MA Multimedia Journalism

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Glasgow Caledonian University

Program Overview

The MA Multimedia Journalism at GCU in Glasgow gives you intensive, hands‑on training in journalism across print, broadcast and digital platforms, using professional‑standard facilities in a city known for its media links. If you’re passionate about telling stories, skilled at writing or filming, and want to jump into a newsroom or digital media role, this course is an excellent match.

Curriculum structure:
First phase (initial part of the year): You will build core skills such as news‑gathering, writing, editing and interviewing, while also covering modules like Journalism in Context and News‑writing & Newsgathering (including shorthand and law) to ground your practice.
Mid‑phase: You’ll progress into multimedia production work—video, audio and web journalism—developing skills using real TV, radio and newsroom studios; modules such as Multimedia Production & Presentation and Government & Public Affairs enable you to produce across platforms.
Final phase (major project): You’ll undertake your major piece of work—a substantial production or portfolio project—which demonstrates your readiness for industry and brings together your journalistic, technical and professional learning.

Focus areas:
multimedia journalism (print, broadcast, digital); shorthand and news‑reporting; video and radio production; law and ethics for journalists; newsroom skills and industry placements

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will leave able to gather, write, edit and present news content across multiple formats; operate professional newsroom and production equipment; apply journalistic law and ethics; and enter the media industry with a polished portfolio and experience from live briefs/placements.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This is one of the only postgraduate journalism degrees in Scotland accredited by both the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC).

Reputation (employability rankings):
GCU boasts a high employment rate for this programme, and its graduates go into roles with organisations such as the BBC Scotland, STV, the Herald & Times Group and more.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one you’ll be immersed in journalism that goes far beyond just theory—you’ll be actively creating content, working across platforms, and using professional‑level facilities so you leave with real experience and a glowing portfolio. You’ll engage with real production workflows, digital publishing tools, broadcast editing suites and newsroom‑style assignment work.

Here’s how your experiential learning will come alive in this programme:

You’ll use industry‑standard facilities: a multimedia newsroom, editorial and radio production suites, digital radio studios, and a TV studio and gallery—all on campus and built for journalism training.
You’ll work with real tools and live workflows: for example, the programme uses live production software such as Cuez so you can run a full news bulletin—script it, manage the running order, cue cameras, upload video—just like you would in a real newsroom.
You’ll gain multiplatform skills: writing, reporting, video production, web‑content management, shorthand, photography—covering print, broadcast and digital journalism across the board.
You’ll participate in group projects and newsroom simulations, where you collaborate, meet deadlines and act as part of a news‑team environment (mirroring what happens in professional media).
You’ll have industry and placement links: the programme boasts work placements or strong industry connections with major media organisations (eg. BBC, STV and others) so you gain exposure to the real world.
You’ll conduct a major portfolio or project as part of your MA, where you refine a piece of work to showcase your capabilities—your own journalistic voice, produced content, and a body of work you can show future employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MA are prepared to step into roles such as multimedia journalist, broadcast reporter, digital news editor or content producer across print, online and broadcast platforms. With strong hands‑on experience and industry‑accredited training, you’ll leave ready to engage audiences, tell stories and navigate the changing media landscape.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Which university services will help you to employ: At GCU you’ll study within the Department of Media & Journalism in the Glasgow School for Business and Society, with strong industry links and support via professional accreditation. The facilities include a multimedia newsroom, TV studio, radio production suites and editing labs – giving you the practical environment employers look for.
Employment stats & salary figures: The programme advertises a more than 75% employment rate for graduates. While specific salary figures are not published, the broad UK media production and journalism market typically offers starting salaries in the range of £24,000‑£30,000 (varies significantly by role, location & experience).
University–industry partnerships: The MA is accredited by both the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) — a unique distinction in Scotland. The university reports placement agreements with major media organisations such as BBC, STV and the Herald & Times Group.
Long‑term accreditation value: Because the programme is double‑accredited (NCTJ and BJTC) and located in Glasgow — a major UK media hub — your qualification carries strong professional credibility. It means you’re not only trained but you hold credentials recognised by the journalism profession.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have gone on to roles in TV news, online and multimedia news, print journalism, radio and corporate communications. You will leave with a portfolio of broadcast/online/print content and relevant production experience, making you more competitive in newsrooms or digital media operations.

Further Academic Progression:
After this MA you could move into doctoral‑level study (e.g., a PhD in Journalism, Media & Communications or Digital Media Studies) if research, policy or academic leadership appeals to you. Alternatively, you might pursue a specialised postgraduate certificate or diploma in niches like data journalism, investigative reporting, digital storytelling or social media strategy — or transition into a broader media‑management or communications‑leadership master’s to move into senior roles.