usually takes place on two full days per week. Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Advanced Research Methods 2022-23JOU9200MLevel 72022-23This module provides the opportunity to develop a methodological understanding and to receive support and advice on the final project. You will then be expected to prepare a written proposal for a dissertation, a documentary project, or a portfolio of articles.CoreArts Reporting 2022-23JOU9165MLevel 72022-23This module provides an opportunity to critically explore the various genres of journalistic writing about the arts and popular culture. The module deals with the skills of the reviewer, whether in literature, film, exhibition, TV, theatre, or the creation of other media artefacts. The module aims to: - Develop skills in arts and cultural reporting, reviewing & profile/ feature construction through attending cultural events, consuming cultural products, meeting cultural workers, in a variety of environments. - Encourage students to develop a range of different approaches in review features, and to reflect critically on them. - Explore critically the various genres of journalistic coverage of the arts and popular culture, from fine arts to television. - Acquaint students with the key concepts and debates concerning the principal forms of artistic expression. - Examine processes by which critical judgements are translated into journalism.CoreEssential Reporting 2022-23JOU9203MLevel 72022-23This module introduces students to the processes of newsgathering and writing news and features for a range of platforms. It aims to develop a critical understanding of editorial processes in news organisations and a working knowledge of how news and feature ideas are generated and packaged for different markets and readerships.CoreJournalism Production 2022-23JOU9204MLevel 72022-23This module introduces students to the editorial and production skills required for multiplatform and digital news production. The module focuses on newsgathering and preparing news content for broadcast and online. Students can work in a newsroom environment under appropriate time constraints, experiencing the pressures of operating as a multimedia journalist across a range of broadcast and web-based platforms, including social media.CoreMA Journalism - Final Project or Dissertation 2022-23JOU9170MLevel 72022-23The Final Project or Dissertation module consists of either a dissertation, portfolio of articles, radio or television documentary or chapters for a book or webpages. You are expected to spend the final term during the summer on self-directed learning, having already decided on the form of project that you will produce. You will be allocated your own tutor for support and guidance. This final project provides an opportunity to research and make an in-depth study of your chosen study area.CoreMedia Law 2022-23JOU9156MLevel 72022-23This module introduces students to the areas of the law most likely to be encountered in the practice of journalism and the practice of PR and related communications activities. Students will investigate the interaction between journalism, PR, communications and the law, and gain a clear insight into the relationships between journalists and officials, PR/communications practitioners and their clients/employers, and how information is communicated to an increasingly diverse public.CoreSpecialist Journalism Production 2022-23JOU9201MLevel 72022-23From a digital first perspective and focusing, in particular, on news and feature content in your specialist field(s) of interest, this module aims to develop the key skills of journalism through regular practice, including newsgathering, writing and interviewing, and live output production with text and audio and video output as required. Online skills will be used throughout, including social media to drive consumers to the content. The journalism and features produced will be outward facing, using techniques of electronic newsgathering, digital and non-linear editing, production/journalism for online and print, and an appropriate range of live news broadcasting techniques. On this module, you are expected to take up a work placement in one or several different media organisations of your choice. The module provides prior guidance, together with career advice. Tutors will help with research of the employment market, as you arrange international, national or local work placements, and will support you as you build an individual career profile, CV and work experience portfolio.CoreContemporary Art Theory 2022-23ART9330MLevel 72022-23OptionalJournalism and Contemporary Cinema 2022-23JOU9185MLevel 72022-23This module is designed to enable you to explore and develop an understanding of issues in journalistic film criticism in their historical, cultural and institutional context, with the aim of assisting you in the writing and production of your own reviews for specified outlets and audiences.OptionalJournalism and Literature 2022-23JOU9166MLevel 72022-23This module aims to explore the relationship between literary production and different genres of journalism through detailed case studies of significant writers including Daniel Defoe, William Hazlitt, George Orwell, George Sand, Dorothy Parker, Truman Capote, Hunter S Thompson, Ernest Hemingway and Arundhati Roy.Optional

How you are assessed

Assessments are a mixture of essays, presentations, portfolios of journalism, broadcast media packages, and timed examinations.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

Students are required to undertake a ten-day work placement as part of the course.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, you can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on your course.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

International Postgraduate Taught Application Deadline

Please note that international applications for taught postgraduate programmes starting in September 2022 have now closed.

Entry Requirements 2022-23

First or second class honours degree or equivalent professional experience.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Accreditations

The School of English and Journalism is one of the first institutions in Europe to be awarded a 'Recognised for Excellence' accolade by the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA).

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

The department has key research expertise in the following topics:

Core Broadcast
Research and Professional Placement
Contemporary Art Theory
Journalism and Contemporary Cinema
Live Arts Reporting

A Newsroom Environment

The teaching of journalism at Lincoln takes place in small groups within a newsroom setting, proving plenty of opportunities for one-to-one interaction with tutors. The programme has a careful balance of practical skills, using multi-platform media, and theory, providing students with the knowledge and intellectual skills needed to understand the world of modern journalism.

The School of English and Journalism maintains close working relationships with the BBC and Lincolnshire Echo newspaper. On campus, there are opportunities to gain experience in community radio, a multiplatform website, student newspapers, television, and magazines.

Days Taught

Where possible, core sessions are scheduled on Thursday and Friday, although students may be required to attend on other days of the week depending on module options. Full time students should expect approximately 12 hours of contact time per week and should be prepared to undertake at least two hours of self-study for every taught hour.

Career and Personal Development

Core modules are designed to support and prepare students for a career in journalism. There are a number of opportunities to gain relevant experience by working for campus media, including the community and student radio stations, a multiplatform website, and the student newspaper.

The University Careers and Employability Team offer qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and careers advice during your time at the University. As a member of our alumni we also offer one-to-one support in the first year after completing your course, including access to events, vacancy information and website resources; with access to online vacancies and virtual and website resources for the following two years.

This service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice and interview preparation to help you maximise your future opportunities. The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MA Journalism (Arts)