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.
Industry standard facilities
Apply skills through practical workshops and 'newsdays'
Learn from subject specialists
Focused on reporting scientific news
The School has close working relationships with the BBC and Lincolnshire Echo newspaper
Opportunities to undertake placements
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.
The School has become one of the first institutions in Europe to be awarded a 'Recognised for Excellence' accolade by the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA).
† 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.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
The department has key research expertise in the following topics:
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.
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.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
How to Apply
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/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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
For further advice on IELTS and the support available, please contact the International College by email at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
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.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Explore Funding Options
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business.
This course aims to prepare students for a career in science or environmental journalism or the related communications industries.
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.
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Gary Stevens
gstevens@lincoln.ac.uk
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
Upcoming Postgraduate Events