MA Journalism & Media Communications

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MA in Journalism & Media Communications is designed for anyone who loves stories, digital media, and shaping how people engage with information. Over the course of a year, you’ll gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and learn to navigate the fast-paced world of journalism and communications with confidence.

Curriculum structure

Full‑time 1-year programme: From day one, you’ll dive into practical, real-world media work. In Corporate Communications & PR and Media Production, you’ll create campaigns, craft content for different platforms, and learn how to tell stories that connect with audiences. Alongside this, Research Methods: Critical & Theoretical Debates helps you understand why media works the way it does and gives you the tools to think strategically. You can also choose optional modules like Mobile Journalism or Data Analytics in Media, so your learning fits your own interests. The year wraps up with a project or dissertation, giving you the chance to showcase everything you’ve learned.

Focus areas

Journalism production, corporate communications/PR, digital media strategy, media research & analytics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, you’ll be confident creating content across multiple platforms, planning and executing campaigns, and thinking critically about the media landscape. You’ll leave with both practical experience and the professional insight to hit the ground running in media, PR, or communications roles.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This course is linked with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and the university is an educational member of the British Society of Magazine Editors, giving you real industry connections and opportunities to meet professionals while you study.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Herts graduates go on to work for the BBC, The Sunday Times, and leading PR agencies — the programme’s strong industry focus and practical projects make it a real springboard into your media career

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the MA Journalism and Media Communications programme at the University of Hertfordshire, learning goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll be getting hands-on experience from day one, working with the same tools, environments, and challenges that journalists face in the real world. Whether you’re producing stories, editing videos, or managing digital campaigns, you’ll develop practical skills that employers value. The university provides excellent facilities — from broadcast and radio studios to fully equipped media labs — so you can experiment, create, and refine your work in a professional setting.

Here’s what your experiential learning could look like:

Team projects and workshops: Collaborate with peers to pitch stories, produce news segments, and create digital content, giving you a taste of real newsroom dynamics.
Hands-on digital tools: Work with content management systems, video and audio editing software, social media platforms, and blogging tools that are used in the industry today.
Mobile journalism & location reporting: Use smartphones and tablets to capture, edit, and publish stories on the go — just like professional reporters.
Industry links & internships: Gain insights and experience through placements, live briefs, and networking opportunities with media organizations.
Specialist facilities: Take advantage of broadcast, radio, and TV studios, digital media labs, and the university’s extensive library resources for research and production.
Optional field trips & live projects: Engage in real-world reporting assignments and events to practice storytelling in dynamic environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing this programme opens doors to exciting media careers. Many graduates step straight into roles like journalist, social media analyst, press officer, or corporate communications manager. With hands-on experience and industry connections built during the course, you’ll be ready to make your mark in the world of journalism and media.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University support: The Careers & Employment team at Hertfordshire is there for you every step of the way—offering CV reviews, mock interviews, and introductions to employers. You’ll also benefit from guest lectures and networking opportunities through the PRCA and the British Society of Magazine Editors.
Employment stats & salaries: Around 96% of graduates secure employment or further study within 15 months of finishing the course. Typical starting salaries in media and communications sit around £24,500.
Industry connections: The programme’s partnership with the PRCA gives you access to exclusive masterclasses, networking events, and professional recognition that will make your CV stand out.
Accreditation value: Being linked with recognised industry bodies adds long-term credibility to your qualification, helping you build a career with real impact.
Graduate success: Alumni have gone on to roles in online journalism, social media management, corporate communications, and media consultancy, both in the UK and internationally.

Further Academic Progression:
After your MA, you could take your studies further with a PhD in Media Studies, Journalism, or Communications if you’re interested in research or academia. Alternatively, there are postgraduate certificates or diplomas in areas like digital media analytics or strategic communications—or even an MBA if you want to move into management within media organisations.