Journalism and Media Studies MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

Program Overview:
If you love storytelling and want to make your mark in the media world, this MA is perfect for you. At Sussex, you’ll gain both the hands-on skills to produce content and the critical understanding to see how media shapes society — all in a supportive, real-world focused environment.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
You’ll start by getting a strong grounding in journalism and media. Modules like Media and Society, Journalism Ethics, and Digital Media Practices will help you understand how media works, what makes reporting responsible, and how to create engaging content across platforms. By the end of the year, you’ll be ready to tackle stories with confidence.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests and specialise. Electives such as Investigative Journalism, Media Law, and Global Media Systems let you focus on what excites you most. You’ll also work on real-world projects, building a portfolio that demonstrates your skills to future employers.

Focus Areas:
Digital media, investigative journalism, media ethics, global media systems

Learning Outcomes:
You’ll finish the course ready to critically analyze media, create ethical and compelling content, and adapt to new digital platforms with ease.

Professional Alignment:
This program is designed with the industry in mind, preparing you for careers as journalists, media producers, editors, or communications specialists.

Reputation:
Sussex is well-known for its research excellence and strong industry links, helping you get noticed and connected in the media sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MA in Journalism and Media Studies at Sussex is designed to give you real-world experience alongside academic insight. From the very first week, you’ll be actively producing content, experimenting with multimedia storytelling, and learning to navigate the fast-paced world of modern media. You’ll develop both practical skills and critical understanding, exploring how journalism and media shape society while creating your own projects across a variety of platforms.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life on this program:

Multimedia Journalism Production: Produce content for print, online, video, and audio platforms through hands-on projects that mirror professional workflows.
Real-World Context: Understand journalism and media practices within broader societal and theoretical frameworks, exploring global, regional, and local perspectives.
Digital Media Tools: Work in well-equipped newsrooms, video and radio studios, and digital labs using the latest software for editing, production, and publishing.
Critical Analysis: Examine media’s influence on politics, culture, and everyday life, developing the ability to think and report with nuance.
Portfolio Development: Build a professional portfolio that showcases your multimedia projects, preparing you for career opportunities in journalism and media.
Industry Connections: Take advantage of Sussex’s strong links with the media industry to gain practical insights and potential networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Sussex’s MA in Journalism and Media Studies are well-prepared to take on the fast-changing media landscape. The course combines practical skills with theoretical insights, giving students the confidence to create, analyze, and lead in a variety of media settings. Alumni have gone on to roles in journalism, media production, PR, and digital content, making an impact both in the UK and internationally.

Typical career paths include:

Print and Digital Journalist – reporting and writing stories for newspapers, magazines, and online platforms.
Media Analyst – researching and interpreting trends in media and audience behavior.
Public Relations Specialist – shaping communications between organizations and the public.
Content Strategist – planning and managing content across digital channels.

Sussex gives students plenty of support to succeed:

Career Services – personalized help with CVs, portfolios, interviews, and job applications.
Work Experience Opportunities – around 91% of postgraduates gain hands-on experience by the end of their course.
Industry Connections – partnerships with media organizations ensure your skills are relevant and up-to-date.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MA, students can continue their studies through:

PhD in Media and Communications – pursuing advanced research into media trends and communication strategies.
MSc in Digital Media – developing expertise in digital content creation and media technologies.
MA in Public Relations and Communication – gaining deeper skills in managing organizational communication.

With this degree, graduates leave Sussex ready to build a meaningful and flexible career in the evolving world of media.