Journalism (Science and Environment) | MA

Gary Stevens - Programme Leader

Gary was a member of staff at the BBC for more than 20 years and has worked on all aspects of radio production and presentation - including for BBC World Service in Beijing and Cairo. He continues to maintain and update his own professional radio skills, and has worked on a number of educational projects with a former BBC colleague and the British Council. He has presented four series of radio programmes for the British Council.

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Welcome to MA Journalism (Science and Environment)

There is growing demand for science journalists who can report on health and environment issues accurately and succinctly. This Master's programme is designed to offer the practical and theoretical training needed for those wishing to communicate science and environmental issues to the public.

Students at Lincoln can learn how to take scientific news and turn it into engaging stories, without resorting to sensationalism or technical jargon. To develop their practical skills, students can gain experience working on the University-based community radio station, a multiplatform website, and student newspapers and magazines.

Students also have the opportunity to hear from leading names in the journalism industry. Previous speakers on the programme have included naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham, ITV News science editor Tom Clarke, broadcaster and rural affairs correspondent Tom Heap, and former government chief scientific adviser Sir Mark Walport.

Those undertaking the programme are expected to complete an assessed work placement. Past students have worked at BBC Focus magazine, New Scientist, and the Vegan Society. 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 will incorporate 'newsdays' which replicate industry newsrooms.

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.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.CoreEthics in Science and Environmental Journalism 2022-23JOU9163MLevel 72022-23This module aims to provide an in-depth reflection on philosophical issues and an opportunity for students to consider more fully the kind of dilemmas that they are likely to encounter as working journalists in the field of science and environmental reporting.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.CoreScience Communication 2022-23JOU9176MLevel 72022-23The module aims to explore the different ways in which scientific knowledge and information about scientific research and discovery are communicated to different audiences. You will have the chance to focus on and engage with some of the contemporary debates surrounding science and its role in society.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.Core

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 students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Students on this programme are expected to complete an assessed work placement as part of the course.

Tutors can help with research of the employment market, help to arrange international, national, or local work placements, and support students as they build their individual career profile, CV, and work experience.

Please note that students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses during their placement.

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, UK students 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

Key research areas in the department include:

Science and Communication
Law and Institutions
Specialist Science Reporting and Production
Research and Professional Placement
Ethics in Science and Environmental Journalism

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

This course aims to prepare students for a career in science or environmental journalism or the related communications industries.

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.

Recent graduates are now working as Science Correspondent for The Telegraph, and Chief Editor for an Indian Science Media Centre, while others have taken up positions in medical writing and health communications.

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 (Science and Environment)