
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.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome 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.
Journalism at Lincoln has a close working relationship with BBC Radio Lincolnshire and a partnership with local news provider Lincolnshire Live and its sister publication the Lincolnshire Echo. The Lincs Live team is based on campus and students have opportunities to work alongside its professional journalists during the course.
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.
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-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.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
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.
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